The BBC's commitment to inclusivity and disability awareness

Johny Cassidy, BBC News Digital Special Projects producer and co-chair of the disabled staff network BBC Ability, spotlights the amazing efforts of disabled staff members at the BBC. Recognizing the unique position the BBC holds in improving representation standards, he puts emphasis on why recruiting inclusively is so important.

BBC Ability is one of the staff-led networks at the BBC, run by disabled people for disabled people. It’s part of nine staff networks across the organisation supporting and championing colleagues from different backgrounds. John has been co-chair of the network since April 2023 and has made it his mission to ensure all aspects of disability and accessibility continue to be considered across the business.

As a network BBC Ability has a dual purpose. They’re there to guide and support all disabled colleagues and allies through the various policies and processes already in place which support all disabled staff. It is crucial people know what support is there as they navigate their careers at the BBC.

Their other role, which is equally as important, is to work with the Diversity & Inclusion team to ensure the senior leadership understands the issues disabled colleagues face every day. To make the BBC an even better place for disabled people to thrive, they aim to be honest about some of the barriers which exist and provide solutions and pathways on how to remove them. 

John and his co-chair are also keen to spotlight fantastic disabled staff doing great things at the BBC. They’re passionate about highlighting managers and leaders who support disabled members of their team and who really value the diversity of thought different lived experiences bring. They recognise that the unique position the BBC holds means that it should be reflective of all audiences outside. It’s only by recruiting and retaining fantastic disabled staff inside that this can truly happen.

If you would like to be part of the BBC Extend talent pool and receive emails about current Extend vacancies as well as relevant events, webinars and content, visit: bbc.in/extend to register. Read more about opportunities at the BBC here.