Understanding Access to Work and how to make use of it
The U.K. Government’s Access to Work programme is a great resource. However it is often misunderstood so can be hard to get support.
We have been working with the scheme since it started and so have learned a lot.
Here are some steps and guidelines on to how to access the support you need with an Access to Work grant.
It should be noted that the process can take up to six months from application to receiving your grant.
If you are looking for strategies to help you, we would recommend using the My Genius Finder™ tool – this will give suggested strategies to work on whilst the application is being processed.
Please note. You do NOT need to have a formal diagnosis to apply for Access to Work funding.
You do need to be one of the following
- Employed
- About to start employment in the next six week
- Self employed
It is a 3 step process
1. Apply
2. Assessment
3. Put adjustments in place
4. Learn, Develop, Adapt
The Process Explained
Step 1: Apply
Step 2: Assessment
Once your application has gone through, you will receive a call from an assessor from the DWP/Maximus or Reed, who will arrange an assessment.
Following the assessment they will write a report recommending the support they think you need to perform effectively in your job. Recommendations can be for things as diverse as a speech-to-text piece of software, some one-to-one strategy coaching sessions (that might look at your organisation, memory or time management skills) or even support with the cost of taxis to and from work because your condition means you can’t drive or take public transport.
Access to Work can even provide training for your colleagues in how to manage and understand your condition or disability. disability. This is really important for neurodiversity, mental health and where physical conditions affect thinking, as these are often harder for others to know about and understand what is going on for you.
Step 3: Put Adjustments in Place
If you work for a small employer (under 50 employees) the support is free of charge. However, if you work for a larger employer, they will have to contribute some or all of the costs.
Please note the employer would pay genius within in advance and claim the funds back from the grant once the sessions have taken place.
For this reason, it’s really important that employers see the benefit of providing disabled employees with the support – there is lots of information on why this is a good idea and Genius Within are always happy to help raise awareness.
If you are self-employed the Access to Work scheme will even refund the cost of any support ordered.
Access to Work is a government-run programme that enables anyone with a disability to access support whether employed or self-employed. As soon as you have difficulties (or think you’re going to have difficulties) at work you can refer yourself to this service and avoid a lot of common issues.
Step 4: Learn – Develop – Adapt
Then there’s usually a period of training, such as how to use new technology, co-coaching with your line manager to navigate communication difficulties, or strategy coaching to help you to use your strengths to overcome any difficulties that you have – whatever it is it doesn’t happen overnight!
Review The Impact
Here’s an example of the impact from one individual:
“I’m more productive in my meetings, and my to-do list is more manageable. I’m no longer procrastinating about writing long reports. Even my line manager has noticed the difference. Having come out the other side, if I’d done this years ago who knows how far I would have gotten in my career now as everything is easier, quicker and a lot less stressful.”
Summary
Our evidence shows that performance can be dramatically improved following strategy coaching and our own personal experiences of Access to Work is that once it is given some time, attention and value, the difference in working practices can be huge. Stress levels can be massively reduced meaning that you can be better at work.