Jacqueline Winstanley, FRSA Founder and CEO of Universal Inclusion and the Inclusive Entrepreneur Network now known as the Disabled Entrepreneur Network is best described as a global humanitarian & innovator, with a deeply held and proven conviction to increasing equality of access to life’s opportunities through the creation of inclusive environments and working practice. She is a recognised international expert and strategist on inclusion and accessibility challenges.
A thought leader in the reduction of global inequalities Jacqueline’s work is recognised as good practice in the UK and internationally. Over the years, she has built an audit trail in proof of concept and outcomes, most notably in Inclusive Economic Growth, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Workforce Retention, Inclusive Play and Childcare, and Parks and Open Spaces. She has also influenced significant changes in government policy in the UK and internationally as a direct result of her clarity of vision in this area, setting up and providing Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, the APPG for Disability and the soon to be launched APPG for Innovative and Inclusive Entrepreneurship. She continues to develop and implement frameworks and solutions for global cities and communities, especially within inclusive entrepreneurship.
Jacqueline regularly presents at high level gatherings at the UN, in Windsor and Westminster. She is also an author, poet and regular contributor to national & international Advisory Boards, Good Practice Guidelines, White Papers & Select Committee evidence sessions. Co-Author of the 2023 report Road to Wonder – A study exploring the barriers and opportunities to creating innovation and enterprise faced by disabled people.
Occupying a number of Non-Executive roles, chairing Foundation of Independent Living Trust, Ability Today advisory board, Avanti Accessibility Panel Member, Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 Judge.
A Visiting Fellow and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Centre for Innovation Management Research, Birkbeck, University of London and a Research Associate at Lancaster University. There is no doubt, her work has and continues to enrich lives and reduce inequalities.
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“Disabled people are truly inspirational and can achieve anything as equal with others. “
As Chair of the Camden Disability Network, Asif has championed several significant initiatives. He has garnered support from the senior leadership team for the inaugural Disability Charter and the Wellbeing Passport and has actively participated in Disability History Month initiatives. His dedication to promoting diversity extends to his 9 years tenure as an Executive Member of the Camden Black Workers Group, where he supported Black History Month and organised a Diwali event to celebrate and raise awareness of Diwali. Notably, during London Pride Week 2019, Asif played a pivotal role in teaching Camden Council staff to convey the message “We Make Camden Proud” in BSL, highlighting his commitment to intersectional advocacy.
In his capacity as Chair of the Hearing Loss Professionals UK Network, Asif has shared his expertise with NHS England and key stakeholders. His influence extends to his role as an Independent Member of the Standard Committee at Westminster City Council and as a Public Appointment Ambassador for the Government Equalities Office. Asif’s participation on various advisory boards for government bodies, including the British Sign Language Board at the Cabinet Office and Chair of the Government Communication Service Subgroup, Disability Employment Advisory Committee, DWP, Disabled Person Transport Advisory Committee, Department for Transport.
My future goals in disability advocacy are to continue driving systemic change by promoting ethical collaboration between Policy Practice and Academia accessibility and inclusion across all sectors, ensuring that disabled voices are central to decision-making processes. I aspire to create more opportunities for disabled individuals to lead, innovate, and thrive, ultimately working towards a inclusive society.
Surrounding myself in nature usually close to water, with a little yoga, cake or swimming at times.
In my career it’s seeing the magic take place, whether that is in the concerts at St George’s Hall, the entrepreneurs I coach starting and growing their business or a shift in government policy. Personally nature, observing the wonders of the world.
I would change our political system to one where no one party had overall control but all worked together for the betterment of society.
The most significant barrier is the persistent narrative from successive governments that frames the removal of barriers faced by our community solely within the context of the welfare system. This approach often overlooks the need for genuine collaboration between policy, practice, and academia to create real, sustainable change. It’s crucial that these changes are not imposed on disabled people, but rather led by them, ensuring that their voices and leadership are at the forefront of these efforts.
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