CHAMPIONS IN LONDON
BBC - Najla El-Sharif BECTU
CWU - Michele Emerson CWU
CWU - Caroline Legg CWU
Royal Mail - James Logan CWU
CWU - Winston Richards CWU
Royal College of Nursing - Judy Morgan GMB
LB Islington - Mark Parr GMB
Cator Park School - Diana Bittner NASUWT
I discovered Disability Champions when I was sent a letter by my Union. I wanted to find out about my own disability and clarification about reasonable adjustments and to use my experience and knowledge to support others in a similar situation. More knowledge means to approach individual problems more confidently and with competence and thus improving the workplace for all.
- Helen O'Neill NASUWT
I first found out about this project through the equality briefings held by the NASUWT. Having become gradually more disabled through my working life, I can see and empathise with others who are struggling on. Although a mammoth task lies ahead, even small achievements can make a big difference.
HMRC - Jo Baxter PCS
I was diagnosed as a manic depressive in 2006. Following this I became more aware of the widespread nature of mental health issues, especially in the workplace. I was already a union rep and started to think about the connection of mental health with its perceived stigma to disciplinary procedures. I joined the E.D.E.N. network and from there found out about the course, which seemed the next logical step to becoming more knowledgable and therefore, more effective.
Department of Constitutional Affairs - Alistair Campbell PCS
The day after I attended the course I was speaking to a member. They have had a problem with their annual report. Standard union stuff or so I thought. As soon as we started talking I noticed that he had a chronic back problem. As I investigated it further it seems that he been put upon to carry on and they have made not attempt to change his job to make it fit his problem with sitting down for long periods of time. 1. I have informed him that we maybe able to sue for compensation as they have not carried out a risk assessment on him. 2. I asked him if an access to work advisor has helped him in anyway. He replied that he did not know what one was. As such I intend to try to get him another role within the department. Then get an access to work adviser to make sure the job fits the individual. I would not have been able to complete this is it had not been for the training course.
Metropolitan police - Ivy Davis PCS
Metropolitan police - Oluwatoyin Osemadewa PCS
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I found out about the project from the TUC website. My passion to be there for every mankind regardless of any disability, physical or hidden drove me to get involved.
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Department of Constitutional Affairs - Shaun Peare PCS
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Up to September of 2003 I was chair of the London & South Eastern Branch of the DCA (Department for Constitutional Affairs) Disability Network and then resigned the chair to take on the roles of communication officer and National Magazine editor (we have our own small newsletter/magazine within the Network). |
| As I am disabled myself I have been - and am - actively involved in many different disability related issues throughout the last 20 or so years ranging from simple access matters, through health & safety, to being consulted (as part of our Disability Network) on adjustments to newly constructed government buildings in order to comply with the various sections of the DDA. |
Metropolitan Police - Graham Reid PCS
I came across this project surfing the internet. Now I'm trained I hope I can assist colleagues at work.
Metropolitan Police - Mark Simkins PCS
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Hi, I'm Mark. I work at Stoke Newington Police Station in London. I'm a rep for PCS. I descovered Disability Champions whilst on another course and did my training at CONEL, the College of North East London. I hope to increase my knowlege and to help and assist my members in the workplace.
JobcentrePlus - Kay Smith PCS
As a DEA and Health and safety rep, I thought it would add to my knowledge and be a useful tool. I was right. We need more Champions in our places of work.
Public Guardianship Office - "AK" Turay PCS
I found out about Disability Champions from PCS Head Quarters. I became a Champion to broaden my horizon on disability issues, assist colleagues and understand the issues that clients faced, appreciate how these issues affect their lives. I am delighted to be involved in a project that helps people achieve their potential.
Metropolitan police - Paula Walsh-Thorburn PCS
SFO - Nick Stroud Prospect
London Underground - Tam Carr RMT
I'm a train driver and health and safety rep on
the Victoria line LUL, my interest in disability issues
started a few years ago. I've had numerous problems
myself, it all started with a right frozen shoulder
that was 7 years ago, so I started looking into musculo-skeletal injuries amongst train drivers also long term
back problems the results were frightening.
We average about 50 drivers a year being medically retired/terminated, shortly after recovering from the frozen shoulder, I began having problems with my left ulnar nerve, eventually received an operation to correct it, as I was recovering from that I then developed a left frozen shoulder and was off work for 9 months. While recovering from that I then began having problems with my right ulnar nerve and was off for a further 5 months during this time I then started developing carpal tunnel syndrome both hands. The doctors put me on restrictive medication, so I spent several months on restricted duties not being able to drive a train.
