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
Booking your vaccination
From November 11th, all individuals working in registered care homes are required by law to be vaccinated unless clinically exempt.
If you're aged 16 or over, you can book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online.
If you're under 40, you'll only be shown appointments for the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
You can find out more about booking your vaccine via the NHS website.
How to provide evidence of your vaccination (COVID-Pass)
If you have been vaccinated by the NHS in England you may demonstrate your vaccination status using the NHS COVID Pass service via the following 3 routes:
A NHS appointment card cannot be used as proof of vaccination status.
Medical Exemptions
Some individuals are unable to be vaccinated and also, in some cases, tested for medical reasons. You can apply for proof that you have a medical exemption.
From 23rd December 2021 law will require anyone with a clinical exemption to provide evidence of this via the NHS COVID Pass. Visit the GOV website for more information.
In the meantime, the government have advised you can complete a Self-Certification form. If you are offered a position with us and have a clinical exemption, the Resourcing team will send you the self-certification form to complete.
Vaccinations administered abroad
If you have been fully vaccinated abroad, you may also use the Self-Certification form mentioned above. This is because it is not clinically appropriate for you to be vaccinated in the UK if you have already received a partial or full course of vaccination overseas. If you are offered a position with us and have a clinical exemption, the Resourcing team will send you the self-certification form to complete.
If you require further information or have any questions please contact our friendly Resourcing Team directly on 0300 303 9150 or email resourcing@dimensions-uk.org
