University wins Outstanding Ability Network award

The University of Wolverhampton's Staff Disability Network and Equality Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Team have won Highly Commended for Outstanding Ability Network at the British Diversity Awards 2025.

The award ceremony, which took place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Wednesday 19 March, champions diversity, equity and inclusion by recognising those individuals and organisations who continually strive to make workplaces, and society, more inclusive for all.

The University's Disabled Staff Network was one of 12 finalists shortlisted for the category and was the only University to receive an award. 

In reaction to receiving the award, Co-chair of the Disabled Staff Network (DSN), Dr Melanie Best spoke of being 'honoured, humbled (and hugely surprised)' to have won and went on to say: "It was encouraging to see so much great work happening in the EDI space and hear from inspiring people. In the words of Dr Ranj Singh, our host for the night, 'diversity, equality and inclusion are not optional!'

"So we keep pushing on, we must question, challenge and disrupt at times, but also stop - like tonight - to celebrate and share successes and refuel ourselves, for there is much to be done." 

Chief People Officer, Rachel Adams, extended gratitude to all those who contributed to the success: "Mel is such an asset to the EDI team along with Sukhvinder Singh and who provides excellent support to all of our staff networks. I’d like to extend thanks to all colleagues who give their time and energy to our networks, especially Mel, Megan Lawton, Julian Gwinnett and David Matheson without whom we would not have been recognised with this prestigious award."

As a sign of the University’s commitment to addressing issues around disability, Melanie has recently joined the central EDI Team as an Advisor focusing on supporting and advising staff on disability issues, as well as representing the University on the national RIDE Higher campaign.

Speaking on the topic of actions recently undertaken by the University which have led to this recognition, Melanie said: “The DSN co-chairs, in conjunction with the central EDI Team, created the Disability Equality Action Plan (DEAP) with a view to improving the lived experience of disabled staff working at the University.

"Often these staff are overlooked and under-represented in the sector and this is not acceptable. DEAP has helped to focus us and to make a commitment to taking positive action. Examples of such action range from the writing of a Disability Leave policy and reasonable adjustments passport to the running of a sharing campaign and reviewing of recruitment practices for neurodiverse candidates.

"We are currently setting up an advocacy network and examining car parking arrangements. All of these things can make a real difference to our disabled community. Receiving this award is both an honour and a reflection of the efforts of the team. However, there remains much work to be done.”