Find the Disability Champions

CHAMPIONS IN YORKSHIRE

Barnsley - Mick Dunlavey CWU
I want to share my experience of being a CWU Official for 20years, plus being a TUC accredited Tutor. I have also experience of representing members and their families at DSS/DWP tribunals. It is important that this project continues to grow in strength.

Barnsley - Paul McQueen Unison

Beverley - Angela Pickering Unison

My name is Angela Pickering, I am a Human Resources Officer at East Riding College, based at our Beverley site. I Came on the course to help the college gain the two ticks award and also to assist in my job.

Beverley - Kevin "KC" Jones PCS

I became a Champion to assist members with disabilities and to improve my skill and knowledge on the issues that affect them in the workplace. I’m open minded about the role at the moment however ask me again at the end of the course.

Bradford - Mick Gledhill CWU

email me

I am 48 years old and have worked in Royal Mail for over 31 years. I have been a member of the CWU, UCW and UPW for the same length of time but only active for around 12 years. I believe in lifelong learning and this coupled with a desire to be better able to represent members with disabilities has influenced my decision to become a Disability Champion at Work.

I have some experience of disabilities working in a manual handling intensive industry where increasing demands are being made of my members. More and more these days people are being made ill by their work and if they are not properly represented they will be insidiously disposed of by the employer in favour of an ‘industrial athlete’! The types of ill health conditions are not of course limited to physiological and mental illness is a growing problem in the workplace whether it be ‘stress’ or clinical depression or even PTSD in one case. I hope to be able to make a positive contribution to disability issues both inside and outside the workplace.

Bradford - Chris Grayston UCU
I Haven't become a Champion yet, awaiting the go-ahead from management (dependent on being given time off for duties!) Excellent project but can't yet see how I am going to get management to "buy" it.

Bradford - Michele McCartan UCU

Bradford - Terry Morris Unite
In 1994 I went to work Production Manager in reality I came back 1996/7. I collapsed at work and split my skull in two. I cant remember being hospital and very little from the first year. I was Unable to read write or hold conversation after accident

Eventually I found help with HEADWAY head injuries. I wrote published articles on my recovery for HEADWAY & MSF WORKS made front page. I started my recovery through time & effort plus education Passed after 3 attempts the RHS general professional exams (horticulture). I returned to work @ B&Q 1999 from their I stared teaching horticulture (higher Education) and progressed to BRADFORD college were I teach disaffected students with learning difficulties. I have just passed? my sub degree Cert Ed in education.

My union involvement is difficult my own membership is in disarray I pay direct debit. I attend E/Opps at Manchester where I have organised speakers hopefully gave constructive help. I learned hands on how discrimination effects disability. this could be your disability causing problems with family. I look at disability by viewing the whole picture and not just the person.

Bradford - Susie Mwasambili CWU

Bradford - Rosie Pickard Unison
I work for Yorkshire Water and am doing my course with East Riding College online. I found out about it via other Disability Champions and my union. I believe in removing barriers for disabled people - there's a lot to cover!

Bradford - Robin Shackleton GMB
I have faced my own problems due to my disability and I am damned if I will let them do the same to others. I'm Itching to get at them! We have a staff disability group and a lot of disabled people who are mighty angry

Bradford - Alan James Woodhouse USDAW
I became a Champion because I am disabled and have insight into how difficult it can be to find employment! It's important for disabled people to be diplomatic and forgiving of the weaknesses of so called nondisabled people, we need to continue learning keep active and fight with compassion in our hearts. read bible john 9,1-3

Brighouse - Peter May GMB
I came across the project via a Union Education Officer. I got involved to increase my awareness of disability issues and pass information to work colleagues. I'm willing to learn and exchange views with other students

Brough - Rob Hayes Unite

Cottingham - Valerie Davies GMB

Although I have been requesting for some considerable time at branch meetings, courses that would give validity to union reps wishing to pursue equality issues I was not made aware of the existence of this course until our branch meeting in February this year when the information about this course was brought up in correspondence.

I became a Disability Champion because society had forced me to hide and make excuses for my own disability (Vision impairment)for most of my life because the medical model was the only accepted view of a disability. This meant that declaring a disability would only produce more barriers rather than remove them. If by being a Disability Champion I can help another human being to avoid the stigma indignity humiliation and exclusion placed upon them by having a disability then I will have demonstrated why I became a Disability Champion. This role should not have to exist in a caring society.

Cottingham - David Jackson Unison

Working for East Riding College as the Work Based Learning Placement and Health & Safety Officer is a very varied role. Much of the time I’m advising employers of apprentices on all types of issues which can now include those areas covered by the role of a ‘Disability Champion’. My personal interest comes from my Mother who is now wheelchair bound and oxygen dependant with severe emphysema, through many years as a smoker.

