2025-12-03
Connecting people with possibility: ISS celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025
ISS, a global leader in workplace experience and facility management, is proud to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities by reaffirming its commitment to put disability on the business leadership agenda — a pledge fully aligned with our core values of creating safe, inclusive workplaces for all.
As a proud member of The Valuable 500, a global collective uniting 500 influential business leaders and brands, we’ve worked to unlock the untapped value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide. At ISS, our inclusive pathways have opened doors for under-represented groups, fostering social progress through partnerships and belonging.
Today, ISS UK recognises the incredible work being led by Sidikie Kargbo, Operations Manager for a financial services customer based in Bromley, whose passion is transforming lives — at work and beyond.
Sidikie’s dedication to social mobility runs deep, having founded Project Dream, an independent charity he founded to support communities in his home country of Sierra Leone, where he lived before coming to the UK in 2000. As part of his role, Sidikie works in partnership with Bromley Mencap to support working opportunities for people living with disabilities, including hosting weekly education and employment workshops for disabled job seekers.
The initiative has carved bespoke roles matching operational needs with candidates’ strengths, often just a few hours weekly initially. New hires follow ISS’s standard recruitment, building skills with Bromley Mencap providing guidance and escorted shifts for smooth integration into the workplace.
Speaking of his commitment to supporting others, Sidikie said: “People think FM and disabilities don’t mix, but we just need a different lens. Our client at the London Borough of Bromley is incredibly passionate about reaching everyone in our local communities and we knew we could support this.”
The impact of the initiative has been transformative. For example, Joe started at 10 hours a week and now thrives full-time in catering. Harry, joining in October 2025, will train a new recruit in 2026. Lizzie’s mother shared: “You have no idea what you’ve done for her.” Adapted roles, like wheelchair-accessible grounds maintenance, have helped to ignite purpose and challenge stereotypes.
At ISS, our ambition is to be the world’s frontline FM employer. As such, we drive social mobility through inclusive innovation — values embodied by champions like Sidikie.
Rebecca Jeffs, Chief People Officer, ISS UK & Ireland, said: “Sidikie’s visionary leadership in partnering with Mencap has created life-changing opportunities for disabled colleagues in Bromley, embodying the empathy and innovation at the heart of ISS.
"As we champion inclusive employment today, initiatives like these reinforce our role in unlocking the untapped potential of people living with disabilities worldwide, driving both social progress and business value.”
- ENDS - For media enquiries: Jonny Bisby | jonny.bisby@uk.issworld.com | Tel: +44 (0) 7542 269 965 About ISS: ISS is a global leader in workplace experience and facilities management. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, and with more than 27,000 employees across the UK and Ireland alone, ISS provides innovative workplace solutions that contribute to better business performance aimed at making life easier, more productive, and enjoyable for all — delivered to high standards by people who care. Learn more at www.issworld.com.