Pioneering disability inclusion receives dual national recognition amidst vital research findings

Building on its recent success, the University of Wolverhampton's Disabled Staff Network (DSN) has once again achieved significant national recognition, securing a double shortlisting at the prestigious Employee Network Awards. This follows the DSN's 'Highly Commended' honour for 'Outstanding Ability Network' at the British Diversity Awards.

The DSN has been nominated in the highly competitive category of 'Outstanding Ability Network of the Year' at the Employee Network Awards, with co-chairs eagerly anticipating the London ceremony in October. This recognition underscores the DSN's crucial role in tackling deep-rooted challenges faced by disabled staff in Higher Education, which a recent study by Dr Melanie Best, Senior Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Staff Advisor (Disability) and Co-chair Disabled Staff Network, at the University of Wolverhampton, involving 26 staff questionnaires and 15 in-depth interviews, has brought into sharp focus.

The study revealed that disabled staff are vastly under-represented in HE – for instance, while 22% of working-age adults have an impairment, only 7.2% of HE staff declared one in 2022/23. The research further highlighted a "double jeopardy" for disabled women, facing unique barriers to career progression and under-representation in senior roles. Key themes emerged, including the "risk of disclosure" for those fearing stigma or career impact, "stoppers to seniority" limiting advancement, the inconsistency of support known as the "line manager lottery," and the critical need for "action over policy." Many reported feeling compelled to "mask" invisible disabilities, fearing they might be perceived as less productive or face "imposter syndrome."

Dr Melanie Best, commented on the significance of these nominations: "These nominations are a testament to the work of the DSN co-chairs, central EDI team, and wider disabled community, in pushing the agenda forwards on disability inclusion. We want to advocate for the rights of our disabled staff and set an example to the wider sector about how disabled staff can be better championed. It is a journey, and we still have a long way to go, but it is great for the work to be recognised. It is an honour just to receive a nomination."

Further cementing the University's leadership in disability inclusion, Melanie will also be at the awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of RIDE Higher (Realising the Inclusion of Disabled Employees in Higher Education). As part of NADSN (the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks), RIDE Higher, which Melanie helps to lead in its sector-wide work, has been shortlisted for 'Best Network Initiative of the Year.' Their work, informed by the Affirmation Model of disability, champions a positive disabled identity and advocates for concrete changes like flexible working practices, enhanced line manager training, and supportive disability leave, aiming to alter perceptions of what an 'academic' or 'leader' can be.

These dual short listings underscore the University of Wolverhampton's steadfast commitment to fostering a truly inclusive environment for its staff and setting a benchmark for disability advocacy within the higher education sector, grounded in robust research and lived experience.

For further insight into the lived experiences of disabled staff within Universities, the full paper written by Dr Melane Best is available at:  How inclusive is higher education for female disabled staff? Stigmas & stoppers