HSBC Bank Malta plc, in collaboration with the National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD), has launched a series of disability awareness workshops for staff, as part of the activities marking “National Disability Week”.

The aim of these workshops is to improve employees’ understanding on how to provide a better service for customers with disabilities, particularly when they are in the bank’s branches, as well as to gain insight into some of the issues faced by disabled people in general. The workshops involve two or three people with disabilities, who focus on their experiences as customers and how they might be better served in the future.

“These workshops are an example of HSBC’s commitment to diversity. While HSBC has tried to offer disabled customers the best possible service, these workshops focus staff on becoming more aware of the different needs of our customers,” said HSBC Malta’s chief operating officer, Mr Martin Wilkins.

“KNPD welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with HSBC and urges other companies in the private sector to follow suit.

“The aim is always to improve awareness of the potential of disabled people as employees, as well as their value as customers. Much prejudice can be overcome when disabled and non-disabled people are given the opportunity to dialogue in a relaxed and informed atmosphere,” said Joe Camilleri, chair, KNPD.