MAX Solutions recognised by NESA for pioneering work to boost disability employment

MAX Solutions’ pioneering work with Collins Foods Limited, the operator of KFC and Sizzler restaurant chains, has been recognised in this year’s National Employment Services Awards (NESA). 

MAX was praised for its partnership with Collins Foods to support the longer term needs of workers with disability, and for creating a cultural shift among the company’s restaurant managers towards people with disability. 

KFC workers with disability were in the past offered initial support to learn their role but do not have access to an advocate or support person to improve their safety or work effectiveness. 

A team of allied health professionals from MAX Solutions worked closely with KFC to conduct workplace assessments, review the safety of workers in their roles and to consider adjustments or modifications to maintain employment safety. 

In one case, KFC was able to retain an employee with learning disability who previously struggled to keep pace with work during busy periods. The employee received extra support, safety training and checklists to increase her customer focus, and help her undertake food prep, cleaning and maintenance tasks. 

During the assessment periods, Collins Foods strengthened its partnership with MAX Solutions – which led to MAX becoming KFC’s provider of choice for recruitment. The collaboration was recognised as a finalist under the 'Innovation in Disability Employment' category.

As a result, KFC has increased the number of employees with disability and Collins Foods is looking at opportunities to grow a diverse workforce across its other businesses in the future.