Severn Trent has been honoured for its diversity efforts, winning a flagship award.

The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) named the water company as the winner in the 'Large Employer of the Year' category for its work in hiring and supporting Ed Daly, a ranger with Down syndrome.

Mr Daly is the first person with Down syndrome to work in the conservation sector.

Read more: Worcester Christmas Fayre: Broad Street misses out on festivities

The company has said it is commitment to changing the fact that fewer than five per cent of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, despite 86 per cent of people in the bracket wanting a job.

Severn Trent collaborated with the Down's Syndrome Association's employment programme, WorkFit, to adapt its usual processes for Mr Daly.

The company removed the online application process, replacing it with an accessible informal interview and site tour, and provided two in-house work buddies, trained by WorkFit, to support Mr Daly in his role.

Alison Smith, diversity and inclusion lead at Severn Trent, said: "It’s an absolutely fantastic achievement to be recognised at the BASE awards, and testament to the hard work and passion by Ed’s manager and our HR team to help adjust and change processes.

"And Ed's contribution to the team is incredible.

"Diversity is ever-changing, and a company like ours, no matter how big, is always learning and adapting."

Alison Thwaite, WorkFit employment development manager, said: "Severn Trent have worked with our employment programme, WorkFit, to remove many of the barriers that our job seekers face by implementing reasonable adjustments in their recruitment process and providing a work buddy for Ed while he is doing his tasks.

"They have made Ed feel valued and respected in his job as ranger at Tittesworth Reservoir."

Mr Daly said: "I had a great time at the awards, and I am happy that the work we’ve done means other people feel like they have an opportunity for a job at a company like Severn Trent.

"I love my job.

"My favourite bit is teamwork, that suits me.

"I’m proud that hopefully my story encourages others to apply for jobs too."