Structure and Partners
The Business Disability Forum is an independent not-for-profit organisation managed and funded by its members through membership fees and through financing websites, new initiatives, tools and events. Some members also provide pro bono advice and actively participate in joint problem solving such as the Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology. Although technically a charity, the group does not receive government grants or charitable donations.
Business Disability Forum has a group of around 50 core funders or partners representing both the public and private sector and various business sectors. These ‘gold members’ as they are called, receive certain benefits such as additional support, free services, and access to focused networks.
Business Disability Forum is governed by a board composed of representatives from the membership and is managed by a CEO and circa 35 staff.
People with disabilities are strongly represented in the organisations activities, including through an influential network of Associates. The disabled associates, all experienced in business matters and serve as expert advisers, ambassadors, speakers and trainers. They contribute to all events and to the drafting of guidance on best practice. The 20-strong UK network of associates was created in 1991, followed by a growing network of eight worldwide associates in 2007.
Business Disability Forum has good relations with other disability organisations in the UK and beyond, but does not have formal partnerships with them.
In addition to the general network, the Business Disability Forum has facilitated sub-networks by region and economic sector. Scotland, Wales and Yorkshire have formed regional networks while sector-specific networks exist for the creative industry, the police and ICT technology: the pioneering Broadcasting and Creative Industries Disability Network (BCIDN), active from 1989 to 2011, consisted of the major broadcasters in the UK.
Business Disability Forum facilitated the recruiting and retention disabled employees, the sharing of good practices among its members and promoted a non-stereotypical representation of people with disabilities in the media. The Emergency Services and Law Enforcement Network (ELEN), which has more than thirty members, was organised in 1999 at the specific request of the Association of Chief Police Officers. The network shares best practice and provide advice on the service delivery within law enforcement.
The Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology (BTAT), launched in 2008, is the most recent of the sector-specific groups. Its thirty-five members have come together with shared aim to advance accessible technology products and services.
In 2007, the Business Disability Forum president created a President’s group, bringing together members at Chief Executive and Board level, to position disability as a top management issue to do with business and investment in human potential.
Read more about this topic: Employers' Forum On Disability
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