Demonstrating commitment to social inclusion and equal opps on an application form?

wantsajob

Looking at applying for a job as a Library Assistant. One of the points in the person specification is...

KNOWLEDGE

Essential
• Understanding of and commitment to issues of Social Inclusion and equal opportunities

Would it be inappropriate to mention that I have a heightened awareness of equality issues due to having a disability myself, and social inclusion through being raised in a single-parent family with a non-working parent? I can't think of any other way to tackle this point.

Thanks in advance

Jarndyce

I think they'd be looking for some examples of how you have demonstrated that understanding - not just a statement that you understand for that reason. Having a disability does not in itself necessarily make someone automatically understand the concept of equality of opportunity, for example.

dandelionclock30

Definition of social inclusion
"Social inclusion is the inverse of social exclusion. It relates to the ability to fully participate in normal social activities, and engage in political and civic life. This term is often used to describe the process of combating social exclusion."

So basically you could say that your understanding of social inclusion was where all groups/individuals can participate in all aspects of society,social ,political, community etc.

You could say that you demonstrated committment to social inclusion when you used to help out a local youth club and you worked hard to engage youths who were very hard to reach on the estate by assisting with the set up of a motobike project which really motivated them etc.

Equal opportunities in where all groups/individuals are treated equally and not disciminated against on the basis of their age, gender,sexuality, race etc,.
An example of this would be that when you were in your previous job you were involved with a working group that arranged better disabled access for you building ie a ramp for wheelchairs and a disabled toilet on the ground floor etc.
Obviously you have to think of examples that are relevant to you.

wantsajob

Jarndyce wrote: »

I think they'd be looking for some examples of how you have demonstrated that understanding - not just a statement that you understand for that reason. Having a disability does not in itself necessarily make someone automatically understand the concept of equality of opportunity, for example.

It does give me an insight into how people with my condition tend to be treated by those around them, and in many cases this is not particularly positive - even if not done with intentional malice. Given that I'm probably more able than your average "normal" person, to stand back and evaluate how my behaviour might affect others - particularly where they may belong to particular groups such as those with disabilities.

An example of an example would help, but I get the feeling this is just going to prove that filling in application forms is all about being dishonest and the biggest liar gets the job.

Oldernotwiser

wantsajob wrote: »

It does give me an insight into how people with my condition tend to be treated by those around them, and in many cases this is not particularly positive - even if not done with intentional malice. Given that I'm probably more able than your average "normal" person, to stand back and evaluate how my behaviour might affect others - particularly where they may belong to particular groups such as those with disabilities.

An example of an example would help, but I get the feeling this is just going to prove that filling in application forms is all about being dishonest and the biggest liar gets the job.

I don't doubt that your personal experience gives you insights but, as Jarndyce said, you need to give examples rather than just make a statement. I don't really see how other people can give you examples that will be appropriate and honest to to your personal situation.

Hermia

wantsajob wrote: »

Looking at applying for a job as a Library Assistant. One of the points in the person specification is...

Would it be inappropriate to mention that I have a heightened awareness of equality issues due to having a disability myself, and social inclusion through being raised in a single-parent family with a non-working parent? I can't think of any other way to tackle this point.

Thanks in advance

You really do need to find some examples that aren't to do with your life. Have you no examples from previous jobs/voluntary work etc? Personal anecdotes are not really worth anything and there is a danger that you will look a bit 'poor me'. I work in a library and these issues are important in terms of working with a wide range of people and providing a service to a wide range of people. If you are really desperate you could talk about the ways libraries need to be aware of the needs of the disabled as an example (e.g. providing books and computer software for the visually impaired).