Doncaster - Kev Boswell POA
I am disabled myself, and believe that this issue is not taken seriously in the Prison Service. I believe that other members should be able to visit other industries to find out and see what they have done to help disabled staff

Doncaster - Keith Davis Unite
I have worked with people with all different abilities and people who have disabilities at work need to have their working environment adapted to meet their needs. I want to look at the way health and safety issues impact on disabled workers.

Doncaster - Mark Gough Unite
I'm Mark, I work at Peglar Ltd. I came on the course to help more people within the work place - It could be a lot more complicated to implement than first thought!

Doncaster - Alan Long Unite
I hope this course will enable me to help those who might need it, and to learn who that might be.

Driffield - Paul Brereton PCS

email me

I had been a member of my PCS Branch Committee and also have been the Branch Chairperson. I was diagnosed with Diabetes 1993 which has had an adverse affect on my work. My work on the Branch committee has lapsed over the years because of my personal situation.

However, the MoD set up Disability Network Groups and I am the Chairperson for Catterick and the North East. When my secretary asked if I would like to do the Disability Champions Course this gave me the impetuous to become active again in my Union.

I am looking forward to helping those who have a disability and assist them with any problems that may present themselves in the workplace. The Disability Champions Course is well worth attending. It gives you a lot of insight into disability issues. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Driffield - Michelle Robb GMB

Filey - Gordon Hines Unison

Goole - Paul Turner Unite

Heckmondwike - John Hegney PCS
I work for the Driving Standards Agency. I am the vice chair for the awareness disability access group for the DSA. i am also a member on the disability equality scheme.

Huddersfield - Stephen Collins Unison

email me	As yet I have not had any experience of representing disabled members but I am disabled myself so I know a lot of the issue/problems and I feel that will help me be very understanding. I work as an automated data capture service manager for Huddersfield south and central primary care NHS Trust, I have worked for the NHS for 12 year.
I am married to a one in a million lady and have a Beautiful daughter & a mad dog called Chip

Hull - Graham Anderson Unite

email me	My name is Graham Anderson. I recently became a shop steward and safety rep at BAE Systems, Brough. I didn't fully understand the problems disabled people faced until my wife was diagnosed with MS in 2002, then encountered the many problems associated with a disability.
Becoming a disability champion gives me a chance to ensure that fairness is given at the workplace, and to highlight any issues or concerns that may occur.

Hull - Kevin Archer NAPO

email me

I discovered this project in an internal e-mail circulated to members of the disability focus group. I'm a Union health & safety rep and a member of Humberside Probations' disability focus group. I've always had an interest in all things equality and I believe that for too long equality in the workplace for employees with any form of disability has only been paid lip service.

I wanted to become a "champion" because If I can, no matter how small, make a valid contribution to raising the profile of this issue and along the way help fellow colleges to fulfil their potential then I'll be happy. The first thoughts I have are that the training is going to be an "eye opener". I think it will be interesting and valuable and I'm looking forward to getting on with the job once trained

Hull - Rachael Balcombe Unison

email me

I became a Champion after the National Probation Service Health & Safety Officer approached me to be a representative for our Grimsby Field Office. With the work I do in the field office it seemed appropriate to extend the work I do as a Display Screen Equipment assessor and as the responsible person for building inductions.

I’m hoping that I will be able to represent staff with DDA related issues in a positive manner and hopefully achieve a satisfactory working environment.

Hull - Craig Barlow Unison

email me	My name is Craig Barlow. I am a Unison rep at Ings Road housing office in Hull. I found out about Disability Champions whilst I was on a previous course at East Riding College.
By becoming a Champion I hope to gain more understanding, to give support to disabled colleagues and make managers aware of what problems are present and what can be done to resolve them.

Hull - Linda Bloye Unite

Hull - Barry Burgin Unite

email me	I have very little experience of representing disabled members. Hopefully the course will equip me with the skills and knowledge to help my disabled colleagues.

Hull - Martyn Butler GMB

Hull - Dennis Buttle Unison
After listening to a very good lecture on the merits of becoming a disability champion, it spurred me on to do something which I have been contemplating for sometime but did not know how to proceed. There does not seem to be many disability champions within the Hull city council, so by joining I hope I can contribute to a better future for the disabled in the workforce

Hull - Maddy Charnock-Neal POA

Hull - Mike Clark Unite

email me

Hull - Kevin Cobb NAPO

email me

I have worked for the Probation Service for 11 years and i have gained a lot of training and experience from the service. I am a very keen sportsman and i have represented my home town for football and rugby in my early years. But unfortunately in the early 90,s i fractured my skull in a sports injury and i suffered a haemorrhage .

