ADC - Reasonable Adjustments & Accommodations

There are a number of circumstances under which participants may require an adjustment or accommodation in their Assessment & Development Centre (ADC).

What is a Reasonable Adjustment?

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to practices, premises and services to accommodate a disabled person at a ‘substantial disadvantage’ because of their disability. Failure to carry out this duty can constitute discrimination.

What is an Accommodation?

There are instances when a candidate may request an accommodation because of a physical or mental condition which is not considered a disability or on grounds of being at risk of unlawful discrimination because they are a member of a protected characteristic group (other than based on disability).

What is the difference between a Reasonable Adjustment and an Accommodation?

A reasonable adjustment refers specifically to a requirement within the legislation relating to disability whereas an accommodation may be considered and supported in a wider range of circumstances. For example, allowing a candidate with a bad back (which did not meet the definition of a disability) to bring a customised chair to an assessment. The sections below provide more guidance on the circumstances in which a reasonable adjustment or accommodation might apply.

When should I contact you about a Reasonable Adjustment or an Accommodation?

Once you receive your ADC Joining Instructions (confirming your ADC date), you will be directed to respond to your Joining Instructions if you wish to request a reasonable adjustment or accommodation. You will then be directed to complete our reasonable adjustment survey and inform us when this is completed. After that, our team will review your request and be in contact with you to confirm whether we are able to offer you an adjustment and what to expect.

Please do not request an adjustment prior to receiving your ADC Joining Instructions, as we are unable to confirm any adjustments without a confirmed ADC date.

Under what circumstances will you consider a Reasonable Adjustment or an Accommodation?

There is no set list of circumstances for which a reasonable adjustment / accommodation can be made. As examples, the ADC has supported requirements relating to:

• Neurodiversity, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

• Medical conditions, such as those which lead to fatigue or not being able to remain seated for long periods.

• Physical impairments, such as those relating to sight or hearing.

Will you consider Reasonable Adjustment on the basis of English not being my first language?

The Equality Act 2010 does not cover reasonable adjustments made purely on the basis of

English not being a participant’s first language.

Will you consider an accommodation on the basis of being based in a different time zone?

Our ADC team is based in the UK and a typical ADC day takes place during normal working hours of the UK. Should you be completing your ADC in a different time zone, our team is more than happy to work with you in arranging an appropriate schedule that allows you to comfortably complete the ADC within your time zone.

If you wish to discuss this further, please contact us by emailing gcfdevelopmentcentre@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

What Reasonable Adjustments or Accommodations can you offer?

Requests for reasonable adjustments or accommodations are assessed on an individual basis.

Reasonable adjustments made previously include amending timetables to allow for additional breaks or reading time (this sometimes means spreading the exercises across more than one day) and providing different document formats.

Can I have a telephone conversation about my Reasonable Adjustment or Accommodation request?

If you would like to have a discussion about any adjustments or accommodations, you can arrange a telephone call with a member of our accreditation team by emailing gcfdevelopmentcentre@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

Our team may also contact you to arrange a telephone call with a member of our accreditation team once you have submitted your survey response (instructions on completing our survey are included in your ADC Joining Instructions).

I have additional questions about the ADC Reasonable Adjustments & Accommodations process

If you are uncertain, concerned about a request or have any questions not covered in the above, you can contact the team in confidence by emailing gcfdevelopmentcentre@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.