By Sophie Tredinnick
Partner & Head of Government Practice
Back in February I was delighted to have been a panellist for ActionAble – the UK’s first virtual, action-led event focused on disability inclusion in the workplace and Saxton Bampfylde were proud to have supported the event.
The event was full of energy and honesty – not just about the challenges, but about the opportunities. We talked about reframing disability in our organisations, and recognising it not as a limitation, but as a different – often extraordinary – way of seeing and navigating the world. As one of my brilliant panellists put it powerfully: having a disability gives people an amazing ability.
Today I was privileged to have been invited to the launch of the ActionAble Impact Report in the House of Lords, kindly hosted by the inspirational Baroness Martha Lane Fox. The amazing Sara Weller CBE, Leigh Smyth FRSA, James Ellery Gower and Anne Marie Balfe took to the stage with Martha to lead a phenomenal discussion.
Disability inclusion isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a leadership priority.
Today’s event was a powerful reminder that investing in disability inclusion unlocks talent, drives equity, and delivers return. A few takeaways that really stuck with me:
- Reframe disability – it’s not a deficit, but often a source of exceptional insight, resilience, and ability.
- Share stories – creating space for people to speak about their experiences builds trust and visibility.
- Model the culture you want – inclusive cultures start with leaders who create safety, encourage disclosure, and listen.
- Make real commitments – inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, executive sponsorship of networks, and open progress reporting all matter.
- Remember: 1 in 4 people in the UK experience disability – this is about all of us.
The Impact Report is more than a report. It’s a practical resource for employers ready to lead with action.
Read the full report, review the recommendations and make your commitment to act.