This week, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has welcomed eight students from a school based near its main office at Prescot Street, central London, as part of a new work experience programme in partnership with the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
The work placement scheme has been introduced following the publication of the College’s Equality Action Plan,
which has 29 actions designed to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
The scheme has seen the College deliver work placements for school pupils with neurodiverse and other disabilities for the first time.
The College worked closely with the local school to consider what reasonable adjustments were required to ensure the students, who are all aged between 14-16, receive the best support during their placement.
It has been a great week, with College CEO Paul Rees saying:
“It’s been a real breath of fresh air to have the students with us this week – and the College staff who have worked with them have learned a lot as well being able to share their knowledge, skills and experience.”
This scheme has helped to ensure the pupils have the opportunity to carry out a work experience placement, which they previously may not have had access to.
By offering the students work experience, the College has aimed to:
- help pupils understand the world of work
- raise the students’ awareness of psychiatry and mental health
- develop the management skills of employees who will be supervising pupils
- identify the students’ strengths and interests at an early stage.
The College will use feedback from the students to consider how best to develop the scheme for the future, creating positive learning and sharing opportunities for local students and staff.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896