2015 Calibre cohort completes leadership development programme

Participants on Imperial's sector leading development course for disabled staff came together to celebrate their success last week.

Imperial’s Calibre programme, now in its third year, provides leadership development support for disabled staff, and has been designed to address the distinct and often subtle barriers disabled staff face in the workplace. 

Designed by Dr Ossie Stuart, a specialist consultant on disability issues, Calibre is the first of its kind in the higher education sector. As in previous years, this year’s cohort of Imperial staff were joined on the programme by staff from other higher education institutions. Participants attended sessions built around the social model of disability, which sees disability as created by barriers in society, and also completed a project.

Participants and senior staff gathered at a ceremony on Wednesday 27 May to celebrate the achievements of the group, and discuss the projects they had undertaken as part of the programme.

Dr Geoffrey Nelson, from the Department of Materials, was a participant on Calibre. As his personal project on the programme, he put together a proposal to establish a Fellowship specifically for disabled academics.

Dr Nelson said: “The Calibre programme has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. It has been eye-opening to work with people from such a diverse range of backgrounds, and it was refreshing to be around people who intuitively understand the challenges I face in the workplace as a disabled person.

“The Calibre programme provided us with a way of thinking about disability in a different way, demonstrating that we – along with our employer, share responsibility for removing barriers for disabled people, and giving us a framework to drive forward change in our institution.”

Bernadette Gahan, from Library Services in the Faculty of Medicine, completed the Calibre programme two years ago. She said: “I completed Calibre in 2013 and it set in motion an internal  process of growth and confidence. I feel empowered to keep going and developing into the woman I am capable of becoming.

“I am currently Interim Deputy Chair of Able@Imperial, which is an excellent opportunity to use my newly-found voice. Calibre provided an environment where I allowed myself to feel safe enough to be seen and valued. I sincerely hope many in our community will equally benefit from the experience that is Calibre.”

John Neilson, College Secretary and Registrar, is Chair of the Disability Action Committee and Executive Sponsor for Disability. Speaking after the event, he said: “It was inspiring to attend the Calibre presentations, and to hear how participants have benefitted from this programme. At Imperial we know that attracting, supporting and developing outstanding staff is key to the College’s continued excellence. This is why we are committed to removing barriers and enabling all staff to thrive and to reach their full potential.

“I am delighted that Imperial is continuing to develop the pioneering Calibre programme, and that it is starting to be taken up by other institutions.”

Staff who are interested in taking part in the programme next year should contact Leyla Okhai, Equality and Diversity Manager.