We are thrilled that 2022 Disability Power 100 influencer, Beth Kume-Holland, has been announced as a “Women in Innovation Award Winner” for her innovative business, Patchwork Hub.
Beth is a disabled woman with a plethora of corporate experience, as well as scholarly accolades. She is a Harvard University Kennedy Scholar, Oxford University Graduate (1st Class Hons) and predoctoral research fellow at Oxford University.
Beth founded Patchwork Hub after becoming frustrated that, despite her experience and skills she’d developed in both the private and third sector, the world of work was not accessible to her.
Patchwork Hub is an end-to-end employment solution for employers and a ‘hidden talent pool’ of disabled people, carers, parents and retirees. For employers, it supports inclusive recruitment and retention and improves DEI practices, while the hidden talent pool is supported to find work, advice and community.
Patchwork Hub has already connected disabled candidates into leading jobs with global brands and continues to disrupt and build capability across sectors. Representing carers, parents and disabled talent Patchwork Hub aims to normalise inclusive employment and showcase that accessibility is essential for some, but useful for all.
Beth said “I’m incredibly honoured to have been selected for this prestigious award and am so excited about the impact this selection could have on the immense societal challenge Patchwork Hub is addressing. This recognition is fantastic in highlighting the work Patchwork Hub is doing and the importance of mainstreaming disability inclusion and accessibility in the workplace and beyond.”
Reflecting on flexible working, Beth said “We still have a long way to go. The pandemic showed us that a more flexible way of working is possible, but we need to ensure as a society that we take advantage of this moment to reflect on and improve our workplace practices. This is why our innovation is focusing on helping inclusive employers to implement best practice and taking tangible steps to authentically drive accessibility and inclusion on their business’ agenda.”
Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme consists of an annual funding competition and events enabling trailblazing women to achieve their business visions and change the world for the better. Championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout the UK, just 50 winning women entrepreneurs embark on the 12-month journey, out of hundreds of applicants who apply each year. Joining this prestigious group of leaders, Beth and Patchwork Hub are undoubtedly on the rise and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon.
Beth was named one of the most influential disabled people in our Disability Power 100 2022 awards for her community action work. Read more about her here.
