Unity Works is delighted to announce that Michael Donaghy (image to the right) has won the Employer Engagement Practitioner of the Year Award at this Year’s ERSA Awards. The ERSA Awards run by ERSA (Employment Related Services Association), now in their 12th year, is a chance for the supported employment sector to celebrate its work and to champion the great work done by individuals, teams, partnerships and providers.
Michael, Job Broker at Unity Works, was nominated to recognise the exceptional work he undertakes, consistently advocating for good work for people we support within our services by embodying Unity Works vision and values.
Michael has a deep understanding of employers in the local labour market and the needs of participants particularly in relation to our jobseekers as someone with lived experience. He is neurodivergent and brings in his experiences to authentically advise and educate employers on creating inclusive work spaces and advise our jobseekers to build on aspirations from his own personal development journey and achievements.
Unity Works’ disability awareness training which Michael develops, and runs is adapted to employers needs and incorporates and interactive and honest and open discussion element which allows for employers to ask questions and for our participants to demonstrate and take part in events. Recent employers he has worked with include Prospectus, the Royal Ballet and Opera House and Royal Borough of Greenwich to name a few.
Of Mike’s work, Jesamine Murray, Contract Manager at Unity Works said:
His advice and development within his role is a great achievement and valued asset to Unity Works. He is constantly looking for ways for add value and in advocating for good careers for people with disabilities with employer through education, raising of awareness and developing meaningful relationships to increase inclusive practices.
Of Michael’s Disability Awareness Training, Lauren from Prospectus said
Michael has made a huge contribution to mine and my colleagues understanding around Disability Awareness, specifically when he came and spoke to us about Disability Awareness Training at the beginning of this year. […] I still have colleagues telling me how brilliant his training was nearly a year done the line.
Everyone at Unity Works would like to congratulate Michael on winning the Employer Engagement Practitioner Award!