On Friday 12 July, local businesses gathered to celebrate the work they’re doing to improve diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Brighton-based charity Team Domenica, this collaborative event was a chance for employer partners and candidates to share their experiences and celebrate their mutual success.

Team Domenica creates bright futures for people with learning disabilities (their candidates). They do this by partnering with businesses across Sussex to deliver employment programmes and generate inclusive workplace opportunities. The Employer Partner Celebration recognised the impact of this work and showed attendees the wider community they’re a part of.

A time to celebrate inclusivity in the workplace

The evening began with an inspiring speech from the charity’s Founder and Chair, Baroness Rosa Monckton MBE. In her address, Rosa described the passion, dedication and talent of Team Domenica’s staff, employer partners and candidates. Her words demonstrated the far-reaching impact of the charity’s mission and celebrated all in attendance.

Managers from famed Brighton businesses, Pizza Pilgrims and Brighton i360, then presented on their experiences as employer partners. They discussed the many benefits of hiring people with learning disabilities, both from a business and personal standpoint. The pair were then followed by a thoughtful speech from Sarah Springford, CEO of Brighton Chamber of Commerce, and a letter of thanks from Peter Kyle, the MP for the Hove & Portslade constituency and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Employment success for young people with learning disabilities in Brighton & Hove

Event goers also heard from a number of Team Domenica candidates who were at different stages of their employment journeys. These young people shared their stories in entertaining and innovative ways. Sam, for example, presented a short video showing his “Day in the Life” at Brighton i360. Theo and Sam, on the other hand, created a hilarious ‘review off’ about their time at Pizza Pilgrims.

Other young people exhibited their stories by talking through display boards that they helped design. This collaborative and dynamic approach demonstrated how, with the right support, people with learning disabilities can excel in the workplace.

Excitingly, two of Team Domenica’s young people announced that they were offered paid work in the week leading up to the event. The room lit up at this news and everyone shared in the candidates’ excitement. It was wonderful to see so many employers feel a part of this success as they celebrated inclusivity in the workplace.

Thank you to Team Domenica’s Employer Partners

At a time where just 4.8% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid work (NHS digital, 2023), Team Domenica stands as a beacon of hope. Since opening in 2016, an amazing 81% of their young people have been offered paid work. Something that wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of their candidates and employers.

The charity’s Employer Partner Celebration recognised this group’s contributions and demonstrated the strength of their growing community. It was fantastic to see local businesses come together to celebrate their achievements. Team Domenica’s strong relationships, and a shared drive to improve inclusivity in the workplace, is what allows these partnerships to thrive. Team Domenica would like to say their thank you to all in attendance…

As a team, we were so proud to be able to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our Employer Partners. It was amazing to be able to showcase the huge impact they’re having – not only for our candidates but the wider community too.

It is a real pleasure to be part of Team Domenica, to work with our amazing young people and to partner with such fantastic businesses. All of our employers are so committed to creating meaningful opportunities. To be able to bring them all together, and to thank them for their hard work, was an absolute privilege.

What’s next for Team Domenica?

This event saw the launch of Team Domenica’s Employer Forum, a brand new initiative that will give employers a chance to communicate more about the work they’re doing and share ideas. To find out more about employment programmes and becoming an employer partner, please click the button below.