Crowe joins Sunflower network to support hidden disabilities
Professional services firm Crowe UK has become part of an initiative to help raise awareness for hidden disabilities. The move boosts the firm’s long-held commitment of providing an inclusive, safe workspace for its people and clients.
Launched in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network collaborates with high profile organisations to raise awareness of disabilities and conditions that may not be immediately apparent. As well as providing inclusivity training for members, the network’s emblem, the sunflower, has since become a globally recognised tool to signify non-visible disabilities.
The Sunflower is a voluntary symbol that can be worn as a lanyard, wristband, or pin badge – and someone wearing the symbol could have one or more of over 900 non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses, including Autism, Parkinson’s and Long Covid. This allows them to discreetly communicate to others that they have a condition which means they may need a helping hand, understanding or extra patience – in public spaces or the workplace.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said, “Crowe is cultivating an inclusive and supportive work culture to enable them to employ and retain the best people for their roles while also responding to the requirements of their clients. Our training encourages anyone with an invisible disability to have the confidence to share workplace adjustments, which in turn allows them to thrive while also maintaining good health and taking care of their well-being.”
A statement from Crowe noted that its membership of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network is “an important part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment where everyone is valued and respected”. The firm, which also recently promoted its work with the 1,000 Interns Foundation to support ethnic minorities gain entry to the professional services sector, added that this move would help all staff to “realise their full potential, regardless of their gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity background or education.”
Simon Crookston, partner in corporate tax, and leader of the Crowe Ability Network, said, “We’re proud to be providing an inclusive work environment for everyone. Not all disabilities are visible, which is why the Sunflower is a powerful yet discreet symbol in helping recognise that a colleague, client or member of the public may need extra time and patience. Becoming a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network reinforces Crowe’s long held commitment to creating an environment where people have an awareness of neurodiversity and wider disabilities and where people of all abilities are able to thrive and reach their full potential.
