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Surrey Choices wins prestigious Employer of People with a Disability Award 2021

4th November 2021

Fernleigh Surrey, 3 November 2021: At a Gala Awards Ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham last Friday evening, Surrey Choices was announced the winner of The Employer of People with a Disability Award.

The National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, organised by Care Talk Magazine, celebrate excellence across the care sector.

The Employer of People with a Disability Award is presented to an organisation who employs and supports people with a learning disability or autism. The judges were looking for a business or charity that demonstrates true values of respect, equality, and accessibility for their employees, who have a learning disability and/ or autism.

Surrey Choices not only helps people with a disability into work through its Supported Employment Service, but one fifth of its own workforce identify as having a disability.

After impressing the shortlisting panel and being interviewed by the judges, the Surrey Choices team had to wait alongside nine other finalists to hear the winner announced.

Christina Earl, Head of Business Development and Innovation at Surrey Choices collected the award on behalf of the team. Photographed with the award later, she said, “I am thrilled that Surrey Choices has received this award. It is a well-deserved recognition for all our hardworking colleagues.”

In written statement, Gillian Keegan, Minister for Care in the Department of Health and Social Care offered “Congratulations to all the finalists” stating “your contribution and determination every day is inspiring.”

The award ceremony was hosted by Steve Walls and celebrity presenter, Rev Kate Bottley. After a tough 18 months, the evening provided a well needed boost to the best of the best in social care services, who support people with learning disabilities and/ or autism.

Surrey Choices was also a finalist in two other categories: The Positive Behaviour Support Team and The Breaking Down Barriers Individual Award