HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network to help people visiting court and tribunal buildings who may need additional support. It’s estimated that 70-80% of disabilities are hidden, including physical and mental health, sensory such as visual, auditory and processing difficulties, chronic conditions, and rare diseases. They want to make it easier for visitors and employees who have a non-visible disability to get the support they need. Court staff have been trained to recognise the Sunflower and offer help or adjustments as part of their existing reasonable adjustment process.

Becoming a full member of the network forms part of their commitment to the national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026 and follows recognition of the Sunflower during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunflower lanyards are now available to collect in all HMCTS buildings for court users, staff and judicial office holders to make it easy for people to discreetly show that they may need additional help or time.

 

Nick Goodwin, CEO, said:

 

“We’re delighted to become full members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. It’s important that we make it easy for people with a disability whether it’s visible or invisible to be confident that they can access justice.

The Sunflower lanyard allows our court and tribunal staff to identify visitors who may welcome a little help or need some adjustments to ensure they have a positive experience. I’m proud that we’re introducing new ways to support the court users and legal professionals who visit us every day."

 

Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:

 

“It’s great to see HMCTS join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. It follows in the footsteps of the Department of Work and Pensions and many local authorities, in offering help to people who need it. Not every disability is visible, so recognising the Sunflower will mean that people with non-visible disabilities can visit an HMCTS building and the support, patience, and understanding they need will be offered by staff who have received hidden disabilities training.”

 

Learn more about HM Courts and Tribunals by visiting their website.

 

Become a Sunflower Member in six easy steps

  1. Create a business account
  2. Choose and purchase a Sunflower membership
  3. Schedule an onboarding call with our dedicated support team*
  4. Train at least 80% of your workforce using our Sunflower training videos
  5. Choose and purchaseSunflower wearer and ally products
  6. Launch your business as Sunflower-friendly

*depends on  your Sunflower Membership level