Championing disability inclusion at Leonardo

Companies in the aerospace, security, and defence sector understand that diversity drives innovation and sustainability. Leonardo, as a leading member of this industry, exemplifies this commitment through its initiatives to support disability inclusion.

In the EU, 27% of the working age population – 101 million – have a disability. Yet, only 50.6% of persons with disabilities in the EU are employed, compared to 74.8% of persons without disabilities. This gap represents a significant opportunity for employers to tap into a vast pool of talent, bringing diverse perspectives and skills that are critical to the sector.

Leonardo’s initiatives to support disability inclusion

Leonardo is taking action to support disability inclusion, aligning with the broader aerospace, security, and defence industry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. Here are some of the key initiatives the company has implemented:

Disability Confident Level 2 Employer
As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, Leonardo guarantees an interview to any candidate with a disability who applies through the programme. This initiative ensures that disabled candidates are given a fair opportunity to demonstrate their skills and contribute to the industry.

Partnership with Business Disability Forum
Since August 2023, Leonardo has been a member of the Business Disability Forum. This partnership provides access to best-in-class resources and learning materials, empowering hiring managers and all employees to build disability-inclusive teams.

Training and development
Leonardo holds regular training sessions on topics related to disability inclusion, with a recent focus on neurodiversity in the workplace. Additionally, all colleagues have access to personal development plans and on-demand learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, ensuring continuous growth and development.

Mentoring and internal mobility
The company offers mentoring opportunities for all staff through an internal mentoring matching platform. Leonardo also promotes internal mobility by ensuring that employees can easily access and apply for internal vacancies, fostering career growth within the organisation.

Enable Network Group
Leonardo’s Enable network group plays a key role in supporting disabled and neurodivergent employees. It provides a safe space for individuals to raise concerns, share experiences, and advocate for change, ensuring that their voices are heard across the business.

Leonardo’s efforts are part of a broader industry-wide commitment to creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. To learn more about Leonardo’s approach to disability inclusion and its collaboration with partners like the Business Disability Forum, visit Leonardo’s Inclusion and Diversity pages.