Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to continuously improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.

The University of York began its Disability Confident journey in 2026 at level 1 - Committed. This means we have committed as an institution to working towards the implementation of five commitments:

1. Ensure your recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
2. Communicate and promote vacancies
3. Offer an interview to disabled people who apply via the scheme
4. Anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments (as required)
5. Support any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work

Some of these commitments have been met in whole or in part already. Others we will continue to work on. We will also actively work towards achieving the next level in due course. The three levels are:

• Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
• Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
• Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)

What this means for disabled people

The University of York aims to create an inclusive and supportive working environment where all staff with a disability or long term health condition feel valued and can reach their full potential.

The University welcomes applications from disabled people. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants (who meet the minimum criteria) will be offered an interview.

Disabled applicants simply need to indicate on the application form that they wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme. We can make reasonable adjustments during the application process to enable disabled people to make an application and attend an interview.

Following an interview, applicants can request feedback about their performance.

A range of policies, procedures and initiatives to support disabled staff can be found on our Guidance and information for disabled staff web page, which also includes an explanation of how disability is defined under the Equality Act, and what that means in practice.

If you are a recruiting manager or recruitment panel member

Job applicants now have the opportunity to to indicate on their application form that they have a disability and wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme. When a vacancy closes, you will receive an email with a reminder to check for Disability Confident applicants.

You should familiarise yourself with the guidance for recruiting managers and recruitment panel members, which explains how to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post are invited for interview.

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• Approved on: 1 January 2026