Understanding Access to Work and how to make use of it
The U.K. Government’s Access to Work programme is a great resource.
Access to Work is a government-run scheme 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 gain the support that you need to be at your best.
However, it is often misunderstood so it can appear hard to get the support you need.
We have been working with the scheme since it started and so we have learned a lot.
Here is some guidance 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 provide you some strategies to work on whilst the application is being processed.
Please note. You do NOT need to have a formal diagnosis to apply for an Access to Work grant.
You do need to be one of the following
- Employed
- About to start employment in the next six weeks
- Self employed
It is a 4 step process
1. Apply
2. Assessment
3. Put adjustments in place
4. Learn, Develop, Adapt
The Process Explained
Step 1: Apply
Apply online here at the Government website. If you are unsure what to write, you can call and speak to one of our Client Services Team colleagues on 01273 890502 and they can talk you through it.
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 supportive adjustments such as a speech-to-text piece of software, some one-to-one strategy coaching sessions (that might look at your communication skills, organisation, memory or time management skills) or even support with the cost of taxis to and from work because your condition means you struggle to drive or take public transport.
Access to Work can even provide training for your colleagues in how to best support you and understand your condition or disability. This can be crucial for supporting non-apparent disabilities including neurodivergence, 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. If you are self-employed, the Access to Work scheme will refund the cost of any support ordered.
However, if you work for a larger employer, they may need to contribute some or all of the costs.
The costs of any coaching or training are currently covered in full by the grant, regardless the size of business.
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.
Step 4: Learn – Develop – Adapt
Once you have received your adjustments, 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.