Empowering Voices, Removing Barriers:
Our Accessibility Commitments
Over one billion people worldwide live with a disability, yet barriers to accessibility and inclusion still prevent talented individuals from reaching their full potential at work and beyond. In the UK, around 16.8 million people – that’s 1 in 4 – live with a disability, and only 53% of disabled people are in employment compared to 82% of non-disabled people. This highlights the need for inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Through our Accessibility Commitments, we’re removing barriers for our employees with disabilities and accessibility needs. While we’ve made progress, we know this is a journey of continuous learning.
Our Commitments in Action
- Accessibility for All: From digital platforms to physical spaces, we’re embedding accessibility into the way we design our spaces.
- Workplace Adaptations: Whether it’s assistive technology, flexible working, or tailored adjustments, we aim to provide what our people need to succeed.
- Partnerships That Drive Change: Through our collaboration with the Business Disability Forum, we’re sharing best practices and shaping inclusive policies across the healthcare sector.
- Recognised Commitment: We’re proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and developing people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
- Advocacy and Community: Our Disability and Neurodiversity Communities empower employees to share experiences, influence change, and foster understanding.
Diana - Inclusion Partner, shares why accessibility should be a standard in the workplace:
‘’Disability inclusion is about recognising the diverse talents and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplace. It’s about creating environments where everyone can thrive and accessibility is the norm, not the exception.’’
Sophie - Disability Community Lead, reflects on the power of listening and driving change:
‘’Being part of the Be You Disability Community has expanded my perceptions of the challenges people face daily. I am passionate about Bupa being an inclusive environment to work, and being part of the community enables me to listen to other people’s lived experiences and help progress change.’’
Bernie - Neurodiversity Community Lead, explains why safe spaces matter:
‘’The neurodiversity community was created to give neurodivergent people a safe space where they could speak to others who are similar, and speak freely without fear of judgement. It’s wonderful to find people with similar wiring and having this lovely and private space to be themselves. The community has given me confidence and the feeling of not being alone. We’re a family.’’
Breaking Barriers Through Stories
Stories have the ability to break down barriers, build understanding, and inspire change. When we share our experiences, we remind others that they’re not alone.
Heather, one of our employees, has openly shared her personal journey and what accessibility means to her at Bupa. Her story is a powerful example of how openness can spark progress. Her full health story can be found here.
Here’s what Heather says about feeling supported at Bupa:
‘’I’ve been with Bupa for little over a year, and from the moment I applied, I have felt nothing but supported. The team thought of things that I didn’t ahead of time, which made my recruitment and onboarding process really positive. I work as a Service Team Manager in Customer Service, and whilst initially I wanted to work with Oncology patients, I now really love working within the Cardiac Team.
The biggest adjustment for me was the agreement to have access to interview questions and information in advance, so my ADHD brain could adequately prepare. An adjustment isn’t about giving preferential treatment; it’s about delivering an equal playing field.’’
Want to Learn More About Tackling Ableism?
Creating an inclusive workplace goes beyond accessibility — it’s also about challenging attitudes and behaviours that can hold people back. Diana has shared 10 practical tips to address ableism in the workplace in her recent article.
Read Diana’s article here.
Looking Ahead
We’re continuing to invest in education and awareness, including a new e-learning module designed to help managers and teams build confidence in inclusive practices. We’ve also started plans to renovate our on-site spaces and create inclusive sensory spaces in our offices — starting with Salford Quays by the end of this year — as part of our commitment to a more accessible future.
We’re taking action to ensure our workplace is a place where everyone can thrive and be themselves.
#BeYouAtBupa
