ADC - Reasonable adjustments and accommodations

There are a number of circumstances under which participants may require an adjustment or accommodation in their Assessment and 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 the 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 participant recovering from an operation (which does not meet the definition of a disability) to have additional breaks at an assessment would be considered an accommodation. 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 able to complete our reasonable adjustment survey. Please complete the survey as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the request to be processed. Our team will then review your request and be in contact with you to confirm whether we are able to offer you an adjustment and what to expect.

Under what circumstances will you consider a reasonable adjustment or an accommodation?

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

• Neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or attention deficit disorder.

• Medical conditions, such as those which lead to fatigue or being unable to remain seated for long periods.

• Menopause and peri-menopause.

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

• Religion or faith, such as accommodating prayer times.

Will you consider a reasonable adjustment on the basis of English not being my first language?

The Equality Act 2010 does not cover reasonable adjustments made purely based on 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 the normal working hours in 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.

Examples of reasonable adjustments made previously include amending timetables to allow for additional preparation 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 discuss 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.

I have additional questions about the ADC reasonable adjustments and accommodations process

If you are 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.