Network Rail - Ravi Gor RMT
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I am station officer working for Network Rail, based at London Euston. I am a learning rep for the TUC based @ Euston and have worked for the railway for umpteen years. My career started working with the Director of Health, as versatile health worker, working with people suffering tuberculosis leprosy. |
I love cricket, all different types of sports, making friends, learning various different cultures aswell as helping all human race with love & respect. I am an animal lover & throughout my life have been a vegetarian. I love travelling and exploring different parts of the globe.
I believe I am easy to get on with & am always helpful to any one & ready “to go extra mile”. I was selected as the best customer services champion ('you make the difference award'), by Network Rail for the year 2004 & won first place amongst the other best work. This year learning about disability is my work project for in-depth study.
“Live simply that others may simply live - you cant have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time”
Love - Respect
xPeacex
Virgin Trains - James Butler TSSA
Dagenham - Raymond Spiteri TSSA
I received an E-mail from my Union about this course and decided to take up the role. I am the: “disability champion for my TU Branch” Vice chair of TSSA’s national Disability Staff Network Group. chair of TFL’s Disability Staff Network Group I am also a visually impaired person with dyslexia. I have found the course to be rewarding and educational. I feel that I have learned a lot on this course.
London Underground - John Thompson TSSA
Lewisham College - Ricahard Campbell UCU
South Thames College - Darren O'Grady UCU
LB Merton - Scott Arlow Unison
Having spent 3/4 of my life as a wheelchair user, I'd never encountered 'real' discrimination until 3 years ago when I was treated extremely badly by my employer. Since then, I've become a union activist and fought to make sure that no-one else suffers the way I did.
Now, as Branch Chair, Disability Officer and Chair of the Disabled Employee's Forum, I think we're starting to win! a 37yr old Scotman-in-exile and happily living in un-married bliss with my missus
Scope - Bobbi Banks Unison
I found out about this through account management as a fundraiser of the DTI and the Disability Champions project. I feel strongly that disabled people in the workplace have the support they need in place to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Middlesex University - Ed Canney Unison
I found out about the project through DRC and Unison. As a disabled person, and a union activist, it seemed the right thing to do. I'm looking forward to ensuring disabled people are represented and supported in their workplace and elsewhere as required.
College of NE London - George Chrysostomou Unison
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Lambeth Local Government - Katrina Hoogendam Unison
I work in the London Borough of Lambeth as an Environmental Health Officer, specialising as a safety inspector( essentially the LA version of HSE). I am also the Unison Branch Safety Officer and sit on Unison's National Safety Committee - where I have raised questions on the linkage between HSWA and DDA. I became involved in looking at Disability Issues as part of my work as a safety inspector - investigating incidents and complaints involving employees and members of the public who had underlying medical conditions/disabilities.
This has translated into raising these issues with HSE and Unison and also setting up a Disability Steering Group in Lambeth Council. My partner is also actively involved in research at University College London in accessible infrastructure design. I spent 5 years as a carer for my father who had dementia, so have first hand knowledge of the problems that carers face every day while still trying to do a job, and I think this experience was a real eye-opener.
Enfield College - Dee Johns Unison
Unison Haringey Mental Health Branch - Karan Lindsay
I found out about this course whilst undertaking a Health & Safety course and did my training at the College of North East London. I became a Disability Champion through UNISON in order to raise awareness on disability issues and to help eliminate social barriers disabled workers face in their employment. My aim is to raise the profile of workers with disabilities throughout the workforce and to be a contact person through being a Disability Champion.
Westminster City Council - Eamon Maloney Unison
Thames Water - David McCluggage Unison
I found this course in a TUC brochure and got trained at CONEL. I want to promote the issues throughout the Union and the workplace. It's not going to be easy!
Haringey Council - Gerard McGrath Unison
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Disability in the workplace is a complex issue. In particular if your disability isn't visible but even when it is people react to you in a particular way and this needs to be challenged. I have been HIV+ for nearly 20 years now and I'm also diabetic.
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I have experienced discrimination through ignorance and prejudice and feel that awareness and education is the way forward. I am a shop steward at the Youth Offending Service in Haringey local government and also the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Convenor within the authority. Along with that I am a disabled representative member of the UNISON London regional LGBT committee
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Waltham Forest Council - Julia Poynter Unison
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As a Social Services Convenor I represent a lot of members with disabilities. I wanted training to ensure I am giving the members the right information and support so I can represent them well when dealing with management. I have already built up some knowledge through the representation I have done and have found the course work a bit basic so far but I think it will be helpful to clarify my role on a wider level i.e. how I represent the interests of members with a disability in terms of negotiating policies and procedures with management.
