Workplace adjustments

By proactively making adjustments we can help you work effectively, feel valued and supported and avoid discrimination. Such adjustments are defined as 'reasonable adjustments' and are not usually expensive, difficult or disruptive.

These changes or modifications help you if you have a disability or health condition to perform your job. This could include things like:

• adjusting working hours
• providing special equipment
• changing the way tasks are done
• providing a quieter workspace

These adjustments give everyone a fair chance to succeed at work, but do not reduce the expectations of them in their role.

Things like costly equipment will not be provided unless it is essential for you to perform your role.

Workplace Adjustment Passport

Completing your Workplace Adjustment Passport will help inform a discussion with your manager about your needs and what measures are already in place.

Disabilities and health needs change over time, so it's important to review this regularly.

Before, during and after your discussion, your manager should:

• adopt an open and approachable attitude
• show consideration, patience and support
• reassure you if you feel anxious or concerned
• encourage you to be open about your challenges
• discuss and investigate possibilities with you, including looking at alternative solutions 
• give full and fair consideration to your suggestions
• ensure any agreed adjustments are put into place as soon as reasonable possible
• where necessary, escalate and chase any relevant parties such as Occupation Health and Access to Work

Your manager can contact People Support on the Assyst portal for further guidance if needed.

Access to Work

Access to Work ​is a government programme that provides financial support to help people with disabilities or health conditions start or stay in work.

It can cover the costs of practical support, such as special equipment or adaptations, that go beyond what the council is expected to provide.

A funding threshold of £1,000 (one thousand pounds) applies meaning budget holders are responsible for the costs of any reasonable adjustments up to this limit.

Find out how to apply for Access to Work.

New starters adjustments

If you've been employed at Essex County Council for less than 6 weeks, Access to Work applications are 100% funded and not subject to the £1,000 (one thousand pounds) funding threshold. 

You should tell your prospective line manager at the employment offer stage that you will need an Access to Work assessment, so an Access to Work agreement in principle can be set up before your pre-employment checks are complete. 

These discussions should be documented in the Workplace Adjustment Passport. You can ask for a copy from your prospective line manager.

Your line manager should use the onboarding checklist to make sure regular conversations take place, so that any reasonable adjustments are in place before you start your new role.

Current employee adjustments

An Access to Work assessment may not always be necessary or suitable for you if the workplace adjustment could be simple to resolve, especially as the application process can take time to be processed by Access to Work.

If the cost of your reasonable adjustments are expected to be less than £1,000 (one thousand pounds), you don't need to apply to Access to Work. The cost will instead need to be paid by the limited funds your manager has available to them. By being mindful of this, we can ensure that support is directed to where it is most needed.

Use existing resources

​An assessment may not always be necessary or suitable and can add delay and cost to what may be a simple request. There are resources and assistive technologies already available for all employees to use.

IT (Information Technology) equipment

Some IT equipment such as a keyboard, laptop riser, mouse, wrist rest, headset, monitor, network booster and cables can be purchased through My Oracle buying goods and services.

You can read more information on the Oracle Hub​.

Assistive software

Consider existing software such as Dictate in Microsoft 365 - Microsoft Support. 

Some software such as the Dragon pro speech to text tool and Read and Write Gold Literacy support can be purchased without an Access to Work assessment. Raise a request for software on the Assyst portal​. Your line manager will need to authorise any request.

Office equipment

If a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment identifies a requirement to buy office equipment such as an office chair or a desk, and existing furniture cannot be adapted, order through My Oracle by selecting 'Procurement' and then 'Shop'. 

If the DSE assessment identifies a more specialist chair or desk, a line manager can make an Occupational Health referral. Specialist furniture is ordered through Mitie​. 

Referral for additional support

Where existing resources are unable to provide the support needed, a specialist assessment may be required.

Occupational Health referral 

If your manager has a concern about your health, they may make an Occupational health referral for advice on how to support you.

Support for neurodivergent employees

Find out more about neurodiversity and the support available for neurodivergent employees on the neurodiversity page.