ICS Partnership Wins National Disability Employment Award

This national award honours outstanding partnerships that drive sustainable employment outcomes for people with disability. The collaboration between CoAct/BUSY Ability and ICS Service Solutions was recognised for its innovative, inclusive, and person-centred approach to recruitment and workforce support in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and regional Queensland.

ICS and CoAct/BUSY Ability have worked together since July 2023 to create long-term, meaningful job opportunities for people with disability. The successful partnership has resulted in 32 per cent of ICS Queensland’s workforce now being made up of participants in Disability Employment Services (DES).

ICS Queensland’s State Manager, Glen Givens, has played a pivotal role in driving this success. Drawing from his own lived experience as a former disability employment coach, Glen transformed ICS Queensland’s recruitment and onboarding practices to ensure accessibility, flexibility and ongoing support for new staff.

“We’re not just hiring people with disability, we’re investing in their success,” said Mr Givens. “Working with CoAct/BUSY Ability has been a game-changer for our business, our culture and our community.” 

“This award reflects the dedication and collaboration that defines our partnership with ICS,” said CoAct CEO Simon Brown. “Together, we’ve broken down traditional barriers to employment and shown what’s possible when employers are committed to true inclusion.”

The partnership has not only achieved outstanding employment outcomes – including multiple long-term placements – but has also introduced tailored onboarding, role customisation, assistive technologies and supervisor training. Glen personally supports candidates with mock interviews, on-site coaching and tailored development plans.

Kelli Isaacs, Assistant Operations Manager at BUSY Ability accepted the joint award with Mr Givens. Ms Isaacs, who has played a key role in supporting ICS with their inclusive workforce goals, said Glen’s commitment to driving a genuinely great work environment for all staff was exceptional. “He truly leads from the front, making sure every employee feels welcomed, supported and empowered to succeed.”

The impact of ICS’s partnership with CoAct/BUSY Ability extends beyond job placements. ICS staff report improved morale, stronger team cohesion and a more inclusive workplace culture. Career advancement opportunities have also increased, with several employees progressing into leadership roles.

As the peak body for Australia’s disability employment sector, Disability Employment Australia (DEA) introduced their revamped awards program in 2024, aiming to recognise the sector’s leading role models. 

DEA’s Employer Partnership award is named in honour of Erin Carey, a trailblazing leader in the disability employment sector who passed away in 2024. Erin’s legacy lives on through this award, which celebrates employer collaborations that embody her values of inclusion, advocacy and innovation.

“Our work with ICS Queensland is exactly what Erin stood for – creating real opportunities that change lives,” said Mr Brown. “We’re honoured to receive this recognition in her name.”