Scottish Rugby has won a prestigious Scotland Employers Award, which recognises organisations that have excelled in recruiting and supporting people who have a learning disability.

The awards are run by the leading learning disability charity, ENABLE Scotland, and Scottish Rugby was nominated by way of its work with eighteen-year-old Jack Kennedy.

Photo: Jack Kennedy and Fiona Wilson with the award

Jack, who is now doing an MA in community coaching, helped Scottish Rugby’s events team on big match days. He explained: “I was invited back and made to feel part of a team that was involved in something special.”
 
The highlight of his involvement with Scottish Rugby, for Jack, was being accepted on to the MA course.

Jack, who is attached to the Murrayfield Wanderers club and plays for their senior team, said: “I go into local schools in the Tynecastle High School catchment area and deliver rugby sessions to them through PE classes and after-school clubs.  It’s brilliant.  I’ve learned a lot.”
 
Fiona Wilson, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Human Resources, welcomed the announcement which was made at a dinner in Glasgow.  She said: “We are thrilled to have been named the ENABLE Scotland Employer of the Year, but it’s not just about us as an employer, this award reflects the principles of rugby in Scotland which represents inclusion for all.”
 
Doreen Walkinshaw of ENABLE Scotland said: “I would like to congratulate Scottish Rugby on winning this award and commend them for the work they are doing to ensure people who have a learning disability have an equal opportunity to access employment and are supported in their job.  Paid employment enables people who have a learning disability to enjoy real economic and social participation in their communities. Companies like Scottish Rugby make this happen”.

This is the fourth annual Scotland Employers Award – previous winners have included Royal Mail and Co-operative Food.