Since starting in Health and Social Care at 18, I've dedicated myself to dismantling 'othering' and promoting equity and intersectionality. As Chair at DR UK, I ensure governance is accessible and inclusive, striving for a future aligned with our vision. Together, we can create meaningful and lasting change by prioritising collaboration for the best possible outcomes for all.
After a 14-year IT career, Madeline co-founded two DPULOs and directs Disabled People's Voice, a user-led co-op and social enterprise. At Healthwatch Hampshire, she earned community trust with compassion and respect for diverse stories, driven by inclusivity and social justice. Madeline challenges stereotypes, advocating passionately for Disabled People's rights on various forums.
Fiona is an academic in UK Higher Education specialising in identity studies, professional development, and leadership, with a focus on disability, working lives, and alternative learning pathways. Before academia, Fiona held senior roles in finance and operations within state schools, NGOs, and charities. With personal experience of disability, Fiona contributes professional expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and strategic leadership.
Dr. Clenton Farquharson CBE is a pioneering advocate in health, social care, and housing, renowned for his impactful leadership and advocacy for inclusivity and equity. As a disabled individual, his personal experiences drive his passionate mission. He plays key roles in influential partnerships and boards, shaping policies to prioritise marginalised voices.
Shelley, a dedicated mum to April and Fraser, became a Disability Rights & Rare Disease advocate after Fraser's diagnosis with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Autism. As the first Parent Carer Trustee on our Board, she promotes accessibility and inclusivity. She collaborates with her local Council on inclusive park designs and advocates for Changing Places toilets.
Dr. Mostafa Attia is an International Disability and Inclusion Consultant with 20 years of experience and lived disability experience. He earned his MA and Ph.D. from Leeds University, focusing on global inclusion barriers. Collaborating with UNICEF, the UN, and others, his research, including the Under-Siege Project, examines barriers in disabled children's education. Dr. Mostafa guides inclusive programming and frameworks for disability mainstreaming in DRR and climate action plans.
Atif Choudhury is an award-winning social entrepreneur, with a background in economic justice and disability inclusion projects. He is the co-founder and CEO of Diversity and Ability (DnA) and Zaytoun CiC (the World’s first Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil cooperative).
Kamran Mallick joined Disability Rights UK as its Chief Executive in July 2017. He is the former Chief Executive of Action on Disability, the Hammersmith-based disability organisation, where he worked for 13 years.
Kamran has also worked for the spinal injury charity Aspire as well as running his own training and consultancy business.
He serves on the boards of the Lyric Hammersmith, Wheels for Wellbeing and Lloyds Bank Foundation.
Tony manages our commercial income streams, including income from training and consultancy, publication sales and shop products. He originally joined DR UK in 2015 as Fundraising Manager. Previously Tony ran his own business and worked as a freelance writer, trainer and careers consultant. He has written a series of careers guides for disabled people including Into Higher Education, Into Apprenticeships and Into Sport.
Fazilet Hadi is Head of Policy at Disability Rights UK. She started her career as a solicitor in Law Centres, held senior equality roles in local government and was Director of Policy and Advocacy at Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Michael manages Disability Rights UK's advice services, focusing on the helplines and online content, including our suite of more than seventy factsheets. Michael also looks after DR UK's membership.
Michael has been with DR UK since it's inception on 1st January 2012, and was part of the unification board that formed the new charity, bringing together Disability Alliance (where Michael worked), RADAR and National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL).
Greg runs a user research and service design consultancy. He has led user experience at eBay Europe, directed user research at a digital agency, and founded Verko, an inclusive product retailer. Formerly Head of Strategy at the Disability Rights Commission, he is now a Trustee at Disability Rights UK and RIDC, and volunteers for Citizens Advice and REMAP.
As someone with both visible and invisible disabilities, I advocate passionately for disability rights and societal inclusion. With 19 years' experience in equality, diversity, and inclusion, I specialise in supporting disabled employees with workplace adjustments and providing staff training on disability legislation in Higher Education in Northern Ireland.
Naomi Lawson Jacobs (they/them) is a Disabled, Autistic researcher specialising in co-produced and activist disability research. At the University of Leeds, they work on the Inclusive Public Space project. Naomi co-authored "At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches," based on research with disabled Christians. They provide Disability and neurodiversity training and are training to become an access auditor. Naomi is active in the neurodiversity movement.
