As part of its agreement with the National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) – which ensures equal opportunities to its clients and employees, including people with disability – bank employees are to have equal opportunities to benefit from training, staff development and promotions irrespective of the disability they may have. Prior to recruiting new staff, HSBC will also consult the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) to check whether an existing disabled person has skills that match the job requirements for employment.
Through its ongoing refurbishment programme, HSBC will be ensuring that all branches are accessible to disabled people. New automated teller Machines (ATMs) will be accessible to wheelchair users and online services offered by the bank will be accessible to visually impaired customers.
Bank employees, particularly those who are in direct contact with customers, will receive disability awareness training to ensure that disabled people receive a respectful service.
The agreement was signed by Joseph M. Camilleri, chairperson of the National Commission Persons with Disability, and Sally J.L. Robson, Chief Technology and Services Officer of HSBC Malta.
“The agreement is an important step for HSBC Malta as it strengthens our commitment to offer an inclusive environment for all customers and employees who are experiencing different daily realities,” said Mrs Robson. “At HSBC, this is achieved through the creation of a culture that is free from bias and which involves every person, valuing each of his or her unique qualities. This is how we aim to offer a better quality of service to our customers and a better working environment to our employees.”
On his part, KNPD chair Joseph Camilleri commented, “KNPD welcomes this opportunity to collaborate once again with HSBC and it 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.”
Mrs Robson also announced that throughout Europe, HSBC declared October as Diversity Awareness Month. In Malta, events are being organised for employees and their families, which has already included the screening of the film 9 to 5 starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lilly Tomlin followed by a discussion on gender issues by an external panel. Later on, female employees will take part in a seminar to exchange best practices and career-related issues. October activities will wrap up with a visit and a talk on Islam at the mosque in Paola.