Ãå±±½ûµØ

• - includes a helpline for information and guidance on discrimination and human rights
• - protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
• – the University Library’s EDI information resources

• - work with over 400 UK organisations of all sizes across all sectors
• - UK based organisations that promote inclusion
• - from the Social Mobility Foundation

These schemes cover most protected characteristics. Check criteria before applying.

• - virtual work experience for all students and graduates. Employers from a diverse range of sectors including not-for-profit, consultancy, finance, and technology
• - run two diversity internships, the and the
• - creative sector jobs, insight days and internships. Provide guidance and 1-to-1 advice to students who register
• - virtual work experience with leading employers and organisations
• - a charity aiming to advance social mobility, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Increasing access to law through mentorship and community
• - prepare talented students from underrepresented backgrounds for career success. They offer vacancies and bespoke programmes, networking, and insight events

• Careers Service Events - we list events for students and graduates from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes sessions that support diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• and give students equality, diversity, and accessibility support
• ([52:10, May 2021). Representatives from Evenbreak, Avanade, Enterprise Rent-a-car, and Durham Constabulary took part. They discussed how they ensure diversity and inclusion in their workplaces.

• - information on looking for work, education and training.
• - lists over 400 employers. Includes graduate recruiters who encourage applications from graduates of any age.

• - lists employability tips and resources for care experienced and estranged students
• - a digital personal development programme offering careers support
• - opportunities from organisations committed to supporting care experienced young people. Includes training and jobs
• - offers care leavers an 18-month paid role in a central government department. (Criteria apply – see website for details)
• – careers support for care experienced young people. They work with a range of employer partners. Opportunities are mainly based in London
• Ãå±±½ûµØ’s support for care leavers – support offered while studying
• – careers information, advice and guidance for care-experienced young people up to age 27
• - offer help and advice to care leavers. This includes careers support. Their  are available to anyone over 16 who has been in foster care or residential care during their childhoods.
• - scholarship information for care leavers and estranged young people

• - a multi-sector organisation committed to working carers. They are supported by the specialist knowledge of Carers UK.  Includes a list of
• - employment advice
• - advice on managing paid work and caring

Spent convictions (after a set time) usually don’t need to be shared.

By law, employers can’t turn you down because of a spent conviction, unless it’s clearly linked to the job. For example, a past driving offence might stop you from becoming a driving instructor.

This is part of a UK law (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) to help people move on.

Unspent convictions must be shared if asked, especially for jobs needing a check (like working with children or vulnerable adults).

• Use the to check if your conviction is spent: - You do not need to give personal details such as your name. 
• - has advice on applying for jobs when you have a criminal record. 
• has more information on cautions, convictions and DBS checks.

When and how to tell

• The best time can be after demonstrating your skills and job suitability. This could be at the interview or when asked directly.
• Be honest. Not disclosing when required to can be a criminal offence and may lead to you losing the job.

Using a Disclosure Statement

This is a short written explanation that:

• briefly explains the offence
• takes responsibility
• shows what you’ve learned or how you’ve changed
• focuses on your goals and why you’re right for the job

has examples.

If you tell an employer about your conviction, keep a written copy of what you said, and give them a copy too. That way, you have proof if it comes up later.

Tips for talking to employers

• Be confident and brief. Focus on your growth and strengths.
• Practice - rehearse with someone you trust. You can discuss disclosure in a with a careers consultant.
• Stay positive. Many employers value honesty and motivation.

The organisations below offer more resources for applicants with a criminal record.

They have specialist support and information including:

• where to find work, education, or training opportunities
• confidential advice on disclosing criminal records
• tools to understand when convictions become spent
• help with job applications and interviews
• advice on knowing your rights
• support if you’ve been treated unfairly
• inclusive employers who promote fair hiring

See: 

•  - national social justice charity
• - UK charity 
• - for women with criminal convictions
• - careers advice and resources for people with a criminal record
• - help people with convictions find work across North East England

Reasonable adjustments are changes and modifications made by employers to accommodate disabled applicants. They are also for employees.

These adjustments should ensure that disabled individuals have equal access to employment opportunities. They prevent discrimination on the grounds of disability.

You can ask for a reasonable adjustment at any time in the recruitment process without sharing details of your disability if you choose not to.

Examples of reasonable adjustments in recruitment include:

• adjustments to the recruitment process. This could be alternative formats or extra time, or interview questions in advance
• auxiliary aids or services, such as sign language interpreters at interview
• alternative communication methods such as text relay services or video remote interpreting

Examples of reasonable adjustments in employment include:

• accessible facilities, such as entrances, toilets, or parking spaces
• flexible working arrangements or work schedules
• specialised equipment or assistive technology
• disability awareness training for staff members

Reasonable adjustments will vary depending on specific circumstances and an individual's needs. Other factors include the size and resources of the organisation or service. Reasonable adjustments do not give disabled candidates an unfair advantage. They are there to ensure that disabled candidates are not disadvantaged.

