Annual Conference 2025

Disability inclusion: Business as usual?

Sponsored by Microlink.

Co-hosted by EBRD.

Sign language interpretation provider: Sorenson UK.

About

Thirty years ago, the first disability rights legislation in the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) came into force, followed 15 years later by the Equality Act 2010 and so by now, disability inclusion should be business as usual. 

But businesses and disabled people today find themselves today caught between “a rock and a hard place”: on the one hand, an anti-diversity and inclusion narrative, mainly from the USA but also closer to home, and on the other, increasing regulations and reporting requirements here in the UK and in Europe.

In the UK, 30 years on from the DDA the Disability Employment Gap remains at almost 30% and too often products and services are still not accessible to disabled customers. And, while progress has undoubtedly been made, making adjustments and knowing what is reasonable can be as challenging as ever for employers.  

New regulations are likely to require employers to collect more data including on the disability pay gap. The Government has announced both changes to welfare benefits and a drive to get more people off disability benefits and into work. But do employers have the knowledge and support they need to enable disabled employees to thrive in the workplace and will the regulations drive disability inclusion?

Beyond employment, businesses are increasingly seeking to attract disabled customers – the “Purple Pound”. Why are some businesses choosing to differentiate their brand in this way – is it a just return on investment or more? It is clear that we are in a time where leadership and strong voices championing inclusion are needed more than ever.

Join us to discuss these issues and more and to hear from disability inclusion leaders on what “business as usual” means today.

Featured sessions

Where are we now

Thirty years ago Business Disability Forum, or the Employers’ Forum on Disability, as we were then known, brought employers, policymakers and disabled people together to help shape the first disability rights legislation in the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. We said then, and say still, that social legislation is only effective if it is credible and workable for business, employers and disabled people. How do we focus, in these changing times, on what works and genuinely improves the lives of disabled people?

Speaker:

• Chair, Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum.

Rules and Regulations – soon to be business as usual?

Many new regulations (some likely and some maybe) will affect disabled people and employers. What is going to become business as usual in the near future, what is up for debate and how can you get involved and influence the debate and Government policy?

Speakers:

• Chair, Bela Gor, Director of Legal and Content, Business Disability Forum.
• Angela Matthews, Director of Public Policy and Research, Business Disability Forum.

What works? Making disability inclusion easy

The panel will address the most frequently asked questions of our advice service such as:

• Do we need a diagnosis of disability to make adjustments?
• Should we provide interview questions in advance?
• How do we deal with return to the office mandates?
• Should employees be allowed to bring their emotional support animals to work?

This session will cut through the noise with pragmatic best practice advice and take your questions on what really works.

Speakers:

• Chair, Natalie Leister, Head of Practice, Business Disability Forum.
• Chantel Emery, Senior Advice Service Advisor, Business Disability Forum.
• Fiona Daniel, CEO and Founder, FD2i.
• Dr Nasser Siabi OBE, Chief Executive, Microlink PC (UK) Ltd.

Business as usual – keeping Britain working

We talk to Sir Charlie Mayfield, who is leading the independent review investigating how government and businesses can work together to support disabled people into work, boost living standards and grow the economy as part of a Plan for Change. How will all the current proposals work together to help disabled people get and stay in work, and what further support is needed for employers and disabled people to keep Britain working?

Speakers:

• Chair, Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum.
• Sir Charlie Mayfield.

Disability Smart Showcase

Be inspired into action by hearing disability inclusion stories from businesses of all sizes. From living with life changing injuries after gladiatorial contests in Ancient Rome, to the challenges of a delayed train or difficult medical appointment. Hear how disabled people have always been and are still part of society and how inclusion should always be business as usual.

Speakers:

• Chair, Lucy Ruck, Taskforce Manager, Business Disability Forum.
• Caroline Bristow, Director, Cambridge School Classics.
• Sally Chalk, Chief Executive Officer, Signapse.
• Debbie Gorman, Associate, Health and Safety Adviser, EBRD.
• Esra Fanoscu, Managing Director, Corporate Services, EBRD.

Pursuing the Purple Pound

The Purple Pound or spending power of disabled people is estimated to be £274 billion each year in the UK alone. Businesses are actively seeking disabled customers by being inclusive, accessible and representative. Find out why they have chosen to differentiate their brand in this way and the challenges and lessons learnt along the way.

Speakers:

• Chair, Rebecca Hitchings, General Merchandise Director, Boots UK & ROI.
• AJ Nanayakkara, D&I Director – Disability Inclusion, LEGO Group.
• Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability & Accessibility, Nationwide Building Society.
• Georgina Colman, Founder and CEO, Purpl Discounts.

Stepping Up – Leadership in today’s challenging world

It is when times are challenging economically, and wars, actual and cultural rage, that leaders need to step and ensure that the most marginalised in society are not left behind.  Leaders in the inclusion and diversity space discuss how to stay resilient and kind and ensure that the inclusion of disabled people stays at the heart of what they do and is reflected in Government and Business strategies.

Speakers:

• Chair, Bela Gor, Director of Legal and Content, Business Disability Forum.
• Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum.
• Katy Talikowska, CEO, Valuable 500.
• Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive, Scope.
• John McCalla-Leacy, Head of Global ESG, KPMG International.

Meet the speakers

If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.