Ecommpay drives inclusion with support for Disability Confident scheme

Ecommpay is supporting efforts to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of people with disabilities among eCommerce and FinTech businesses through an expanded partnership initiative.

The company has partnered with Cressida Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer and founder of EdenChase Associates, to provide a series of free weekly cohort sessions for businesses wishing to participate in the Disability Confident Scheme, which is a government-backed programme designed to help employers become more inclusive of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

The Disability Confident Scheme

The Disability Confident Scheme encourages organisations to develop processes that support the recruitment, retention, and training of disabled individuals. Stephenson, who has significant experience in neurodivergent and disabled talent attraction, will lead the cohort sessions, which are scheduled to run over several weeks. These sessions aim to guide merchants through the first three Tiers of the Scheme, supporting employers as they advance on their inclusion journeys.

Alongside Project Nemo, the initiative will offer webinar-based learning, informing attendees about the strategic importance of disability inclusion in the workplace. According to the organisers, session participants can self-certify their CPD hours and receive certificates to document their professional development.

The programme emphasises that fostering an inclusive organisation is not only ethically sound, but also beneficial to business performance by broadening access to talent and improving culture. Attendees will receive guidance on how to develop inclusive internal practices that can enhance product accessibility and the overall customer experience, as well as advice on aligning recruitment activities with both ethical expectations and regulatory requirements.

Continued employment gap

"Since 2013 there has been some improvement in the employment rate among disabled people, but there is still a significant disability employment gap and that needs to change," explained Cressida Stephenson. "Many disabled people who remain unemployed are able and willing to work but struggle to find employers willing to give them a chance. Helping employers understand the adjustments they need to make to give disabled applicants a chance to apply and interview for suitable roles is an important first step. I am delighted Ecommpay is sponsoring these cohort sessions to help merchants get started on this important journey."

Recent figures indicate that more than 10 million people of working age in the UK are disabled, representing 24% of the working-age population. In the second quarter of 2024, the employment rate among disabled people in the UK stood at 53.1%, notably below the 81.6% employment rate for non-disabled individuals. Such figures illustrate the need for continued efforts to dismantle obstacles to employment for disabled individuals.

Corporate perspective

Ecommpay is registered under Tier 1 of the Disability Confident Scheme and has a business mission centred on financial inclusivity. The company says it strives to offer payment solutions that are accessible and equitable.

Miranda McLean, Ecommpay's Chief Marketing Officer, commented: "Embracing the Disability Confident Scheme aligns with our vision of ultimate financial inclusion and builds on our Ecommpay for Good story. It also keeps us open to diverse abilities, minds and lived experiences. Inclusion isn't a slogan at Ecommpay, it is embedded in our culture and hiring practices, and we actively engage with the Scheme to build accessible, supportive systems.

"We know first-hand that as well as ensuring the business remains compliant with employment law, inclusive employment boosts diversity of thought and brings the invaluable benefit of fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. Diverse teams drive better products, stronger culture and smarter decisions. We have also seen improvements in staff retention, reputation and trust, as customers and clients trust businesses that take inclusion seriously. It's good ethics and good business, and the sooner senior leaders get on board, the sooner they will see these benefits for themselves."

The company also highlights that creating a more inclusive workplace leads to enhanced customer trust and improved staff retention.

Wider access and real inclusion

By taking steps to reduce barriers for disabled employees, businesses may benefit by extending their reach to a larger talent pool and building workplaces where all staff members are supported. The current partnership and cohort approach are expected to contribute to that process by providing actionable information and a clearer route for employers beginning their Disability Confident journey.