When to ask for reasonable adjustments

You can ask for reasonable adjustments at any time. For example:

• during the application process. If you need adjustments you can request them when you apply or when you are invited to interview
• when you start a job.
• if your circumstances change. If your disability changes, you might need extra or different reasonable adjustments
• if difficulties arise. If you are facing challenges in performing your job or experiencing barriers at work

There is no specific time limit for requesting reasonable adjustments. When and if you decide to ask is up to you, but there are people and resources that can help.

More information

Watch our Careers Service online presentations

• (1:48 mins)
• (2:21 mins)

Deciding whether to share a protected characteristic, such as a disability, with an employer (often described as 'disclosure' in employment terms) is your personal choice.

You would only need to share information about a disability if it had health and safety implications for you or your colleagues.

You can ask for a reasonable adjustment at any time in the recruitment process without sharing details of your disability. See above for more on this. 

Benefits of sharing information about a disability, neurodivergence or mental health condition

While you do not have to share information, there can be benefits:

• will legally protect you
• employers must make reasonable adjustments at interview or in the workplace
• you can control how the employer finds out about your disability and their impression of it
• you can highlight any skills you have developed because of your disability
• some employers are part of the Many employers in this scheme offer a guaranteed interview for disabled applicants. You would still need to meet the essential criteria. Your disability would also need to be mentioned within
• you may be eligible for help from the scheme

Disadvantages of sharing information about a disability, neurodivergence or mental health condition

legally protects you. However, you may still feel that:

• an employer might discriminate against you
• a employer might not be interviewing you based on your application
• you don't want to discuss private information with a stranger
• an employer might focus on your disability rather than your abilities
• an employer might think you will cost them extra for specialist equipment or time off

These websites offer advice on when and how to share information about a disability if you choose to.

• - information about recruitment questions in relation to health and disability
• - advice and opportunities for disabled and dyslexic students and graduates

Careers Service online presentations

These Careers Service presentations discuss sharing information about a disability with an employer. There are insights from Careers Service staff, students, and a graduate recruiter.

• (3:06 mins)
• (1:43 mins)
• (3:01 mins)
• (1:46 mins)
• (2:08 mins)

More help

You can get free expert advice from  if you  with them.

The about a disability, neurodivergence or mental health condition.

• we can organise extra support, such as longer one-to-one sessions for disabled students. Please contact us if you need materials in other formats, or adjustments to access our resources
• we advertise opportunities and events specifically for disabled students
• you can convert our documents into alternative formats using
• on campus events are in accessible venues. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact us

See our accessibility statement for more details of what we offer.

 are a not for profit organisation. They offer and charge employers for consultancy services. This means that they can provide free support to further the rights of disabled people.

You can use them as well as the services you can get from the Careers Service

They support neurodivergent and disabled students and students with a mental health condition. You do not need to have an official diagnosis to access them. They also help graduates. You can ask them if you aren't sure if you are eligible. 

EmployAbility:

• can provide you with personalised advice and support. They give advice about your rights and adjustments for recruitment and the workplace
• can support you with your application
• will advocate for you with an employer to ensure you receive the right adjustments
• work with inclusive employer partners, running first year, internship and graduate programmes
• have vacation schemes and training contract opportunities
• offer employer insight days, networking events and skills workshops

to access their services.

We have information below about employers who state they are disability and/or neurodiversity friendly.

Disability friendly recruiters

• - disability positive employers are of the forum.
• - vacancies site, with advice for job seekers and employers
• - job board with opportunities from a wide range of inclusive employers
• - internship and professional development programme
• - lists graduate recruiters who are 'great with disability'.
• - jobs with disability confident employers. Advertises roles for professionals/experienced hires.
• - supports disabled people to source employment

Neurodiversity friendly recruiters

• - technology careers for autistic professionals
• - neurodiversity consulting, recruitment, and employment support. They work with employers and individuals with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism
• - specialise in inclusion and support for neurominorities
• - employment training, workplace support, job coaching training and moving on.

The resources below offer more advice and information on disability and neurodiversity in relation to careers.

