Disabled Staff Community

Disability History Month 14th Nov - 20th Dec 2025

We are delighted to welcome our new vice chair, Megan Rudden

Megan brings incredible energy and fresh ideas to our community, and I’m confident her leadership will help us grow even stronger together.

A message from our new Vice-Chair:

My name is Megan Rudden, and I am privileged to be the new Vice Chair of the Disabled Staff Community. Here at the University of Greenwich, my everyday role is School Administrator within the School of Law and Criminology (Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences).

My passion for promoting inclusive environments and inclusive communities stems from my background in Early Years and Education. I believe in a holistic and adaptable approach to supporting others. Ensuring that a culture, community and an environment that is as inclusive and accessible as possible benefits all.

As Vice Chair, I intend to continue work regarding intersectionality with the other staff communities’ leaders. Developing and maintaining internal and external partnerships is key to improving the technologies, strategies and processes we use to support staff across the wider university community.

I will look forward to working with colleagues and our senior leaders as we embark on our journey to becoming the most collaborative, impactful and inclusive university, as well as being confident and proud in the work we conduct and our workforce.

Megan Rudden (Vice-Chair: Disabled Staff Community)

Events | What’s happening this Disability History Month?

This Disability History Month, we have several events lined up for the coming weeks and a few dates to highlight for your diaries, Including:

Our, Histories of Disability Exhibition is being hosted at the university's Stockwell Street Library throughout Disability History Month (November 14th to December 20th). This exhibition provides an insightful look into the experiences from our disabled community and wider contributors from STAART and NADSN and is well worth a visit. The exhibition is accessible both in person and online for those who prefer or require remote access. You can view the anthology at  the following linked page:

Read: Histories of Disability: The good and the great, the bad and the ugly

Lighting Up Greenwich Purple:

On December 3rd, we will be lighting up our campus at the ORNC in Greenwich purple for International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This initiative, in collaboration with our ORNC colleagues, is part of our commitment to celebrating and raising awareness for persons with disabilities.

NADSN 10th Anniversary Conference and Celebration:

On Friday, December 6th, 2024, we will be hosting the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks' 10th Anniversary Conference and Celebration at the University of Greenwich (Greenwich Campus) as well as online. This event will feature presentations from colleagues in the UK, Norway, and Canada, covering topics relevant to disabled staff working in post-compulsory education and a variety of NHS roles. The day will include a relaxed schedule with regular breaks, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Due to rooming capacity, the in-person event is restricted to NADSN members & allies, as well as University of Greenwich disabled staff & allies. We are honoured to be joined by Professor Jane Harrington, CEO and Vice Chancellor, Banji Adewumi, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Dr. Hamied Harron, the NADSN Chair.

NADSN Conference 2024, view the schedule and register to join us

Links to the online event and copies of the presentation slides will be made available in advance, so please stay tuned! I’m also really pleased to add to this, that our campus will light up purple for this event too!

Staff Sessions by Student Wellbeing Services:

Our colleagues in Student and Academic Services Directorate are also contributing to Disability History Month with several informative staff sessions:

Greenwich Inclusion Plan (GIP) and Reasonable Adjustments – Academics: On November 20th, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Shapna Compton and Ashley Pinn will lead a session for professional services colleagues, focusing on understanding the GIP and reasonable adjustments for disabled students.

Join the meeting

Assistive Technology to Support Study Skills: On December 12th, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Ashley Pinn and Gwen Thomas will be raising awareness about the various assistive technologies available (some free, some on the UoG network) to support disabled students in their academic studies.

Join the meeting

#Gym4Everyone – Supporting Disability History Month at Our Gyms

From November 18th to December 20th, the university’s Sports & Active Life team, in collaboration with GSU and the Disabled Students’ Network, is proud to offer free gym access to staff and students who have a disability or neurodiversity. This initiative, called #Gym4Everyone, aims to create an inclusive environment for everyone to participate in fitness activities. You must register for an induction, and you'll also get access to a Gym Buddy, who can help you feel safe and welcome in our gym spaces.

To join the campaign, simply email sports@gre.ac.uk and quote #Gym4Everyone.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about inclusive practices or you’d like to get involved with any of what’s going on, I encourage you all to take part! It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage, share your experiences, and be part of the change we’re creating together. Please feel free to reach out if you have ideas or suggestions—this is your community, and your voice matters!

Our Disabled Staff Community is always open for all staff who identify as disabled and for our allies who share our affirmative beliefs. If you would like to join us or get involved, please get in touch.  You can email us at: Disability@gre.ac.uk

Stay safe on-campus and maintaining your wellbeing

To receive immediate support from security whilst on campus, Download Safezone

And, if your mental health is suffering as a result of things happening now, don’t wait, reach out today. Having private help and support can make a world of difference.

Counselling is available (six sessions) with the university’s Confidential Care providers as part of our university’s Employee Assistance Programme.

You can access confidential care by phoning the helpline: 0800 085 1376

Consider Maximus, for help negotiating reasonable adjustments and support for mental health 

Maximus are a government funded initiative that provide free confidential support (a) identifying what further reasonable adjustments might look like, (b) to receive help developing a personal wellbeing support plan and (c) to gain access to 9 months of free advice and guidance.

For information and to register for help, see: https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk

Act now: The earlier you reach out for help the more help you can receive

Meet our community

Our members

Our Community is open to all university staff who self-identify as disabled and non-disabled staff that identify as allies.

Members are invited to take support, inspiration and develop understanding from community engagement.

Aims

To provide a safe space

To encourage creativity

To collaborate and strive for improvement

To promote the advancement of one another

Values

Opportunity: To open opportunities for disabled staff by showcasing community achievements and improving representation through enhanced stakeholder awareness.

Recognition: To celebrate the achievements and successes of our disabled staff, and disabled persons within the wider community. Demonstrating and promoting what is possible, charting the successes of the community and defining the support required to make it happen.

Empowerment: To inspire our members and allies to strive for progression within their careers. Showcasing skills and ambitions, telling stories and developing understanding. Inspiring, supporting and enabling our members to achieve their ambitions.

Executive Committee 2024/25

The executive committee represents, leads and undertakes the work of the community.

Chair

• Alan Dudley

Vice-chair

• Megan Rudden

Community chairs are elected to lead the community and hold responsibility for the strategic delivery of the community's aims and values.

Executive officers 

Our Executive Officers are elected to provide support relating to community operations and represent professional specialisms, inclusivity champions and disabled leaders.

• Beverley Woodhams
• Francesca Granieri
• Irfan Chishti
• Louise Hewitt
• Maira Pasmaki
• Matthew Nadeau
• Melanie Thorley
• Mostafa Azzi
• Vikki Wood

To learn more or join our staff community, email: Disability@gre.ac.uk