Celebrating the 2016 cohort from Imperial's disabled staff leadership programme

The 2016 Calibre cohort

This week saw nine people graduate from Calibre, a unique programme developed by the College to support disabled staff.

The programme aims to enhance confidence and change the way the participants think about themselves, disability and their careers. Its framework focuses on the social model of disability – that society’s failure to accommodate people’s impairments is what causes disability.

Speaking about the impact of the programme, Pirkko Carmack, Personal Assistant and Administrative Officer in the School of Public Health, said: “Personally I learnt to be more assertive and confident when asking for reasonable adjustments, and I feel stronger and more able to defend my own rights.”

On Monday staff gathered to hear presentations from the 2016 cohort, with certificates being awarded by John Neilson, College Secretary & Registrar and Executive Sponsor of Able@Imperial, the College’s network for disabled staff.  

The presentations focused on the personal project each participant had completed as part of the programme. The subjects of the presentations ranged from ‘hidden’ disabilities (such as mental health issues or visual impairments) to the social model of disability and particular barriers faced in the workplace.

John Neilson said: “Calibre forms an important part of the College’s strategic commitment to build a supportive, inclusive and highly motivated staff community across all disciplines, functions and activities. It was humbling to hear what a positive impact this year’s programme had had on its participants. I would strongly encourage College staff eligible for Calibre to apply for the next programme, starting in January 2017.”

The programme was designed by Dr Ossie Stuart in collaboration with the College’s Learning and Development Centre and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre. At the event, Dr Stuart thanked Imperial for its continued commitment to the programme. He said: “Calibre is a unique programme and Imperial took a leap of faith in supporting it. Now we are receiving enquiries from other universities interested in establishing their own programmes, and we are planning to hold a Calibre conference early next year to share how effective it can be for universities and the wider public sector.”

Please visit the Calibre website to find out more. Staff with questions can contact Leyla Okhai, Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre.