The Civil Service Disability Network, (CSDN) was established in 2000 by representatives from disabled staff networks across Whitehall. Today, our members come from a wide variety of Government Departments and Agencies, and the membership is principally made up of the elected chairs and vice chairs of individual networks. We usually meet 4 times each year, with at least one meeting taking place outside of London.
CSDN contributes to the Civil Service’s diversity agenda and provides advice and information in support of policy development by engaging as and when necessary with other bodies to inform and change working practices. We respond as required to consultations and pro-actively represent disabled staff on Cross-Whitehall groups, working groups and in other meetings. We strive to be the ‘first port of call’ for advice and support about disability issues in Whitehall.
CSDN promotes equal opportunities and diversity across the Civil Service and provide a forum for cross-network dialogue on disability issues. We act as a link between senior managers and people with disabilities and our aims are to improve the level of attainment and working conditions of disabled civil servants and increase the representation of disabled people in the Civil Service at all levels. To achieve this, CSDN advises and influences Civil Service management in the development, implementation and assessment of policies relating to staff with disabilities. We also provide advice and support to member networks, as and when needed. We proactively explore issues including barriers to people with disabilities joining the Civil Service, career progression and the reasons why people may not want to declare a disability at work. We also propose ways in which these and related concerns can be addressed.
One of CSDN’s key priorities is to grow the size of our membership. We want to encourage the involvement and engagement in CSDN of those disabled staff networks that are not already members. A larger network enables our members to informally share learning and good practice across a broader spectrum of organisations; and gives the Network greater opportunity to influence and to provide input into the development of Government and Civil Service policies that impact disabled people.
If you would like any further information about CSDN and would like to get involved, please contact the Chairperson, Jeanette Rosenberg Jeanette.Rosenberg@bis.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 020 7215 1617, or the Network’s Information Officer Darren Cryer darren.cryer@pins.gsi.gov.uk