University wins prestigious national award for Disability Inclusion

The University of Wolverhampton has been named Winner of the Outstanding Ability Network of the Year at the Employee Network Awards 2025, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 1 October.

The award recognises the transformative work of the University’s Disabled Staff Network (DSN), supported by the central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team, in advancing disability equality and creating lasting change across the institution.

The award was accepted by Dr Melanie Best, Senior EDI Staff Advisor (Disability) and former Co-chair of the Disabled Staff Network, together with Sukhvinder Singh, Associate Director of EDI, and former DSN Co-chairs Professor Megan Lawton and Julian Gwinnett. Their collective presence on stage reflected the continuity of leadership and commitment, past and present, that has enabled the DSN to thrive.

Competing against a formidable shortlist that included the BBC, Cisco, NEXT, Pfizer, and Vodafone, the University of Wolverhampton stood out as a national leader in disability inclusion, with judges recognising the depth and impact of its initiatives.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr Best said:

“We were honoured, humbled, and hugely surprised to be announced as the winner. This award is a testament to the dedication of our network members, the tireless support of the central EDI team, and the wider University community who continue to push for meaningful change. It’s a moment to celebrate, reflect, and refuel for the work still ahead.”

The Disabled Staff Network has already delivered a series of impactful initiatives, including the Disability Equality Action Plan, a Disability Leave policy, a Reasonable Adjustments Passport, and a sharing campaign to amplify disabled staff voices. Building on this success, the Network is now developing an advocacy programme and reviewing recruitment processes to better support neurodiverse candidates.

This national recognition not only celebrates the achievements of the DSN but also highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. With the central EDI team providing vital leadership and support, the University of Wolverhampton is setting a benchmark for disability inclusion across the higher education sector.

This landmark award affirms the University’s role as a trailblazer in creating a more inclusive and equitable future.