News and Press Releases - archive 1
HEAT
Dear Colleague
HEAT – Haringey Equal Access and Training
Thank you for your enquiry about HEAT training. An information pack along with an application form and an equal opportunities monitoring sheet is enclosed.
The closing date for all applications is Monday 12th September and selection interviews will take place on either Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 September. If you have any questions or require assistance with your application form please contact Tracey Proudlock on 0208 889 4339, SMS or text 07921 776361 or email tracey@proudlockassociates.com. Proudlock Associates are a north London disability and access consultancy. We are administering the HEAT programme on the behalf of Haringey Council and Urban Futures.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your interest in HEAT.
Yours sincerely
Tracey Proudlock
HEAT – Haringey Equal Access and Training
HEAT is a programme for unemployed disabled people who want to train as disability equality consultants. It is funded by the London Borough of Haringey and Urban Futures for people living in the London Boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest.
HEAT has been set up because it is recognised that many disabled people have previously been excluded from employment and training. Almost half (46%) of the disabled population of working age in Britain are economically inactive i.e. outside of the labour force but nearly one third of this these people say they would like to work if they were given the chance and right support. Local training providers therefore need to know more about the things that work well and support disabled people seeking work. HEAT will train disabled people to enable them to become equality trainers to pass on best practice and information about these issues.
HEAT will support disabled people turning their daily experiences into a career opportunity. HEAT is not a job or job placement; it is a valuable training opportunity that could lead to paid work for those who choose that route.
There will be one on one and small group training for people who want to use their experience of living with a disability to deliver equality training to professionals. This could include front line staff at the local authority, college staff and training centres that help people prepare for work.
The HEAT programme will
- Develop presentation skills & confidence to enable participants to communicate disability issues to others.
- Identify helpful tools for participants to plan and deliver disability equality training.
- Provide knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act so participants can raise awareness of disabled peoples rights to goods and services, employment and training.
- Provide participants with an understanding of the social model of disability. This is a helpful way to interpret disability and provides ways to remove barriers and discriminating behaviour that can exclude people from every day opportunities.
- Promote human rights for disabled people.
- Provide an opportunity for disabled people to form a training team of consultants to deliver programmes across the Upper Lea Valley (London boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest).
- Sign post disabled people towards appropriate routes back to work, such as New Deal for Disabled People, Workstep, Work Preparation and Permitted Work.
Questions and Answers about HEAT
1. What are the time commitments?
The course will run from September - December 2005. The course is free but participants must commit to full attendance at seminars and training days over this period. You should estimate around 12 days direct contact time.
2. What qualifications do I need to get on this course?
There are no formal qualifications needed. However, you must demonstrate the following key skills:
- An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- An ability to understand legal concepts contained in the DDA.
- Relevant work experience - either paid or voluntary - which demonstrates the ability to organise your time and convey information clearly to other people.
- An interest in social policy to enable you to keep up to date with the changing disability agenda.
- Experience of speaking in public or leading others. This could be in a work place or your social life, for example at a tenants’ association or playgroup.
- Ability to understand, organise and process information.
- Some knowledge and skills in basic computer programmes, such as Word and PowerPoint (though the programme can help you to develop these)
- Skills in literacy, to at least GCSE (or equivalent) level.
3. I do not have experience in all of the criteria set out in the application. Can I still apply?
Yes. The application form sets out some of the knowledge and skills that are required to be a disability equality trainer. If for example, you have an understanding of the DDA, and have done very little public speaking, let us know in your application. While we cannot teach you everything you will need to know during the course we are able to assist you and help develop your own skills in these areas.
Please note: it is absolutely essential that all applicants are able to show a clear understanding of the discrimination faced by disabled people and a commitment to removing barriers that exclude people. Also an understanding of Equal Opportunities for other groups who experience discrimination is essential.
4. I am interested in doing the course but do not want to be self-employed. Can I still apply?
Yes. We want as many disabled people as possible to come forward and explore how they can be part of a training consultancy to promote inclusion and equal access for disabled people in London. You must commit to being part of the consultancy team either as a volunteer or worker, but it is not essential that you become a self-employed consultant.
5. Can I apply if I do not live in Haringey?
Yes, the course is aimed at people living in the London Boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest.
Eligibility Checklist:
- You must consider yourself to be a disabled person, or have an impairment, whether physical, sensory or mental health related, that would mean you are covered by the definition of disability specified in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- You must be unemployed or
- Receiving disability benefits
- Live in the above boroughs
6. Will attending the training affect any disability or welfare benefits I receive?
If you are attending any job clubs, job centres or New Deal programmes (including New Deal for Disabled People) please share HEAT information with them and let them know you want to take part. We cannot give advice about the benefit payments Jobcentre+ make to you.
7. Will I get a qualification?
No. There is no standard qualification to become an equality trainer. At present anyone can set themselves up as an equality trainer. The London borough of Haringey and Urban Futures are committed to offering deaf and disabled people valuable training in key skills they will need to work as a trainer.
8. How do I apply?
Anyone who wants to be considered for HEAT should fill out an application form, which is available from Proudlock Associates, PO Box 38988, London N22 7XY, telephone 0208 889 4339, SMS or text 07921 776361 or email tracey@proudlockassociates.com.
Also, you may download the application forms by clicking here.
The application forms are in a PDF document - 380KB in size. You will need Acrobat Reader in order to read the document. If you don't have a copy of Acrobat Reader please download it here for free.
9. What is the closing date for all applications?
Monday 12th September 2005.
10. What are the Interview dates?
Wednesday 21 September and Thursday 22 September 2005 (You will be asked to attend a 30 minute interview on one of the above dates).
HEAT is jointly funded by Urban Futures and the
London Borough of Haringey.
