Grace Eyre is celebrating a double achievement at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, having won the prestigious Employer of People with a Disability Award and been named runners-up in the Supported Housing Award category for our innovative Peer-to-Peer Tenancy Support Project.
The national awards recognise excellence in supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people, highlighting organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation and person-centred practice.
National recognition for inclusive employment
We were crowned champion in the Employer of People with a Disability Award category, which celebrates organisations that demonstrate genuine respect, equality and accessibility for employees with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
The award reflects Grace Eyre’s long-standing commitment to ensuring people with a learning disability and autistic people are not only employed but are supported to thrive, progress and lead within the organisation.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we have transformed our recruitment processes to remove barriers and create accessible pathways into employment. This includes easy read application materials, clear language throughout the recruitment process, personalised support, flexible interview approaches and reasonable adjustments tailored to individual needs.
Around 10% of Grace Eyre’s workforce are people with a learning disability or autistic people, reflecting the organisation’s belief that lived experience should be represented at every level. We are also led and influenced by people with a learning disability or who are autistic through our Ambassadors and trustees, as well as other senior staff, ensuring that inclusion is embedded throughout the organisation.
A key part of the judging process included a presentation from Fiona Pritchard from Grace Eyre’s People Team, alongside Anya Bancroft-Rimmer plus Claire, Zoe De’Giovanni and Bill Bayley-Ramm from the Travel Buddy team.
Anya and her job coach at work in Grace Eyre
Anya’s own journey exemplifies the Grace Eyre approach to employment. After applying through our accessible recruitment process, she was supported with tailored workplace adjustments and a job coach to help her develop the skills and confidence needed for success.
Today, as a Travel Buddy Worker, Anya provides peer support to people with a learning disability, helping them become more confident and independent when travelling.
Housing project rewarded for innovation
Grace Eyre’s Peer-to-Peer Tenancy Support Project was also recognised as runners-up in the Supported Housing Award category. The award celebrates organisations delivering innovative housing solutions and good practice for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
The project supports people to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to manage and sustain their tenancies, using peer support from people with lived experience who understand the challenges and opportunities of independent living.
Being named runners-up in a highly competitive national category highlights the impact the project is having in helping people achieve greater independence and choice in their housing options.
Continuing to lead by example
The recognition comes as Grace Eyre continues to champion equality, independence and opportunity for people with a learning disability and autistic people across Sussex and beyond.
We launched our Work-Able employment campaign last year, which aims to increase employment opportunities and challenge barriers faced by disabled people in the workplace.
Winning the Employer of People with a Disability Award and receiving national recognition for the Peer-to-Peer Tenancy Support Project is a powerful endorsement of our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where people with a learning disability and autistic people can belong, contribute and lead.
Thank you to the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards and everyone who has contributed to the great work they have recognised.
Read more about: