Staying in Work Through Support, Flexibility and Opportunity

When Helen joined Cornwall Council in 2020, she disclosed during the recruitment process that she was partially deaf. From the outset, the organisation worked with her to ensure the right support was in place, enabling her to start her new role with confidence and contribute fully from day one.

To support her hearing impairment, Cornwall Council provided specialist equipment, including a headset to improve communication and a smartphone that connected directly to her hearing aids. She was also introduced to accessibility tools and training, helping her make the most of features such as live captions during Microsoft Teams meetings. These adjustments enabled Helen to stay connected with colleagues, participate fully in meetings and carry out her role effectively.

Over time, Helen's health circumstances changed significantly following diagnoses of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. As the impact of these conditions grew, Cornwall Council arranged an Occupational Health assessment to identify the support she needed to remain in work and manage her symptoms.

Following the assessment, a range of practical adjustments were introduced. Flexible working arrangements allowed Helen to adapt her working hours around periods of increased pain and fatigue. Specialist equipment, including an ergonomic chair and sit-stand workstation, provided greater comfort while working from home. Access to wellbeing resources and self-help tools further supported her health and resilience.

At the time, Helen was working in a role that involved outdoor activity and community engagement. As her mobility became more limited, additional measures were put in place to ensure she could continue contributing safely and effectively. More physically demanding tasks, such as extensive walking or accessing difficult terrain, were

undertaken alongside colleagues, allowing her expertise and experience to remain a valuable part of the team.

Eventually, Occupational Health concluded that the role was becoming increasingly physical and might not be sustainable in the long term. Rather than viewing this as a barrier, Cornwall Council worked proactively with Helen to explore alternative opportunities within the organisation. Managers and HR provided support with updating her CV, applying for internal vacancies and identifying potential redeployment opportunities across different services. Creative solutions, including discussions around alternative career pathways, helped open new possibilities.

As a result, Helen successfully secured a new role within a different service area that was better suited to her changing needs. Today, she works primarily from home while continuing to deliver positive outcomes for Cornwall residents. When attending meetings and events, adjustments remain in place to support her participation, including access to seating and the use of a mobility scooter where appropriate.

Helen's journey demonstrates how the right support, delivered at the right time, can help talented people remain in meaningful employment despite changing health circumstances. Through reasonable adjustments, Occupational Health guidance, flexible working, specialist equipment and a commitment to career development, Cornwall Council enabled an experienced employee to continue thriving in work and contributing her skills to the organisation.

"The support I've received throughout my time at Cornwall Council has enabled me to continue working, adapt to changing circumstances and remain engaged in a role that suits both my skills and my health needs."