Disabled Staff Community

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)

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