The Bank of England’s disAbility Network raises awareness of the full spectrum of disabilities. It provides support for individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions, to help them reach their full potential. Our work on the disability agenda is part of our wider commitment to being an inclusive employer. Speaking about this, Victoria Cleland, Executive Director and Network Sponsor, said ‘the Bank is really keen to embrace diversity. It makes us a better organization and we achieve far better results’.
To celebrate the Network’s 10th anniversary earlier this year, we previewed a film, ‘This is me’, where colleagues shared their stories and experiences of disability. The film is part of our efforts to support building an inclusive culture at the Bank where colleagues with disabilities can talk openly about their condition or adjustments should they wish to, without fear of stigma.
This premiered at an event where we had the pleasure to hear from Brad Fried, Chair of the Court of the Bank of England, the Business Disability Forum and to listen to musical performances by the National Open Youth Orchestra1, the world's first disabled-led national youth orchestra. You can see photos of this event at the end of this article.
Today, to show our support for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are sharing ‘This is me’ externally for the first time. Watch the film by clicking on the picture below. Tonight, we will light up our offices on Threadneedle Street in purple. And, we have taken the time to reflect on recent achievements of the disAbility Network. Some of the highlights are noted below.
1The National Open Youth Orchestra, the first national youth ensemble in the world to empower talented young disabled musicians to realise their potential. To support the National Open Youth Orchestra as a patron or sponsor, please contact CEO Barry Farrimond MBE or visit their website.
