The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos, hosted a Supported Employment Programme Appreciation and Information Session at the Mayor’s Parlour, City Hall. 

The event brought together over 50 Supported Employment placement providers. Minister Santos and his Ministry’s Principal Secretary, April Smart-Devincenzi, thanked them in their speeches and acknowledged their continued collaboration and contribution to Gibraltar’s Supported Employment Programme. Minister Santos also emphasised the importance of teamwork between providers, individuals and the Supported Employment Team. 

A series of presentations and testimonials ensued, in person and on video, by service users, service providers and Ministry staff. Supported Employment Programme employees gave a snapshot of what the programme and employment means to them. People Director at Bassadone Autmotive Group, Ms Nicole Stevens, gave her perspective as an Inclusive Employer. She spoke about inclusive employment giving people opportunities and making diverse workplaces with a broad range of skillsets and viewpoints. 

A presentation on Reasonable Adjustments was given by Supported Needs and Disability Office Manager Jenny Victory, who reconfirmed the SNDO’s commitment, under the Ministry of Equality, to give practical advice and support to employers throughout the Programme. 

Attendees were also briefed by Supported Employment Manager Louiseanne Mifsud on the progress made in the Programme over the past year, including key developments designed to enhance service delivery and strengthen collaboration. 

She announced the Supported Employment Programme has undergone a logo rebrand and that the new Inclusive Employer initiative has been introduced for programme placement providers, recognising organisations that actively promote inclusive hiring and support individuals in meaningful employment opportunities. 

Minister Santos said: “Our goal is to build a truly inclusive workforce where every individual’s potential is recognised and supported. The Inclusive Employer initiative represents a shared commitment to equality, opportunity and collaboration. Our Supported Employment team and providers will continue driving change to ensure that inclusivity becomes the standard in Gibraltar’s workplaces.”