Barclays Spain formed a partnership with FUNDOSA (Fundación ONCE), the national organisation supporting the needs of disabled people, with the purpose to recruit 70 disabled candidates over four years to 2009. This is ongoing partnership and not a one-off event, which will ensure that attitudes and behaviours change, replacing the 'tick-box' approach that may otherwise have been the case.

The benefits

Talented employees

Graduate programme established - 6 students with disabilities recruited.

9 colleagues with disabilities have been recruited since work began, in a wide range of roles

Improved reputation

“We are one of the employer of choice for these candidates - in Spain the number of qualified people with disabilities is very small and companies are now competing for the same candidates”

The partnership received extensive press coverage CEO's of both companies met to agree that Barclays would take on 70 colleagues with disabilities by 2009.

External image as an employer who recognises ability not disability ensured following this agreement with FUNDOSA

Barclays Spain's approach to FUNDOSA was a proactive and tangible project which makes an important statement about commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace, and social responsibility in the community

“Because of Barclays capability the bank is a firm reference for disabled candidates”

Organisational learning

Assisted technology was put in place for new recruits with visual impairments which resulted in new learning for the business

Recruitment practices enhanced, changing the demographics of the workforce today and in the future

Training for line managers implemented as a result of 'Once' work, to raise awareness of what including a colleague with a disability means. This received very positive feedback from all attendees and will be repeated in 2006

Corporate Responsibility committee established in 2005 & chaired by CEO ensures senior leadership has been applied to the direction of this agenda, and this will continue to be the case in 2006 and beyond

Barclays Spain and Barclaycard in Spain are working together on this project, increasing relations in aspects outside of E&D - Diversity policy has provided the perfect vehicle to increase working relations with cross-sector colleagues

No previous graduates with disabilities had been recruited – a fantastic cultural change

Leadership role in Spain

Barclays Spain is the Financial Institution doing most to promote equal opportunities in Spain, according to CCOO, the most representative Trade Union in the banking sector in Spain

No specific diversity agenda has ever been in place in Barclays Spain, and to have one is to be at the leading edge of social cultural change nationally

Other international companies are using the Barclays approach