Title: Advancing Inclusion: Ministry of Employment Team Participates in BASE Conference in Manchester
In a significant step towards enhancing inclusive employment practices, the Ministry of Employment’s Supported Employment Programme team attended the BASE Conference held on November 19 and 20 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly. This trailblazing event, hailed by the government as a platform for advancing conversations on inclusive recruitment and retention, brought together industry leaders, experts, and international delegates to discuss pivotal strategies in supported employment and disability inclusion.
The team, comprising Jolene Gomez, Paul Dobinson, and Louise Anne Mifsud, engaged actively with workshops focused on embedding disability inclusion within organizations. Their participation allowed them to gather insights from prominent figures in both the private and public sectors, including influential representatives from Amazon and various UK governmental departments including the Department of Work and Pensions and the newly launched "Connect to Work" initiative.
Attending panels and workshops, the team was able to explore the latest in Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Discussions revolved around not just the mechanics of inclusive hiring but the broader societal impacts of embracing diverse workforces.
Engaging in this crucial dialogue highlights the essence of community and support often reflected in Christian teachings. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus states, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This call to action resonates strongly within the framework of supported employment—reminding us that every individual, regardless of their challenges, deserves the chance to contribute meaningfully to society.
The energy at the conference was palpable, with attendees sharing experiences and knowledge aimed at creating equitable opportunities across various sectors. The Ministry’s team left inspired by the collaborative spirit and innovative ideas presented, reinforcing the notion that inclusive practices not only promote equality but also enrich organizations and communities as a whole.
As we reflect on this gathering, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift and support one another. The call to inclusion in employment is more than a professional initiative; it resonates with a deeper moral and spiritual imperative: to treat others with the dignity and respect they inherently deserve.
Let this event inspire us to consider how we can contribute to inclusive environments in our own circles, cultivating a culture of empathy and support that aligns with these positive biblical principles. In doing so, we can help create a workplace and community that mirrors the teachings of love and compassion that Jesus exemplified.
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