Announcement : 2025 Inclusive Employers Award Winners
To celebrate and recognise the contributions of inclusive employers, Perth and Kinross Employability Network hosted a special event that brought together employers, network members, and individuals who have been supported into employment.
Members were invited to submit nominations for employers they are working with who demonstrated excellent inclusivity.
This was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the positive impact of inclusive employment, to celebrate the partnerships that help create meaningful opportunities for all and took place during Scottish Learning Disability week.
Several members submitted nominations and came along to share their stories with the network members, employers and employees. It was a very insightful and heart warming afternoon and nominees were presented with a certificate acknowledging their achievement by Perth and Kinross Councils Chief Officer Jacquie Pepper.
The inclusive employers are;
- YMCA Tayside
- JGM Electrical
- Aviva
- Infill-I-Tay Nails
- McDonalds
- PKC Crematorium
- PKAVS
- Tayside Contracts
- Tesco
- PUSH
YMCA Tayside
Mia Brown (Employability Ambassador YMCA) nominated her employer and told everyone about her own employability journey and the fantastic support and opportunities she received from them. Mathew Dellaquaglia (Training and Employability Co-Ordinator YMCA Tayside) also gave an overview of the role the YMCA played in making Mia’s journey a success;
'I’m happy to nominate YMCA Tayside as an inclusive employer that truly changes lives – because they changed mine. I first got involved with the YMCA as a young person attending one of their youth clubs. I didn’t know then that it would spark a passion for youth work that would shape my future. That experience led me to study Community Education at Dundee University, and I was lucky enough to get a placement with YMCA Tayside. From the start, they trusted me. I co-led project work themed on the Imagine a Man research done and with their support, i grew in confidence and skill. Thanks to No-One Left Behind (NOLB) funding, I was able to take on sessional work with them. Later, Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) support helped me step into a new full-time role – and now I’m one of the core staff working in community youth work partnerships. YMCA Tayside didn't just give me a job. They believed in me, walked alongside me, and gave me space to grow as a young person. They’re a Living Wage employer with a vision & mission statement that’s not just words – it's something you feel in the organisation. They’ve supported me for years, and now I get to do the same for others. Today, I’m an Employability Ambassador with the YMCA, helping young people find their own path. I’ve seen first-hand how inclusive and empowering this place is. the YMCA supported my future – and they’re doing the same for so many others.'
JGM Electrical
Kathryn Devine (PKC Skills and Employment Support Team – Youth Services) nominated JGM Electrical.
JGM have been working in collaboration with PKC Skills and Employment Support Youth Team on our Construction Skills Academy. JGM visited the group to give young people an insight into the industry. JGM facilitated work experience placements for young people and provided them with company t shirts and lanyards with photo ID to help integrate them into the workplace. During the placements JGM were very accommodating to meet the needs of the individuals, including pick-ups for young people in rural communities to enable them to take part as bus times are often limited and not always accessible. All the young people had a positive experience, and they gained practical skills in a real working environment. JGM are committed to developing local talent and providing opportunities, they have taken on six apprentices this year including one of the young people who completed the construction skills academy. He is thriving in this role and is gaining practical skills while studying his theory at Perth College UHI. This is a great achievement after being at risk of not having a positive destination to move onto after school. The staff at JGM are relatable and take the time to build connection and rapport with the young people. The partnership with PKC is growing and they are already involved with the next construction skills academy starting in November. JGM are invested in upskilling local young people and deserve to be recognised as an inclusive employer.
Aviva
Mhoira Pendleton (Disability Advisor DWP) submitted a nomination for Aviva
'I am pleased to nominate AVIVA for recognition as an employer demonstrating exemplary inclusive recruitment and employment practice. AVIVA actively embraces diversity of thought and encourages individuals of all ages, races, backgrounds, belief systems, sexual orientations and gender identities to join their workforce. Their commitment to inclusion extends to welcoming neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other conditions.
A key aspect of AVIVA’s is their commitment to interviewing every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for a role. Applicants who disclose a disability are guaranteed an interview, ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities. AVIVA’s practices exemplify what it means to be an inclusive employer, and I wholeheartedly recommend them for recognition.
Infill-I-Tay Nails
Employment Liaison Officer for Barnardos Gill Spalding nominated Infill-I-Tay Nails and Barnardos Works Tayside’s service manager Sheelagh Scott came along to speak about the well-deserved nomination;
Carly was introduced to Cassey at Infill-I-Tay Nails through the Barnardo’s Employability4All Programme and she has recently moved into her first job, following successful work experience and training.
Excellent employer support is crucial for the success of young people entering the beauty industry. At Infill-I-Tay Nails, owner Cassey exemplifies this commitment through her support for Carly, a young professional starting her career. Cassey provided a welcoming and inclusive workplace, investing in Carly’s personal and professional growth.
Comprehensive training is at the heart of Cassey’s approach. Carly received both formal training sessions and hands-on learning opportunities, allowing her to master the latest technical skills, product knowledge, and customer service expertise. Cassey also paired Carly with experienced team members for mentorship, fostering a culture of support and continuous learning.
Regular feedback and encouragement from Cassey helped Carly set and achieve her career goals. Cassey recognised Carly’s potential and offered clear pathways for progression, such as advanced certifications and leadership opportunities, demonstrating a genuine commitment to her development.
Understanding the unique needs of younger employees, Cassey offers flexible scheduling to help Carly balance her work with personal commitments. The positive, respectful environment at InFill-I-Tay Nails encourages Carly to express her creativity and develop a passion for the beauty industry.
Ultimately, the excellent support Carly received from Cassey has transformed her first job into a springboard for a rewarding career. Feeling valued, challenged and supported, Carly is empowered to thrive, contribute positively to the salon, and become an ambassador for the beauty industry.
McDonalds Broxden and Dunkeld Road Perth
Employment Support Practitioner with the HSCP Employment Support Team Shona Murray nominated both Perth branches of McDonalds Restaurants for their excellent inclusive approach over many years;
I nominated McDonalds Restaurants in Perth, Broxden and Dunkeld Road for their outstanding inclusive practices. They have gone above and beyond to accommodate employees with disabilities by providing tasks that align with individual skills and abilities. These tasks are monitored to ensure they are achievable and also potential for progression. Roles are tailored to match each person’s stamina with accommodating hours, and shift times that consider access to public transport. Employees receive ongoing support in the restaurant from a compassionate and supportive team. In addition, management and the Employment Support Team maintain open communication to ensure smooth transition when changes/issues arise or when new tasks are introduced. Reasonable adjustments are put in place where required and when speaking with management teams from both restaurants, nothing is ever a problem. McDonalds are more than happy to further job carve certain roles where disabilities are more profound.
Thomas, William along with their team at Dunkeld Road and Aaron, Lachlan, Lisa and Natasha and their team at Broxden are incredible to work with. They take great pride in being inclusive employers, ensuring everyone is given a fair opportunity to succeed and grow. They ensure everyone feels respected and included and set a powerful example of what it means to be an inclusive employer who genuinely gives everyone a chance regardless of their disability.
Perth and Kinross Council Crematorium
Julie Ramsay is the One Stop Shop Co-Ordinator for Autism Initiatives and told the audience about a young man, Dylan Sclater, who works for Perth and Kinross Council;
I met Dylan when he was 16 years old as he had just received a diagnosis of Autism, since our first meeting I have watched Dylan develop into a confident person who enjoys his work for very much. Dylan has worked for Perth & Kinross Council for the last 7 years.
Dylan started his employment journey with P&K council as an Administrative Modern Apprentice after 11 months he graduated this modern apprenticeship and decided to complete another Modern Apprenticeship this time it was Social Services Children and Young People, Dylan graduated from this apprenticeship after 15 months. Throughout these apprenticeships Dylans managers were very inclusive, understanding and allowed myself to meet with the team and Dylan regularly. Dylans confidence grew so much that he presented a working lunch on Autism to employees of Perth & Kinross Council and a speech to managers at Developing Young Workforce also through P&C Council supported by myself.
Dylan has been working at Perth Crematorium since April 2022 where Dylan trained to be a crematorium technician and Chapel attendant. Over the past 3 years I have supported Dylan and have found his manager Julia Goodfellow and her team to be very supportive, inclusive and would go above and beyond for Dylan. Julia has shown a great deal of understanding and has implemented reasonable adjustments which helps Dylan cope in a very demanding, emotional and stressful role. Julia is always keen to help Dylan develop his career within the crematorium and encourages Dylan to go on any extra training that is available. Dylan enjoys his work and feels very included with everyone he works with.
