Becoming an inclusive workforce
Building an inclusive business starts with your team!
A diverse workforce – including disabled people and volunteers – brings unique perspectives, improved problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the diverse visitors who choose the Isle of Thanet.
Research shows that inclusive businesses are often more productive and have higher staff morale. By removing barriers to recruitment and supporting your team’s well-being, you don’t just “do the right thing”, you secure a loyal and skilled team.
£14.6 Billion tourism Market Value and overall spending power of £274 billion. Trips in England taken by disabled people and their companions contribute an estimated £14.6 billion to the economy annually and their overall spending power known at the Purple Pound is £274 billion. (Source: VisitEngland / VisitBritain, “The Value of the Purple Pound” (Updated 2024/2025).
The Disability Confident Scheme
The government-backed Disability Confident scheme is a free, three-level journey designed to help you successfully recruit and retain disabled people. It provides the tools to challenge attitudes and ensure every individual can fulfil their potential within your business.
Level 1: Committed
Start your journey by agreeing to core commitments like inclusive recruitment.
Level 2: Employer
Self-assess your business to ensure you are actively supporting disabled staff.
Level 3: Leader
Act as an ambassador for inclusivity within the Thanet business community.
Find out about some of our local businesses who are already Disability Confident or are on their journey to becoming so.
Thorley Taverns
Thorley Taverns is a prominent, family-run hospitality operator that has managed a diverse portfolio of quality pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels across Thanet for over 50 years.
Nandos
Located at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs, Nando’s offers its signature PERi-PERi chicken in a vibrant, family-friendly setting popular with shoppers and cinema-goers.
As a Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer, they provide inclusive recruitment processes and offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum job criteria.
Sands Heritage
Sands Heritage Ltd is the operator of the iconic Dreamland Margate amusement park, responsible for the ongoing management of the historic seafront site as a major entertainment hub for rides, festivals, and live music.
Chapel House Estate
Chapel House Estate is a luxury, family-run wedding and events venue in Minster set within 35 acres of countryside, featuring a beautifully restored 13th-century chapel and a modern, oak-framed Glass Courtyard.
They are currently working with the Education People to achieve Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer
Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels is a volunteer-led heritage attraction that offers guided tours through a unique civilian deep-shelter air raid network and a Victorian railway tunnel used during WWII.
They are currently working with the Education People to achieve Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer.
Margate Pride
Margate Pride is a community-led, arts-focused non-profit that celebrates LGBTQIA+ life through an annual seafront parade, festivals, and year-round advocacy in Thanet. They are deeply committed to accessibility, offering BSL interpretation at major events, quiet spaces, and free essential companion tickets. They are currently working with the Education People to achieve Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer.
RAF Manston History Museum
The RAF Manston History Museum, located on the historic former airfield, showcases the site’s military and civilian aviation heritage through an extensive collection of aircraft, engines, and wartime memorabilia.
They are currently working with the Education People to achieve Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer.