LB Southwark - Francesca Pratt Unison
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My name is Francesca Pratt. I am a UNISON member working for the London Borough of Southwark. I became a Champion because of barriers to disabled people in the work place. I am looking forward to my role and feel that positive change is always worth the effort. |
NHS London - Andy Young Unison
Metroline Travel - Steve Adams Unite
Tesco - Adam Bailey Unite
I work at the Tesco Distribution Centre in Purfleet, Essex. I am registered disabled and have had a lot of trouble at at work. The union helped me all the way. I just want to give back some of the help I received. I would like to think that a person isn't just a disability; they are people with a voice and would like to be heard!
Royal Mail - Russell Baker Unite
Guy's Hospital - Valarie Blackburn Unite
City of London - Colin Bull Unite
I am 47 years old and have a disabled brother who is 42 and a disabled niece who is 25, I have been involved in trade unions for almost 30 years and have held various positions with a number of different unions. I am currently full-time seconded Branch Secretary for the city of London (corporation) Unite, and have recently completed the course at Esher. I have first hand knowledge of disability through helping both my brother and my neice and would like to think that by Becoming a disabilities champion I can help colleagues to enjoy working for the City of London, and that it is a natural progression for me. My position as Branch Secretary should allow me both time and access to assist my disabled colleagues in any way I can.
Unite - Sarah Cook Unite
Unite full time officer
Unite - Siobhan Endean Unite
Unite full time officer
Metropolitan Police - Roger Eustace Unite
Unite - Eileen Francis Unite
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I wanted to become a Champions because we need to ensure that disabled people have a voice at work. |
Remploy - Naza Hashemzehi Unite
Royal Mail - Robin Jagai Unite
Scope - George Lamb Unite
I found out about the project through Disability Champions coordinator in the workplace – Margie Woodward. There are 17% disabled people working at Scope, and as a Works Council rep and Union rep, I regularly support staff with disabilities. It’s vital that organisations have in-depth knowledge of employing and retaining disabled people, and I wanted to build on this knowledge to represent staff in the best possible way. I have dyslexia, and have experienced discrimination particularly at the recruitment stage. As a manager, I have also supported staff through Access to Work issues, and this course will help all aspects of equality within the workplace. As there are many different impairments and many different options, solutions and reasonable adjustments, being a Disability Champion is a vital part of any organisation that is committed to achieving equality for disabled people. We have to be supportive, creative solution finders, tough negotiators, and available when needed.
St Mungo's - Doug Musgrove Unite
I am the Managers' Shop Union Convenor for St Mungo's and also Chair of our Disability Focus Group. I am really keen to help make a difference in breaking down the barriers to work that disabled people face. I am horrified that so many disabled people with work skills cannot obtain employment due to the prejudice of employers and able-bodied workers. Although I am actively promoting the DDA and working as best I can to ensure my employer and management comply with the legislation, there is much more I have to learn myself and much more I can do to encourage and support work colleagues who have a disability.
Edgware - Craig Nightingale Unite
I work on Scope's Disability Equality Training programme and also a project specifically set up to promote Disability Champions at Work. I became a Champion myself to support my work in the training department.
The PRS - Rajesh Punater Unite
Guide Dogs for the Blind - Nicholas Russell Unite
Unite National Disabled Members' Committee
Thames Valley Housing - Vincent Soloman Unite
Royal Mail - Ignatuis Suffren Unite
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NHS - Sally Tattersall Unite
Big Lottery Fund - Maria Thomson Unite
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I am HIV+ with current experience of working with a Deaf colleague and past experience of working with a blind colleague. In my experience, most employers are well-meaning, but not very clued-up as to how they can best support their disabled staff. Staff with disabilities, similarly, often have very little idea as to what rights they possess and in what way they can ask for help from their employers. |
| My aim in becoming a Disability Champion is to enable disabled staff in my workplace have someone they can talk to about any concerns they might have about their disabilities and the workplace. As I haven't undergone the training yet, it would be a bit premature to say anything, but I am really looking forward to it all. |
The Post Office - Dianne Tolley-Saunders Unite
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My name is Dianne Tolley-Saunders. I am an Unite Safety Rep working for the Post Office in Central London. I found out about the project at a CMA seminar chaired by Gail Cartmail.
I was brought up with a brother who was born blind, and a mother who was a double ampetee through diabetes and later in life developed dementia. My first thoughts were to make a difference through my job role as a H&S Rep.
Tesco - Anna Risveglia USDAW
A friend of mine told me about this project. I wanted to participate to help other people with impairments and promote Abilities not Dis-Abilities. Everyone has claimed their Rights in society and its about time people with impairments claim theirs!
ITS OUR RIGHT!
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