Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with reference to Part One of the National Disability Strategy, published July 2021, what recent steps his Department has taken to (a) encourage and support workplace disability networks, (b) achieve and maintain the highest level of Disability Confident accreditation, (c) ensure responsive and timely support to meet workplace adjustment needs and (d) develop and embed flexible working.

The Wales Office is not an employer, and accesses disability support and best practice provided by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The MoJ is a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of Disability Confident accreditation.

The ABLE network is a staff disability network which spans across MoJ, including the Wales Office. We encourage staff participation in network events such as ‘understanding neurodiversity’.

We have a clear process for accessing workplace adjustments in a timely manner and provide special leave for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation related to disability or whilst a workplace adjustment is being put in place.

All Wales Office staff can apply for informal and formal flexible working arrangements. Our approach ensures disabled staff can progress in their careers and have equal access to disability support wherever they work.