HI readers, it’s Emily and William here, with our friend Richard.

He is one of the few people with learning disabilities in England to have a job. Only 6% of people with learning disabilities have a job in England, though nearly 70% want one! We want to find out more about his job at Dorset Council.

So Richard, what do you do at the Council? I do a number of things. I am Co-Chair of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, which aims to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities in the Dorset Council area. I sit on the Shared Lives panel and sometimes I help the transport teams, like with a survey or consultation. I also help with the Easy Read pages. I used to be a Quality Checker for People First Dorset so use this experience to support the council develop their quality checker service.

Why did you choose to work for the council? I didn’t! They chose me after I applied for the job! I accepted because I want to help people with learning disabilities improve their lives.

Do you enjoy your job? Yes I do. I like the people there. There have been many changes in the last few years and my colleagues are supportive, especially when I need extra support with my role.

What else do you do? I am a trustee of People First Dorset, helping oversee the governance of the charity. It’s a board of professional and very good trustees, and even includes two of my ex bosses at the council, Debbie and Paul!

I like both my jobs and although sometimes the work can be difficult, I like the variety. If you are a boss and reading this, maybe you could employ someone with a learning disability?

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset