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Disabled NHS Directors Network

Established October 2020

Welcome

The Disabled NHS Directors Network (DNDN) is the national network representing NHS leaders with disabilities.  Formed in autumn 2020, it is open to all disabled Board or equivalent members (non-executive or executive) of NHS organisations and other providers of NHS services (including Community Interest Companies). This includes non-executive or executive members of Integrated Care Boards, NHS members of Place Partnership Boards (or equivalent) and NHS or DHSC Arm’s Length Bodies.

The Network was created to strengthen the collective impact and voice of disabled leaders and, through them, of disabled staff within the NHS and to provide a peer support network for disabled NHS directors.

Our current membership includes colleagues with a wide range of disabilities and impairments, including autism, hearing impairments, long term conditions, mental ill health, mobility impairments and visual impairments.  Our membership includes a good range of gender, ethnicity, and geographical coverage across England.

As the elected Co-Chairs of the DNDN, we welcome you to this website – and if you are a disabled Board member in the NHS, please come and join us!

You can always reach us on Twitter @NHS_DNDN.

Kate Smyth

Kate Smyth

Non-Executive Director, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Peter Reading

Chief Executive, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

Peter Reading

News and events

Shadow Minister for Disabled People meets DNDN members

Following the attendance by the Minister for Disabled People at a meeting in July, DNDN was grateful to Vicky Foxcroft for joining members for a discussion about her campaigning on behalf of disabled people and developing policy for a potential Labour government.

DNDN Co-chair challenges NHS Trusts to become visibly disabled friendly at NHS Providers Conference

Speaking at the NHS Providers Annual Conference, DNDN co-chair Peter Reading challenged NHS leaders to become “visibly disabled friendly”.

DNDN members address King’s Fund annual conference on disability

DNDN members Fazilet Hadi and Tom Hayhoe addressed the King’s Fund annual conference, speaking about disability following the publication of the King’s Fund report

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