The Disability Trading Framework
The Disability Trading Framework is designed to open up supply chains to Disabled entrepreneurs and ensure that trading processes are fair and accessible to all.
Developed with partners across the economy it provides a set of guiding principles and actions for organisations to embed accessibility, equity and inclusion into their procurement processes.
Guiding Principles & Actions
-
Inclusive Procurement Practices
Organisations must actively involve Disabled entrepreneurs in the review and redesign of procurement systems. From portal accessibility to documentation and deadlines, the entire process must be evaluated through an inclusion lens. When systems are built with everyone in mind, everyone benefits.
-
Supplier Diversity and Inclusion
Including Disabled entrepreneurs in supplier diversity strategies is not optional, it is essential. Disabled entrepreneurs must be recognised alongside other underrepresented groups and integrated into the fabric of diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.
-
Internal Training and Awareness
Procurement and buying teams should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to work inclusively. Training on the barriers that Disabled business owners face, from digital accessibility to bias in selection processes, should be standard. A small shift in awareness can lead to significant changes in opportunity.
-
Promotion of Disability Inclusion
Visibility matters. Highlighting success stories, promoting good practice, and ensuring that procurement communications are inclusive sends a powerful signal to Disabled entrepreneurs: you are welcome here.
-
Inclusive Process Design
Disabled entrepreneurs should be involved in designing procurement processes, not just as participants but as partners. Their insight is vital to building systems that are not only inclusive, but effective.
-
Proactive Engagement and Support
Procurement teams should be actively engaging with Disabled founders, offering clear guidance, tailored support, and outreach that goes beyond standard portals and processes. Hosting meet-the-buyer events, one-to-one support sessions, and transparent feedback mechanisms can help break down barriers and build trust.
Why it's Needed
Opening procurement to Disabled entrepreneurs is about more than fairness; it is about unlocking untapped economic potential. These founders bring innovation, determination, and new perspectives. They are problem-solvers by necessity and opportunity-creators by nature. Yet they remain underrepresented in supply chains, missing from tender lists, and excluded by default systems that were not built with them in mind.
When Disabled business owners are excluded, society loses out; not only on economic growth, but on inclusion, innovation, and equality.
We must move from a reactive to a proactive approach, embedding disability inclusion at the heart of trading and procurement systems.
You can find out more about the Disability Trading Framework in Chapter 5 of the Lilac Review Final Report, including recommendations for Oraganisations & Buyers and Government.
