SWM is Top Employer

SWM has won the British Association of Supported Employment (BASE) South West Employer of the Year Award 2013.

BASE is an organisation for supported employment agencies and businesses in the UK, representing nearly 200 agencies that deliver supported employment services.

The South West Employer of the Year Award is presented to a company in the region that has demonstrated best practice in recruiting and supporting the employment of disabled people.

Huw Davies, chief executive officer of BASE, said: "SWM's nomination for the award faced a lot of strong competition from other employers demonstrating excellent practice in supporting individuals with health conditions.

"Employers play a pivotal role in this agenda and we need employers who recognise the business case for having a diverse workforce.

"SWM won the award as they truly demonstrate a passion and commitment to support people in need of an opportunity and are extremely keen to promote the working relationship and the benefits of engaging with Pluss to other local employers."

SWM offers a network of general and specialist waste management across the South West, with national cover through a network of accredited partners. It processes more than 40,000 tonnes of waste every year.

In the past 12 months SWM has recruited six individuals with a diverse range of health conditions. These include individuals who are profoundly deaf, have bipolar disorder, autism, learning disabilities and neurological conditions.

SWM is committed to continually looking at opportunities to develop and enhance their skills and many have achieved forklift licences, de-polluting licences and banksman qualifications which have enabled them to progress within the company.

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide support and opportunities to individuals with disabilities, SWM has developed the Re-Work initiative. This supports individuals with disabilities who are returning to or starting work. As well as adopting the programme itself, SWM works to pass the message on to other employers in the area.