Disability and Inclusion Network

The Disability and Inclusion Network is committed to supporting all staff with disabilities at work, across both campuses. Our group is also open to staff caring for other people with a disability.

We will work with the University to ensure that our working environment is equitable and supportive to staff with physical and hidden disabilities, and staff who are carers. You can view our full Terms of Reference below.

We will support the University to meet its legal obligations to staff with disabilities as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, particularly in regard to the legal obligation for employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.

The Disability and Inclusion Network hold regular member meetings throughout the year to provide support to members and discuss any issues people wish to raise.

The Disability and Inclusion Committee is consulted regularly to take forward our strategic priorities and suggest practical solutions to resolve any issues relating to disability at work raised by wider members.

We are proud to support our diverse community and wish to encourage and celebrate its full contribution to a University life where all colleagues are treated equally and with respect.

Our aims

  • to champion disability and inclusivity
  • to provide support to all staff who have or are affected by physical and invisible disabilities
  • to challenge issues that arise in the workplace for staff with disabilities and suggest practical solutions to resolve them
  • to ensure our campuses are inclusive, safe and accessible environments for staff with physical or hidden disabilities

Our 2026 strategy

This focuses on Strengthening engagement, influence and inclusion for disabled staff across the University. We will focus on four objectives:

  • Awareness: Visibility and understanding of the network
  • Connection: Supportive, accessible community
  • Voice & Influence: Members shape priorities and strategy
  • Action & Impact: Feedback translates into visible change

Get in touch

Any staff members who have or are affected by physical or invisible disabilities are welcome to join the Disability and Inclusion Network. Contact us if you want to join as a new member, or if you have any queries.

Iuliana Hartescu Chair

Emma Nadin Members Lead

  1. To champion disability and inclusivity for staff across the University
  2. To provide a safe, confidential and supportive forum for all staff to interact with others who also have or are affected by physical and invisible disabilities
  3. To challenge institutional barriers and disability discrimination, reaching solutions where possible
  4. To signpost staff to internal University support and services where available and campaign for additional provision where these are not available
  5. To ensure our campuses are inclusive, safe, and accessible environments for any staff with physical or hidden disabilities
  6. To hold the University to account on their implementation of the five commitments made under the Disability Confident Employer scheme
  7. To represent disability issues and advocate for change through the EDI sub-committee and Human Resources Committee
  8. To develop and propose an Inclusivity Strategy for adoption by the University.
  9. To work with other internal and external agencies who advocate for people with or affected by disabilities in order to inform best practice models for LU.