Dimensions Policy on COVID-19 Vaccinations

20 May 2022
An open letter from Rachael Dodgson, Dimensions Chief Executive to potential new colleagues regarding our policy on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dimensions Policy on COVID-19 Vaccinations

Hello,

I’m Rachael Dodgson, Chief Executive of the Dimensions group (which includes Dimensions UK, Dimensions Cymru, Discovery and Outreach 3Way). I’m delighted that you’re considering applying to work with us – there has never been a better time to join us.

We’re one of the leading not-for-profit providers of support for people with learning disabilities and/or autism in the country, and one of the UK’s ‘Best Workplaces’ accredited by the Great Place to Work Institute for the last 3 years in a row. We are in great shape to grasp the exciting opportunities ahead of us – and we’ll do this by remaining focused on our values and our overriding objective to provide great support. Whether you’re interested in joining us as a support worker or in a business support role, you can be sure that you would be making an important contribution to what we do – making a positive difference to people’s lives every day.

We are able to talk about emerging from the pandemic now because of the success of the vaccine roll-out in the UK. Covid-19 is in retreat because of the vaccine, and there is growing evidence that not only does vaccination protect the person having the jab, but also those around them. We work with people who are vulnerable to the virus, and take very seriously our duty of care both to them, our colleagues and our volunteers. We want all colleagues to be vaccinated and many of the people we support would not wish to be supported by someone unvaccinated.

However, government guidance in this area has recently changed. There is no longer a legal restriction preventing unvaccinated people from working in care, so we will not be enquiring as to your vaccination status when you apply to work at Dimensions.

Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective and they are undoubtedly helping keep people out of hospital and alive – that’s why we continue to support the vaccination programme and will continue to encourage colleagues and volunteers to be vaccinated.

Finally, I would like to assure you that, while we are not perfect, we are a friendly, dedicated and caring organisation – as our accreditation as a Great Place to Work would support. I hope you share our values and our vision for making better lives for more people – you will be very welcome as an employee or a volunteer, and will be making an important contribution to something that every day makes a positive difference in so many people’s lives.

Yours sincerely,

Rachael Dodgson, Dimensions Chief Executive