Proud to Be a Disability Confident Employer
We believe that fitness and wellbeing should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background, ability or experience. Our gyms, swimming pools or throughout our wider community programmes, creating an inclusive environment is central to who we are. That belief has recently been recognised with our achievement of Disability Confident Level 2 Employer status, a meaningful milestone in our ongoing accessibility journey.
What Does It Mean to Be a Disability Confident Employer?
The Disability Confident scheme is a voluntary initiative run by the UK Government designed to support employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with health conditions. The scheme encourages organisations to think differently about disability, challenge assumptions and take practical steps to create inclusive workplaces.
There are three levels in the scheme:
Level 1 - Disability Confident Committed
Level 2 - Disability Confident Employer (the level we have achieved)
Level 3 - Disability Confident Leader
Reaching Level 2 means we’ve gone beyond basic commitments to inclusion. It confirms that we have:
Inclusive and accessible recruitment practices
Processes that actively encourage applicants with disabilities to apply
Considered and implemented reasonable adjustments where needed
Taken action to support all staff, including those with long term health conditions
Demonstrated a supportive approach to retaining and developing disabled employees
This national accreditation helps us signal to both current and future staff that Rivers is a workplace where they can thrive, and that we are actively working to shape a culture that values diversity and accessibility.
Why It Matters for Us (and for the Community)
Inclusivity isn’t just a “buzzword” for us, it’s something we live by every day. Our facilities are designed to welcome people of all abilities: from accessible gym layouts to adaptive equipment, well trained staff and support for members with additional needs.
We also know that a truly inclusive organisation must start from within. That’s why our internal policies and recruitment practices reflect our commitment to equality, and why we invested time and effort in the Disability Confident self assessment process. Being a Level 2 Employer is not just about a badge, it’s about sustainable, meaningful action that helps disabled people feel welcomed, supported and able to contribute fully.
Becoming Disability Confident also means broadening the pool of talent we attract. Disabled people bring a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences to the workplace, and creating pathways for them to join our team strengthens us as an organisation, including creativity, resilience and understanding across every part of what we do.
How We Are Supporting Access and Inclusion
As part of our commitment to being an accessible employer and service provider, we:
Review all recruitment materials and job adverts to ensure they are clear, straightforward and accessible
Provide accessible interview processes and reasonable adjustments for candidates who need them
Support our team members with disabilities through tailored development and workplace adjustments
Actively listen to feedback and make changes that improve inclusion and day to day experience
These aren’t just policies, they’re ongoing actions that reflect our values and help us grow stronger as a team.
What’s Next for Us
Achieving Disability Confident Level 2 Employer status is a proud moment, but we see it as a step rather than a finish line. We will continue to build on this work, exploring opportunities to improve accessibility across our services and support even more people to experience the benefits of fitness and wellness in their local community.
We are also looking ahead to our next milestone, moving toward Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, where we can play a role in shaping best practice not just within Rivers, but across the leisure and fitness sector.
