Progress Through Transparency
The case for mandatory disability employment and pay gap reporting
Institute of Directors, in collaboration with Disability@Work
Published 23 January 2025, this report sets out the case for introducing mandatory disability employment and pay-gap reporting as part of the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill. It explains why mandatory employment reporting would strengthen disability pay-gap transparency, how reporting could help address disability-related disadvantage, and proposes a hybrid metric and practical design for an effective reporting system.
The paper is aimed at business leaders and policymakers and draws together policy analysis and recommendations for employer practice, measurement and governance. It was produced to inform debate and to guide the design of reporting frameworks that could improve outcomes for disabled employees across sectors.
Following a soft launch in January 2025, the report was formally presented at the House of Lords, chaired by Lord Shinkwin, with contributions from Sir Stephen Timms MP, Deirdre Costigan MP, Jon Geldart (IoD Director General), and senior business leaders from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Benefex. The launch brought the report’s recommendations to the attention of MPs, Peers, and members of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, influencing parliamentary discussions and shaping employer thinking on disability inclusion across the UK.
My role
I was responsible for designing both the print-ready and digital versions of the Progress Through Transparency report, ensuring that each format met its specific requirements. The print version was prepared for the Parliamentary launch at the House of Lords, with careful attention to professional presentation and high-quality production. The digital version was designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that the report could be read and navigated easily by all audiences. Throughout the process, I collaborated closely with the IoD policy team and Disability@Work team to maintain clarity, readability, and visual consistency across both formats.
Process and execution
The design process for this report was straightforward and collaborative. I worked closely with the report’s author, alongside the IoD policy team, to refine the layout and ensure accuracy. Revisions were minimal and focused on fine-tuning for clarity and emphasis. Both the print and digital versions were completed ahead of the deadline, with the digital edition fully compliant with accessibility standards. The project was delivered smoothly, ready for both the high-profile Parliamentary launch and wider public distribution.
