A new Leadership Programme to be delivered by Radar, the UK’s leading disability campaigning organisation, will help increase the number of disabled people in positions of leadership and influence around the UK.

In particular, the programme will target disabled people from black and minority ethnic communities, and is offering reserved places for these under-represented groups.

Designed to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions realise their leadership potential, the Programme will include Leadership Development Days where delegates will benefit from skills development sessions, personal coaching and information-sharing from experienced leaders who themselves experience disability.

As well as delivering leadership skills to individuals, Radar believes these Development Days can play a part in getting disabled people’s voices heard in public life.

Liz Sayce, Radar Chief Executive, said:

“Only 6.1% of people taking up public appointments experience ill health, injury or disability, compared to 20% in the wider population. Radar is supporting disabled people to find positions of influence in public life, so they can help lead and change the world they live in.”

Haji Saghir Alam OBE, a member of the Government’s Equality 2025 panel and leading expert in Human Rights and Diversity Issues, said:

“Disabled people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds can experience multiple discrimination and disadvantage. Radar’s Leadership Development Days will help aspiring leaders gain the skills and confidence to move forward with their leadership ambitions, whatever difficulties they face.”

The first Leadership Development Day will be held in Glasgow on Wednesday 12 November. Ian Bruce from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS) welcomed this, saying:

“I am looking forward to working with Radar on this programme, which comes at a time when we are actively seeking to increase the diversity of people who apply for and hold public appointments in Scotland.”

The subsequent Leadership Development Day will be held in Birmingham on Thursday 13 November. Clenton Farquharson, member of Equality 2025 and founding Director of Midlands-based social enterprise Gallant 2000, welcomed this, saying:

“Radar’s Leadership Day in Birmingham is a great opportunity for disabled people – particularly those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who sometimes need extra encouragement to come forward and express their interest in leadership. I hope many people from the Midlands will apply for this event.”

 

Anyone wishing to apply for a place on a Leadership Development Day can download an information pack and application form at www.radar.org.uk Alternatively, email Judith.Simpson@radar.org.uk