I was off work for 6 months but was unable to continue with any competitive sports commitments. The same year a very close friend of mine was also disabled because of a sports accident. So when i was approached 4 years ago to become a member of a disability group that was going to be formed i jumped at the chance.Since been a member in 2002 i have now become the chairman of the group. I'm hoping the Disability Champions will give me a better insight into disability matters and related issues. As a union representative I'm hoping i can pass on relevant information to my work colleagues and clear any problems they might have.

Hull - Denise Hempstock GMB
In April 2007, a new Limited company was formed and 85% of our staff were TUPEd across with the Council’s terms, conditions and policies. Any adjustments for disabled employees tend to come via H&S requests. Although,the Company would adhere to their duties under the DDA and equality of opportunity. There however does not appear to be any positive promotion of Equal Opps. The personnel team would have overall responsibility for disability issues. We have only 3 (company recognised) union reps with combined H&S responsibilities. We do not have any Disability Champions at present. I am currently undertaking H&S and EO training in an aim to promote and improve these aspects within the company.

Hull - Lorraine Hermann Unison

I found out about the course from the TUC Studies Centre Brochure. I have a disability myself and have required adjustments and specialist equipment with help from Access to Work. I feel that my experiences and knowledge gained could be of benefit to my colleagues and management. My first thoughts are that I could "make a difference".

Hull - Janet Ho NATFHE

Hull - Gary Howman PCS

email me

I work for HM Revenue & Customs. I have been a Health & Safety Rep for the last 3 years trained to TUC Certificate and NEBOSH Certificate Standard. I am currently a manager of 11 staff, 3 of whom have disabilities. I see the course helping me as both a rep and a manager.

Hull - Charlotte Jones Unison

Hull - Tadeusz Krawczyk Unison
There was no Disibility Champion at my place of work and I wished to remedy that matter. I have been a Union Rep for only a matter of months and have never had any dealings with disabled persons, so I have a great deal to learn. Also, I have never been involved in e learning and am looking forward to completing the course and getting to know my fellow students.

Hull - Grant Keable PCS

I found out about this project Via Gary Howman, a disability champion for PCS in the my workplace I wanted to take it up to assist and benefit disabled colleagues to get equal opportunities at work. The course is presently exceeding my expectations and I'm finding it is providing some very useful and practical knowledge

Hull - Sue Keene PCS

As well as being a PCS member, my role at HMP Hull is Disability Liaison Officer, dealing with disability queries from prisoners and visitors, as well as staff. Being a Disability Champion will equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to help in this role, as well as with helping my fellow PCS members.

There's a lot to learn, but I feel confident that at the end of this course I will be able to provide all necessary help and information to disabled people in my workplace.

Hull - Brendon Kirkpatrick PCS

...

Hull - Glen Lowther PCS

We have a disability champion at work already , but we still need cover when he's away, also I want to up my personal skill level as a active T.U rep when dealing with personal cases. Bring it on!!!!

Hull - Malcolm Macqualter USDAW

Hull - Leroy Naylor NAPO

email me

Hull - Tracy Nellist Unison

Hull - Sean Paterson POA

I was contacted by manager at work after he had seen this site and made enquiries about the course. I want to provide a better service to members with disabilities and help formulate policy alongside the Prison management team. I've found invaluable information. ANYONE representing ANYBODY should do this course. Not having disabled members doesn't mean you won't in the future! Become a Champion and support this initiative.

Hull - Roy Spindley UNISON

email me

Hull - Jane Turner GMB

email me	I have worked at BAE Systems for 17 years, I work for the Site Facilities Department, in the Estates Maintenance Section. In my role as a Disability Champion I will be identifying and implementing any necessary changes across the Brough site to benefit the user(s), also ensuring that the company complies with all aspects of the DDA.

Hull - Estelle Waddington Unison

I work for East Riding College in Beverley. I work in the Finance department. One of the main reasons in becoming a Disability Champion is to learn more about obtaining funding for equipment for present disabled colleagues, and not forgetting of course, disabled colleagues of the future.

Hull - Mick Walters Unite

email me	My name is Mike Walters, I have been a Union rep/Safety rep at BAE Systems on and off for a number of years. My experience on issues of disability are pretty limited at the moment. I hope that, on completion of the Disability Champions course and the knowledge I gain, I can get involved more and be a signpost for any issues that arise on the Brough site.
My wife has MS and is a member of that Society, so I have a ready made fountain of knowledge at home. My main interests are Rugby (Hull FC ), walking and travel.

