The Disability Confident Network South West is a network for people committed to changing the lives of people with disabilities and who are invested in the UK government’s Disability Confident employer scheme.
Calvium’s Dr Jo Morrison is delighted to be Co-Chair along with network founder, Abi Phillips, Deputy Director (Culture and Inclusion) at the University of Bath.
Creating a truly inclusive workplace goes beyond policies—it requires collaboration, awareness and proactive steps toward breaking down barriers. The Disability Confident Network South West (DCN SW) is committed to supporting organisations to build disability-inclusive workplaces through shared learning, best practices and collective action.
What is the Disability Confident Network?
The DCN SW exists to promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and provide a supportive space for those dedicated to improving disability inclusion in their organisations.
At its core, the network is built around the Disability Confident scheme, a government initiative designed to help businesses recruit, retain, and develop disabled employees. Our mission is to encourage best practices and help remove barriers for disabled employees and applicants.
Our key objectives
We aim to:
- Promote disability inclusion at all levels within organisations.
- Support the implementation of the Disability Confident scheme.
- Share knowledge and best practices to help organisations progress.
- Raise awareness of disability confidence and the barriers that need to be broken down.
- Advocate for reasonable adjustments that enable disabled employees and applicants to thrive.
Who can join?
The DCN SW is open to any organisation in the South West of England that is either committed to or aspiring to join the Disability Confident scheme. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to achieve higher levels of accreditation, this network provides valuable insights, support and collaboration opportunities.
Our members
Our diverse and growing network includes organisations from multiple sectors, such as:
- Airbus
- Alliance Homes
- Aviva
- Mind
- OVO
- Plymouth Council
- Thames Water
- RNIB
- Royal Association for Deaf People
- And many more!
By joining the DCN SW, your organisation will have the opportunity to take meaningful steps toward greater disability inclusion.
How we work
We hold free monthly or bi-monthly online meetings via Teams to ensure accessibility and reduce travel time. We also hold an annual conference.
What to expect at our events
Member presentations — Sharing experiences and best practices on becoming Disability Confident.
Expert insights — Guidance from consultants and specialists in disability inclusion.
Practical advice — Sessions on topics like Access to Work, workplace adjustments, and spatial design for neurodivergence.
Why join?
Gain valuable insights from experienced Disability Confident employers.
Connect with like-minded professionals and build a strong peer network.
Access expert guidance on best practices and overcoming workplace barriers.
Contribute to a movement that’s shaping the future of inclusive employment.
Be part of the change
Join us in driving disability inclusion forward. By working together, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Please contact us at diversity@bath.ac.uk if you would like to join the network or speak at one of our sessions.
Calvium became a Level 1: Disability Confident Employer in 2024 as a result of our involvement in designing and developing the Digital Membership System for the All In Access Scheme, commissioned by the Arts Council England. As well as creating the UK and Ireland’s first accessibility standards for creativity and culture, All In aims to use technology to simplify the ticket booking process for people with access needs. We know how important it is for employers to share knowledge and best practice for continual improvement, and are therefore delighted to be able to support the DCN SW.
