We are pleased to announce that Dr Ben Whitburn, Associate Professor, Southampton Education School, has replaced Richard Cartwright as Co-Chair of the Disability Equality Steering Group.
The co-chair is a key strategic role that actively demonstrates commitment and advocacy towards the principles of Disability Equality. The co-chair will draw on their lived-experience and subject matter expertise to further the ambitions of our work in this area.
Ben says:
“Disability is endemic within higher education and to our own community here at the University of Southampton. It’s a pleasure to join the team and to play my role in realising strategic ambitions to ensure we work better in support of the disabled community of staff and students.”
Wendy Appleby, Vice-President (Operations) and Chair of the Disability Steering Group says she is delighted to welcome Ben to the Group:
“Ben brings huge experience and expertise to this role and I’m delighted that his objectives, to further develop our work with a clear focus on listening and collaborating with our staff communities, perfectly align with the approach of our University strategy. I’m looking forward to working together with Ben as we begin to develop our new Disability Equality action plan.”
Look out for the March edition of Staff Matters when we will be talking to Ben about his life and his hopes for the future of the Disability Equality Steering Group.
For more information about Disability Equality please visit the ED&I SharePoint site.