Hull - Judith Wheat Unison

...

Hull - Linda Whitton Unison

Leeds - Mick Bond Unite
My Name is Mick, I’m a full time officer for the Unite. I have just developed a disability but I have always been keen to have the issue of disabilities on the industrial and political agenda. It needs to be a higher focus than I believe it is now so anything I can do to help that then I am more than willing to get involved. Let’s raise the profile of disabilities and start to look people’s abilities and not just the disability

Leeds - John Botterill UCU

Leeds - Amanda Brown USDAW

I found out about this course on the TUC website. My aunty is disabled and I looked at it in a different light and thought to myself I need to understand and know more about disabilities.

Leeds - Karan Brown Unite

Leeds - Trevor Cave ACM

Leeds - Linda Forbes Unite
I want to learn more and be able to be off benefit to members that require assistance/ make the workplace a better place for all staff.

Leeds - Tony Lee Unite
Unite National Disabled Members' Committee

Leeds - Arnold Maiden Unison
I work with disabled students and, to a limited extent, disabled members of staff. I do not feel that disability employment policies in the UK are anywhere near enough well developed and often follow a medical rather than social model of disability. I feel it is time for a change. The project sounds interesting but need to know more

Leeds - Gilly Margrave Unison

Leeds - Alex Morefield Unite

Leeds - Rosie Pickard Unison

Leeds - Glen Pickersgill Unison
I work for Leeds City Council. I want to be more effective in representing my members that have disabilities. My first thoughts are that i would like to engage my knowledge further on disability issues

Leeds - Graham Rough Unite
found out about the course from the booklet that the college publishes.However, the course did not run so i will hopefully take part in the unite run course in Esher. We have five union reps on site but did not have a champion. It is of interest to me so i thats the reason. I would like to negoiate with the help of the other reps a disability leave policy for members.

Leeds - Anne Szecepanska Unison

Leeds - Helen Tebb Unite
I attended the first Newcastle conference then did my course via distance learning as a pilot. I am the Equalities officer for my Branch and have a special interest in disabilities as my husband is disabled.

Leeds - Linda Roy CWU
I am a TUC accredited Tutor heard about the course through the network. I became a Disability Champion because I want to improve the working environment for my members who have disabilities. I believe communication and education have a very important part to play in raising awareness.

Leeds - Anne Szecepanska Unison

Leeds - Gary Wilson POA
I applied for the course through the website because I feel that employers in general do not understand the needs of disabled people or are affraid to ask or address issues surrounding disability. I want to be able to dismiss some of the myths as suspissions that surround disabled people.

Mansfield - Alan Bell Unison
I came across this role through the Web pages of the TUC. I signed up because I care. I the fact I work with people with people who have a disability, in my job role. Good luck to everyone taking the course.

Mansfield - Nick Townsend PCS
I believe that legislation is pointless unless workers have enough knowledge to know when that legislation is being breached. The Disability Discrimination Act is far from perfect. What will make it effective is workers making challenges, through legal channels if necessary, to develop case law and set precedents. I thought I was very knowledgable about the DDA but I learn something new in every activity during the course.

Rotherham - Derek Kennedy CommUnite

email me

I am a project officer employed by Steel Partnership Training delivering a national ULF funded project - ISTC Lifelong Learning Support Network, based in Rotherham. I joined the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) during my employment in a plastic's factory, as a Branch Official I highlighted the issues surrounding dyslexia and implemented a dyslexia awareness campaign.

This highlighted working practices that were creating barriers to learning and promotional inspirations of the workforce. Since discovering that I have strains of dyslexia at the age of 45 on returning to education, I have since progressed to a level of knowledge on dyslexia issues to deliver dyslexia awareness presentations to ISTC members and colleagues within Steel Partnership Training. My hobbies are Rugby Union and watching Rotherham RUFC

Scarborough - Ian Brown Unison

Scarborough - Andrea Collier GMB

Dave Parr came on the health and safety course and told us all about the project. I came on the course so i can help all my colleagues at work so they don't get discrimated against and also to learn about different disabilities. I would like to go back to work and make our workplace better for disabled people to work there.

Sheffield - Clare Butcher Unison
Another UNISON steward at Sheffield Homes took the course and I though it would be very useful. I got involved to give me more knowledge and support disabled members better. I think that employers, not only my own, dont fully understand their obligations to disabled members!

Sheffield - Shelagh Carter GMB
I work with adults with learning disabilities and I am a shop steward who's members work within the councils disability services both learning and physical disabilities. My husband died from motor neurone disease and I spent many years caring for him so I have good knowledge of the barriers faced by disabled people in day to day living.

