Include to Improve creating inclusive employment

The programme recognises that attitudes, stigma and traditional recruitment processes can create barriers for disabled people seeking employment in the sport and physical activity sector.

Kate’s story shows how alternative recruitment approaches, occupational therapy support, and recognising lived experience can open doors to meaningful employment while strengthening organisations.

For Kate, work once felt out of reach

After experiencing mental health challenges during her final years at school, Kate spent several years in and out of hospital. Sport, which had always been a huge part of her life, disappeared, along with her confidence. She had never held a paid job and could not imagine herself in employment.

Like many disabled people, Kate faced barriers not just because of her health, but because traditional recruitment processes often overlook potential when someone does not have a conventional work history.

It took a lot of persuading, but everything changed when Kate decided to be referred to Sport for Confidence. Following an occupational therapy assessment, she was supported to engage in physical activity at a local sports centre as a therapeutic intervention to support the development of wider skills and progress towards her identified goals.

Slowly, she rediscovered what being active and part of a team gave her. Structure, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Supported by her occupational therapist she began volunteering at sessions, supporting others to take part and helping adapt activities so everyone could be included.

Through volunteering, Kate began to build confidence and develop skills that would later become the foundation for employment.

When a Peer Advocate role became available, Kate almost did not apply. She worried she had no experience, nothing to put on an application, and concerns about how work might affect her benefits.

Rethinking recruitment

What made the difference was an alternative and inclusive approach to recruitment. Instead of relying solely on a traditional application process, the team focused on understanding Kate’s strengths, lived experience and the skills she had developed through volunteering.

Instead of focusing on what Kate lacked on paper, the team recognised the skills she was already demonstrating in practice through volunteering and participation. The occupational therapists took time to help Kate identify her skills and strengths by observing her in sessions, reflecting on what she brought to the role, and setting goals. This approach helped Kate see that her lived experience and volunteering were valuable, not barriers to employment.

As Kate put it, she realised she could “stay in a safe little bubble or take a chance”.

Creating employment that works for people

The Include to Improve programme have heard from disabled people that their lived experiences can bring valuable skills and insights to organisations, however their disability is often viewed as a limitation rather than a strength. The Peer Advocate role created an opportunity to rethink how employment can work for disabled people in the sport and physical activity sector. Through the Include to Improve programme, organisations are testing more flexible roles, personalised support and inclusive workplace practices, designing roles around people, rather than expecting people to fit rigid job structures.

From day one, Kate was supported to identify reasonable adjustments, build a trusting relationship with her supervisor, and work flexibly around her health needs. Her working hours were adapted, support was ongoing, and her wellbeing always came first.

Occupational therapy also played an important role in supporting Kate’s transition into employment. By focusing on her strengths, routines and confidence, occupational therapy helped her develop the skills and structure needed to succeed in the workplace.

This approach required time, flexibility, and learning, all of which were made possible through targeted funding. It also created an environment where Kate could grow in confidence, develop new skills, and feel valued for her lived experience.

“I’ve gone from thinking I had nothing to offer to my whole world opening up. I have a purpose and a reason to get out of the house.”

What employers can learn

Kate’s story highlights what inclusive employment looks like in practice. It is not about lowering expectations, but about changing how potential is recognised and supported.

For employers and partners across the sport and physical activity sector, the learning is clear:

• Volunteering and participation can be valuable pathways into employment
• Skills and lived experience are just as important as formal job history
• Offering adjustments early builds trust and confidence
• Flexible roles benefit both individuals and organisations

Why this matters for the sector

Include to Improve, led by Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence, is helping organisations test new approaches to inclusive recruitment, workplace support and career pathways. The programme is generating learning about how the sector can challenge stigma, recognise lived experience as a strength, and create meaningful employment opportunities for disabled people.

Positive stories like Kate’s are an important part of this. They show what is possible when organisations take an inclusive approach and help shift attitudes about disability and employment. It also shows the benefit of occupational therapists supporting disabled people to get into and thrive in work.

For Kate, the impact has been life-changing. She now works part-time, continues volunteering and is exploring future career and education opportunities. Most importantly, she feels she belongs.

Get involved

Activity Alliance continues to support employers and partners to develop inclusive employment and reduce inequalities across sport and physical activity.

If you are interested in exploring how inclusive roles could work within your organisation, get in touch with Activity Alliance by calling  0808 175 6991 or by emailing includetoimprove@activityalliance.org.uk. We would love to talk about how we can work together to create inclusive workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive.