An organisation providing services for local councils has been awarded for its support of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Publica Group has has been awarded the Disability Confident accreditation. The accreditation means that, as an employer, Publica is taking action to ensure that people with disabilities and long term-health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace.

The accreditation also recognises some of the proactive steps Publica is taking to support people with disabilities as they apply for vacancies and work at the company.

These steps include offering interviews to all candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and being flexible with our recruitment processes. For example, allowing CV applications, offering video conference interviews and supporting flexible working patterns where possible. It also means that Publica takes active steps to make adjustments in the workplace to support staff with disabilities.

Publica has also been working with Inclusive Employers to deliver work experience opportunities to people with learning disabilities.

David Neudegg, managing director of Publica Group, said: "We think being 'disability confident' is one way of showing our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse place to work. We always continue to look for ways to do more, but this accreditation demonstrates to our employees and potential employees that we take our commitment to supporting people with both physical and mental disabilities at work very seriously."

Publica Group is a newly established company, wholly owned and created by four councils (Cheltenham Borough Council, Cotswold, Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils) to provide services to local communities on their behalf. By creating one employer for employees across the councils, they can provide better, more cost-effective services. Publica allows the councils to meet their cost saving targets, while protecting the services they provide to communities.