Presentations

View All Presentations

Accessing Hidden Talent: Practical Disability Employment

This breakout session explores how disability employment can be leveraged as a strategic workforce solution, rather than just a diversity initiative. Drawing from my experience in launching an award-winning Disability Employment Program (DEP) for McDonald’s Toowoomba Region, I’ll share actionable insights and proven strategies to address labour shortages while fostering an inclusive workplace.

Key takeaways include:

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: How to use regional employment data to frame disability employment as a business imperative.
  • Breaking Down Myths: Addressing common leadership concerns around workplace adjustments and health and safety.
  • Leadership Buy-In: Proven strategies to pitch disability employment programs to executives, highlighting operational and financial benefits.
  • Suitability Assessment: Ensuring candidates are matched to roles that align with their skills and capabilities, while maintaining safety and productivity.
  • Collaboration Across Industries: Lessons learned from engaging with regional stakeholders, including councils, health services, and educational institutions, to shape inclusive employment strategies.

This session will demonstrate how disability employment provides a reliable, untapped talent source and equips businesses with the tools to integrate it into their workforce planning. By focusing on practical, fact-based solutions, participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to unlock the hidden potential in their communities, driving both business success and meaningful social impact.

Presenters

Joshua Bamford

Joshua Bamford

Human Resources Director, M&H Ward Group

Joshua Bamford is an award-winning Disability Employment Advocate and the Chair of the Darling Downs Disability Employment Taskforce (DET), the first initiative of its kind within the WorkForce Australia contract. Through his advocacy, Joshua successfully lobbied to have employment for people with disabilities (PwD) listed as a priority for the WorkForce Australia Local Jobs Program, culminating in the creation of the taskforce in Q4 of 2024.

As the Human Resources Director for the M&H Ward Group, Joshua oversees seven McDonald’s restaurants across the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Region, managing a workforce of over 600 employees. Despite living with double deficit dyslexia and short-term memory loss, Joshua has leveraged these experiences to thrive in leadership roles over the past 15 years.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, Joshua developed an award-winning disability employment program that has garnered four separate awards and successfully placed over 50 individuals with disabilities into meaningful roles within McDonald’s. He is also a recognised leader in innovative recruitment programs, having established initiatives such as the Mature Age Employment Program and the First Nations Employment Program.

In addition to his contributions within McDonald’s, Joshua is a permanent member of the Local Jobs and Skills Board, where he works closely with business stakeholders to develop alternative employment programs. The board’s work is instrumental in shaping policies reported directly to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Driven by a vision of inclusive practices that transcend tokenism, Joshua is committed to fostering meaningful opportunities and cultivating the next generation of leaders in the Australian workforce.