We provide reasonable adjustments throughout all stages of employment – including during the recruitment process – including assistive technology, flexible working options, adapted equipment, interview accommodations, and more. Our aim is to remove unnecessary barriers so colleagues can contribute with confidence.
Inclusion is meaningful when it’s practical. At Rathbones, that means supporting colleagues with disabilities with the right adjustments, tools and understanding – from the interview stage through to day‑to‑day work and career progression.
That’s why we created the disAbility network, to empower colleagues with disabilities to feel respected, understood and empowered to do their best work.
We use ‘disability’ as an umbrella term covering a wide range of lived experiences, including physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, sensory impairments and neurodivergence. We also recognise that not everyone who experiences these things identifies as disabled – and you do not need to identify as disabled to be supported.
Recognised as a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer
As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), we meet the scheme’s core actions across inclusive hiring and colleague development, backed by targeted activities that remove barriers and support progression. We are now working towards achieving Level 3 accreditation.
Our disAbility network
Our colleague‑led disAbility network plays a central role in shaping how we support colleagues across the business.
We support and empower colleagues – and those with family members – who are living with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, sensory impairments or who are neurodivergent. and promote an inclusive and equitable workplace, where people of all abilities feel respected, understood and empowered to thrive.
The network also helps raise awareness, provides peer support, and works closely with teams across the business to enhance our disability‑friendly practices.
How we support disabled and neurodiverse colleagues
Here are some of the ways we work to ensure an accessible and inclusive environment at Rathbones.
Reasonable adjustments
Supportive networks and peer communities
Our disAbility network is open to all colleagues, whether they live with a disability, support someone who does, or simply want to help create a more inclusive workplace, and includes a mentor programme.
Memberships and partnerships
We are proud members of the Business Disability Forum (BDF), to support best practice and continuous learning, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, to help colleagues and visitors discreetly indicate that they may require additional assistance.
Creating an accessible workplace
Our offices have accessibility features designed to support colleagues and clients, such as step‑free access routes, lift access, hearing loops and accessible facilities. Details are available on our individual office pages. We continue to review our spaces and processes to ensure accessibility improves over time.
Sharing lived experiences
Lived experience is vital in helping us understand how we can improve. We regularly collect stories from colleagues across the business and share them with all staff at Rathbones.
How we support disabled and neurodiverse clients
Supporting clients with disabilities is an integral part of how we deliver an excellent service.
While we will continue to build out this section with practitioner input (Investment Managers, Financial Planners, Facilities and our Vulnerable Client Panel), our approach includes:
- Ensuring our buildings are accessible for in‑person meetings – each of our offices' webpages list their accessibility features.
- Providing alternative formats where possible (for example, large‑print documents).
- Offering flexible communication methods to suit client needs.
- Training colleagues to recognise and support vulnerable circumstances.
Our goal is to ensure every client feels welcome, respected and well‑supported – however they choose to engage with us.
Our ongoing journey
Becoming a truly disability‑inclusive organisation is an ongoing commitment. We continue to listen, learn and improve – working in partnership with colleagues, clients, networks and external experts to make Rathbones a place where everyone can thrive.
Why join Rathbones?
If you’re considering joining Rathbones and you’re concerned about how menopause might affect your working life, rest assured: you’ll be joining a company that listens, understands, and acts.
We are committed to making menopause support visible and accessible, and to continually improving our approach through feedback, training, and collaboration.
We don’t just talk about menopause – we live our values every day. Our accreditation as a as a Menopause Friendly Employer is a point of pride and a promise: at Rathbones, you will be supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.
