The Government seeks a Fashion Disability Champion to tackle the issues faced by disabled consumers - by Lottie Jackson

The Department for Works and Pensions has announced that it will be recruiting a fashion industry disability champion to address the challenges disabled people encounter as consumers. 

Coinciding with International Day of Persons with Disabilities last Monday, the Government revealed that there will be six new disability champions across fashion, technology, countryside and heritage, website accessibility, food and drink and product design. These new recruits are set join the existing 14 champions who are currently driving improvements to the accessibility of services in a range of sectors, including banking, music, tourism, leisure and media. 

They are seeking self-motivated, successful business people with existing networks who are both respected by the fashion sector and have the capacity to reach out to wide range of businesses. Most importantly, champions must be enthusiastic about driving social change for disabled people and improving their experiences as consumers. This includes using their influence to highlight the need for adaptive clothing design. 

Sarah Newton, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, said in a statement: “There are nearly 14 million disabled people living in the UK, and our world-leading fashion industry must ensure it is capitalising on the spending power of their households – the Purple Pound – worth £249 billion every year.” 

“Our new fashion champion will promote the commercial benefits of inclusive design which can improve brand loyalty in a highly competitive market, while also ensuring that disabled people can follow the latest trends like everyone else.” 

The appointment will be made by the Minister for Disabled People. Whilst applications from disabled people are particularly welcome, it is not essential to have a lived experience of disability when applying for the role. The role is for an initial one year but can be renewed twice to give a longer term of three years.

Please click here for more information about the role.