PKAVS
Sarah Ross (Employer Engagement Officer – Skills and Employment Support Service) nominated PKAVS;
PKAVS is a local charity that has supported the wellbeing of people and communities across Perth & Kinross for over 50 years. With a dedicated team of more than 80 staff and over 120 volunteers, PKAVS delivers essential services to unpaid carers, individuals recovering from mental ill-health, minority communities, older people, the local Third Sector, and volunteers.
Through our Future Works Employer Recruitment Incentive, we have worked closely with PKAVS to create a new employment opportunity for one of their service users. The organisation developed a Café Assistant role within their Walled Garden Café, relaunched in June 2025 following the challenges of COVID-19. This opportunity was shaped by the individual’s voluntary experience in another café, where they demonstrated strong potential in hospitality.
PKAVS recognised their growth in confidence and skills, and their readiness for employment. As a wellbeing-focused organisation with a strong track record of supporting individuals with lived experience, PKAVS is proud to provide a nurturing and inclusive workplace. They offer on-site hospitality training, external food hygiene certification, and access to mental health-related courses to enhance understanding of crisis intervention and support. By embracing a peer support model, the employee is empowered to use their lived experience to support others, a testament to PKAVS’ commitment to inclusive employment.
Tayside Contracts
Kacey Carr (Supported Employment Practitioner - HSCP Employment Support Team) nominated Tayside Contracts;
Tayside Contracts, specifically Bernie Woodhouse (manager), has shown outstanding commitment to inclusive employment by providing tailored support to Ashley, a client with additional support needs. Bernie’s approach has been person-centred and flexible, allowing Ashley to “try out” three different school kitchens before identifying the environment that best suited her skills and comfort level. This thoughtful process not only helped Ashley build confidence but also ensured she was placed in a role where she could thrive.
Bernie’s ongoing communication with myself, particularly through regular email updates about training opportunities, has enabled me to provide consistent support to Ashley, ensuring she feels prepared and included every step of the way. Bernie’s dedication to making the workplace accessible and welcoming exemplifies the values of inclusive employment. I’m pleased to nominate Tayside Contracts for recognition, as their support has made a meaningful difference in Ashley’s journey into paid employment.
Tesco – Blairgowrie
Nominated By Louise Duthie (HSCP Employment Support Team)
Tesco Blairgowrie has demonstrated outstanding commitment to inclusion by supporting an employee with a learning disability through a particularly difficult period. Tesco worked closely with the Employment Support Team and Supported Living Team to ensure he could maintain his employment and wellbeing. Reasonable adjustments had already been in place allowing him to focus on specific tasks suited to his strengths—such as avoiding till work and date-checking.
However, as his needs changed, Tesco responded with flexibility and compassion. They adapted his working hours, days, and responsibilities to support and manage his wellbeing. The manager maintained open communication, monitored his progress, and ensured he felt valued and understood. These inclusive practices have enabled the employee to continue working in a supportive environment where he feels appreciated and heard. The employee has shared that these adjustments have made a significant difference to his health and overall wellbeing.
Tesco Blairgowrie’s inclusive and person-centred approach has not only helped the employee remain in employment but has also empowered him to thrive. Their actions exemplify what it means to be an inclusive employer—proactively supporting employees with additional needs and fostering a workplace culture of respect, flexibility, and care.
Additionally – Tesco recently provided a valuable work experience placement for a young lady with a learning disability.
PUSH
Push were nominated by Corinne Milligan who is a careers advisor for Skills Development Scotland.
The staff there have taken on a few of my clients initially through volunteering / employability support and I’m aware they have supported a few into pt and ft paid work in PUSH, including to trainee managerial level.
Good practice I’ve seen:
- Openness to consider every person on individual merits
- ‘Let’s try’ mindset
- Genuine efforts to understand a candidate’s needs if they require support to access / settle in / thrive
- Pairing staff up with new starts and volunteers
There was a final informative presentation by Lesley English who is the Regional Lead for Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).
The afternoons event was finished with the usual networking time and teas/coffees and we even had a celebration cake made by the Employment Support Teams Shona Murray!
Members will be able to nominate their Inclusive Employers next year too. Look out for the email in the coming months.
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