Useful resources for disabled applicants

• - help people with any disability to use technology
• - government scheme. Gives advice and support with costs for disabled employees
• - advice, information and peer support for disabled professionals
• - support blind and partially sighted graduates
• - work issue information, including benefits, careers, education and leadership.
• - employability skills for disabled students. Includes advice on sharing information about a disability
• - disability related legalisation and advice
• - resources for mental health in the workplace
• - employment support, advice and resources
• - employment advice, training and placements for disabled people
• - employment support services for working-age disabled people
• – advice from Guardian Careers

Useful resources for neurodivergent applicants

• Watch our recording of session from May 2021. (60.17). This explores hidden career barriers for disabled and neurodiverse candidates. It also looks at how we can navigate and overcome them.
• - information for those in or seeking employment
• - advice on creating environments that are accommodating for neurodivergent employees
• - support, resources and opportunities for neurodivergent students
• – advice from targetjobs.co.uk

Autism specific resources

• - supports autistic students to develop employability skills and demonstrate strengths to employers
• – free online employability course made with and for autistic people
• - employment training, workplace support and job coaching
• - free online course

•  - employability tips and resources for care experienced and estranged students
• Ãå±±½ûµØ’s support for estranged students – support offered while studying
• - advice and information for students estranged from their families
• - scholarship information for estranged young people and care leavers

Your gender will not affect the graduate employers you can apply to. However, there are still sectors dominated by certain genders. Some employers take part in positive action recruitment initiatives. These address gender-related underrepresentation in their industries. They include awards, internships, and insight programmes.

Examples include:

•  - female only career events in conjunction with graduate employers
• - insight programme for J.P. Morgan
• - current and upcoming employment events

• - aims to empower women to make informed career decisions. Lists companies with commitment to gender diversity
• – support women's equality and rights in work and in public life
• – includes information on sex discrimination

Many employers recognise the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce. Some run programmes, internships and insight days designed for LGBTQ+ students and graduates.

The following sites feature employers who encourage applications from LGBTQ+ students and graduates:

• - jobs and internships with inclusive employers from LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall
• – vacancies with - LGBT+ inclusive employers
• - employers committed to valuing transgender employees

• - information from targetjobs.
•  - advice from the Human Rights Commission.
• - information and advice.
• - campaign group supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
• – support for LGBTQ+ disabled people
•  – advice from the Human Rights Commission.
• - work with over 700 LGBTQ+ member organisations across Europe and Central Asia on Human Rights.
• – YouTube video.
• - greater inclusion in engineering for LGBTQ+ people

Many employers commit to creating a diverse workplace.

These resources list graduate employers that have signed up to specific race diversity initiatives.

• – lists employers with a commitment to improve equality of opportunity in the workplace.
•  - data from the Social Mobility Foundation

Some employers take part in positive action recruitment initiatives. These address underrepresentation in their industries. They include awards, internships, and insight programmes.

Examples include:

•  - paid work experience, training, and development in a range of sectors
•  supports higher achievements in Engineering
•  - a community of aspirational black individuals. Aims to increase black presence in top UK universities, apprenticeships and careers
• - support with knowledge and skills to pursue career goals. Provides a bursary for higher education study
• - programme to help undergraduates and graduates connect with start-ups
• - application support, and recruitment for bespoke work experience placements
• - training, mentoring and work placement programme
• - annual careers event for high potential students of black heritage. For those interested internship opportunities in Professional Services and Banking & Finance in London
• internships with top graduate employers and a leadership programme.
•  - social enterprise for the personal and professional development of black women

Legal profession specific

The legal sector has several diversity programmes, including:

• – work experience, competitions and networking for underrepresented groups in the legal profession
• law firms and City careers scheme
• Programme from the Black Solicitors Network. Working to increase access for black applicants to the legal profession
• in law related organisations

These resources list employers who have committed to diversity and inclusion:

The following list employers dedicated to creating a socially diverse workforce:

• – lists employers that are taking action to improve diversity and social mobility
• - Government initiative. Employers commit to opening their doors to people from all backgrounds
•  - membership list
• - boosts the employability and job prospects of UK students
•  - employers who have worked with this social mobility organisation

In some professions there are schemes in place to offer opportunities, support and funding for students from certain socio-economic backgrounds.

Examples include:

• - open to those from less advantaged backgrounds
• - enables students to take part in the China Internship Programme
• - scholarship programme. Addresses barriers to the solicitors’ profession faced by those from less advantaged backgrounds
• - encourages candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the publishing industry
• - awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree or HND Level 5 or 6. Candidates need to evidence an interest in pursuing a career in television, film or related media industries

Resources specific to students at Ãå±±½ûµØ include:

• Make It Happen Fund - supports Ãå±±½ûµØ students and recent graduate with their career development. Use this bursary to enhance your skills and experience, access or create opportunities. You can also explore starting a business or self-employment. Applicants who meet the criteria can apply for a bursary of up to £250 to support with the costs of job relocation
• at Ãå±±½ûµØ Students Union. This student led society is part of a national award-winning foundation that supports state educated university students. They run career insight sessions, employability sessions and networking sessions

• - explore your rights
• Think Tank aiming to improving social mobility through education
• improving social mobility of people from lower-income backgrounds
• - help improve the potential of disadvantaged students from across the UK. They use technology to deliver personalised programmes of support
• - offer a social mobility mentoring scheme