Disclosing a Disability
Disclosing a Disability
There are two main ways in which you may choose to disclose your disability at The University of Sheffield. One is indicating through uBase/erecruitment and is for monitoring purposes only, detailed below, and the other is to discuss your disability through one of the sources of support identified below.
1) Monitoring
How to disclose:
You are able to disclose your disability at any stage of your relationship with the University (from application to any stage of your employment situation). Some examples of when and how you may decide to do this are noted below:
- You can disclose your disability through your on-line application form if you are applying for a position at the University. (However, should you wish your application to be considered under the two ticks scheme, you must indicate this on your on-line application form. This will then be flagged to the recruiting department.)
- You can disclose your disability through the personal data section via myJob. This can be done by Logging on to MUSE from the University home page, selecting the Staff Applications tab and then Selecting the myJob/myTeam/eRecruitment tab. Once in myJob click on the Personal Information tab where you will be able to access your personal equality information.
Please be aware that indicating a disability via the on-line application form and myJob is for equality monitoring purposes only and that providing information in relation to a disability via this route will not result in the relevant University managers being made aware of your disability nor prompt any discussions with yourself regarding any specific needs you may have. As such, if you wish to discuss any issues associated with your disability please see section 2 below.
Reasons to disclose:
When you indicate a disability through your on line application or via myJob, there are a number of reasons why this is useful:
- it will enable us to measure how well were doing in our goal to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, in line with our ‘Excellence Through Inclusion’ strategy
- knowing the make-up of the workforce will help us in developing policies and targeted initiatives, helping us to meet the needs of staff
- it will ensure we are able to meet our legal obligations to monitor the staff profile, including annual information to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Your information will be used anonymously when producing statistics, and if there are low numbers in a particular category, a larger sample size will be used to ensure anonymity.
2) Discuss your Disability
How to disclose:
If you wish to disclose a disability or if you become disabled during your time with us, you are encouraged to discuss your circumstances, to ensure that appropriate support can be offered, with either:
- your manager
- your customary HR Adviser
- Staff Counselling
- Staff Occupational Health Service
Some people find disclosing some disabilities very difficult, particularly mental health issues but the Occupational Health Service can offer confidential advice and can be used as an intermediary between the employee and recruiting manager in explaining disabilities, their implications if there are any and suitable adaptations if required
Reasons to disclose:
- You will be covered by the Equality Act 2010
- The University has a positive approach to employing people with disabilities and will ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to support and retain staff with a disability in employment, as part of our commitment to equal opportunities.
- We could support you in seeking assistance through the Access to Work scheme.
- It would support the development of an open working relationship ensuring that managers could consider your needs in relation to how policies, and practices are implemented. If your disability has any health and safety implications for you or for others, you are by law obliged to inform your employer.
- You will receive the appropriate support.
Extra Support:
- Access to Work is a government run national scheme which provides practical advice and support and also financial support. The employer arranges the agreed support and claims a grant back from Access to Work. If you are considering using this process please contact your HR Adviser for advice.
The University is aware that disclosing a disability can be a difficult issue. If you need any extra support or help with the decision process, please contact your HR Adviser.