The ECB is an inclusive employer and therefore we aim to create a working environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to all colleagues. We believe diverse and inclusive teams create excellence, leading to a wider range of opinions, increased competence, more innovation, better risk and crisis management, better change management and the best possible results.
For this reason, the ECB has launched and signed a cross-institutional charter on equality, diversity and inclusion in collaboration with other institutions from the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). This means that we commit to a set of shared principles, common goals and concrete actions to embrace a culture based on equality, diversity, respect, dignity and inclusion.
As an independent European Union institution, the ECB has its own legal framework on social matters. This means that neither German labour law nor other national labour or social security law is applicable to ECB employees. However, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is applicable at the ECB.
To facilitate inclusion at work, the ECB provides “reasonable accommodation” to people with disabilities who request it. This includes, for example: adjustments during the recruitment process; provision or modification of equipment, technical aids or devices; reorganisation or reallocation of tasks, where possible; car vehicle adjustments to accommodate wheelchairs; flexible working arrangements.
The DiversAbility Network is the professional network for all ECB staff and their immediate family members with long-term health-related impairment - physical or mental, visible or not visible. The network’s membership is voluntary and includes allies of the DiversAbility network as well as people with a disability.
This traineeship was a pilot for neurodiverse graduates on the autism spectrum and launched in 2022 as part of our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive ECB workplace, also aiming at acquiring unique skills and competencies at the ECB.
At the ECB we strive to create a healthy work environment and working culture, hence the ECB has put in place a framework of services for persons with disabilities, visible or invisible, and implemented several initiatives.
We have 3 sights which have been adapted to the extent possible to be barrier free.
More information on disability at the ECB can be found in this Guide.