Sheffield - George Grannon USDAW

Sheffield - Tracey Hague Unison
A a newly appointed disability officer I wanted to get to know more about disability etc so I phone the TUC and got on the course.

Sheffield - Liam Flynn PCS

Sheffield - Andrew Kiplinge CWU
I was advised by a area rep to take the course. I want to try and dispel the old image that disabled people cannot hold down a job and become/remain a valuable member of the work force. My training doesn’t commence until March.

Sheffield - Noreen Moore Unison
I did the course at Sheffield College TU Studies Centre after seeing one of their leaflets. I think this is a vital part of a reps role.

Sheffield - Gerry Reynolds-Barrett Unison
I became a Champion for a number of reasons. My wife has a disability; her treatment by her employer focused my mind into challenging the views of management and colleagues about the treatment of those with disabilities an I want to represent those with disabilities in achieving equality within their organisation - it's going to be tough!

Sheffield - Paul Rice GMB

Sheffield - Carol Ring Unison
I did the course at Sheffield College, Hillsborough Barracks. It will help me fulfil my role as a union rep and keep ahead of management.

Sheffield - Sue Shaw Unite I did the course online. I want to be able to help people.

Sheffield - Andy Stacey NASUWT

Sheffield - James Stribley GMB

email me

Sheffield - Simon Taylor PCS

Sheffield - Aileen Wade NATFHE

Snainton - Michael Rought-Brooks NUT
I saw this course on a flyer from Park Lane College and it seemed a good idea at the time! The first week was excellent - course materials look interesting - second week is still good.

South Cave - Amanda Fisher NAPO

email me

Our Diversity Manger (who has now left) mentioned the course to those of us who are on the probation disability working group. We collectively agreed that it sounded like a great idea and several of us are now undertaking the training. I want the chance to learn new things, gain new skills, and make a difference both within my work setting and outside; that is what drew me to the course.

There's a lot more going on and a lot more involved than I had first thought.

Thorne - Jean Sowley Unison

My name is Jean and I work at South Yorkshire Housing Association. I continue to work actively in the union to help both members and employers, to raise awareness and make adjustments where needed.

I am part of Sheffield met branch. At present I hold the posts of

• Chair to Unison’s Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Disabled Members Committee
• A member of the national disabled members committee
• Chair of the TUC Yorkshire Regional Disabled Members Forum.

Wakefield - Tom Forman Unite

Wakefield - John Grimes Unite

Wakefield - Alex Judson Unite

Wakefield - Lorraine Morgan Unison
I am Equalities Officer for UNISON employed by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust based in Wakefield.

I am committed to raising the profile of disabled workers and helping people with disabilities get the support they need to remain in employment.

I have personal knowledge of disability through my 20 year old daughter who has epilepsy – she has experienced both prejudice and discrimination in the workplace. However, with the support and advice of family, work colleagues and friends she is pursuing her career with determination and courage. I am very proud of her achievements. I continue to be shocked by the way society still deals with the issue of disability. Discrimination, stigma and prejudice exist everywhere!

I believe we all have a duty to support and encourage people with disabilities. My role as Disability Champion is to break down the barriers disabled people experience in all areas of their life. Society, Governments and employers are slowly chipping away at the issues surrounding disability by introducing the new equality and diversity agenda. This isn’t enough! We need as many people as possible in the workplace (and society) to educate and inform about how disability can affect any one of us. Lack of knowledge and understanding are the main reasons for discrimination. So as Disability Champions let’s get out there and promote and assist change. Good Luck!

Wakefield - Pete Story Unite

Wakefield - Steve Tattersall Unite

email me

I saw a seminar at a Conference at the Trade Union Studies Centre at Hull a few years a go and was hooked. I quickly enrolled on a course and promote this whenever I can. I became a disability champion because I saw this as a way to enable me to fully represent my members as a Shop Steward.

It has enabled me to help my members with disability and capability issues. Recently my company dismissed three employees and all three have gone to tribunal. The first we won outright and an article should appear in the Union magazine before the year end. This has prevented CCE from dismissing anyone else and they are now changing their policy to benefit disabled employees. All Shop Stewards need access to the training as a disability champion I believe it should be part of the Stage 2 Shop Stewards training.

York - Paul Collins Unison

York - Peter Jones GMB

York - Rob Whitehead GMB

York - Karen Winship NATFHE

I work for East Riding College as an art teacher at HMP Full Sutton. I have an interest with inmates with hearing disabilities. I am finding the course interesting but I am struggling to see how the "two ticks" award could be met in a maximum security prison.

• Town/City
• Surname