Disability Action Becomes Living Wage Accredited

Disability Action is a leading Northern Ireland charity working to promote, protect and uphold the rights of disabled people. We provide advice, support, training, employment programmes and mobility services, helping individuals to live independently and participate fully in society.

With offices across Northern Ireland, we deliver services locally and regionally, while also advocating for equality and inclusion at a policy level. We are a registered charity employing around 150 staff. Our mission is to challenge inequality, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive society where disabled people have real choice, control and opportunities.

Motivation for Living Wage Accreditation

We wanted to become an accredited Living Wage Employer because we believe fair pay is fundamental to valuing our staff and demonstrating our commitment to equality. Disability Action has paid the Real Living Wage for several years, recognising that our employees are the driving force behind the impact we make. Formal accreditation provided the opportunity to publicly affirm this commitment and join a wider movement of employers who share our values. As an organisation championing rights and fairness for disabled people, it was vital that we also model fairness and respect in our own workplace practices.

Implementation Process

The implementation process was relatively straightforward as we had already been paying the Real Living Wage for a number of years. Our HR and Finance teams reviewed pay structures to ensure all roles consistently met or exceeded the Real Living Wage rate. Once verified, we engaged with Ruth and Mary in the Living Wage Foundation/Advice NI and submitted our accreditation application. 

The overall process was easy and Ruth was on hand to support with any questions. Accreditation formalised what was already a core part of our culture, fair pay and respect for our people. This was supported by the RLW with their expert materials to support the implementation process.

Additional Workplace Changes

Alongside accrediting as a Living Wage Employer, we have focused on wider initiatives to support staff wellbeing and engagement. These include introducing health and wellbeing programmes, strengthening our learning and development and embedding flexible and hybrid working practices. 

We have created an employee representation forum “DANI Champions” to celebrate staff achievements and engagement. Accreditation complemented this wider approach by demonstrating that fair pay sits at the foundation of our employee offer. Together, these measures build a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported, and motivated to deliver the best possible outcomes for the disabled people we serve.

Challenges and Barriers

As Disability Action had already been paying the Real Living Wage, the challenges were minimal. For some organisations, affordability and sustainability can be barriers, but we had already built the Real Living Wage into our budgeting and pay framework. 

The main challenge was ensuring that the accreditation process itself was completed accurately and that our pay practices were fully documented. Our HR and Finance teams worked closely together, supported by the Board, to ensure compliance and long-term commitment. This proactive planning meant we could accredit with confidence and without significant disruption.

Benefits of Living Wage Accreditation

Accrediting has strengthened our ability to attract and retain talented staff by demonstrating our commitment to fair pay. Employees tell us they feel valued, respected and secure knowing that their wages reflect the cost of living. This contributes to higher morale, lower turnover, and a stronger organisational reputation. Externally, accreditation positions Disability Action alongside other progressive employers in Northern Ireland, enhancing our credibility with funders, supporting our Belfast Business Promise application, partners and service users. It also ensures alignment between our values as a disability rights organisation and our internal employment practices, building trust across the communities we serve.

"As an organisation dedicated to fairness and equality, it is vital that we live those values in how we treat our staff. Accrediting as a Real Living Wage Employer is a clear statement that we recognise and reward the incredible contribution our people make every day"

- Disability Action CEO

“Being paid the Real Living Wage has made a real difference to my family. It means I don’t have to worry as much about making ends meet and I feel proud to work for an organisation that genuinely values its staff.”

- Disability Action Employee