What a Privilege: Final Reflections of a Government Disability Ambassador

On 8th September 2025 I attended my final meeting with the Minister for Disabled People following an extended 4 year period as the UK's Disability and Access Amabassador for Arts and Culture. It was a privilege to serve the country and I hope I made a positive and lasting impact during my tenure.

Academic and Advisory Contributions

I supported 11 pieces of academic research into accessible arts and culture, spanning institutions such as the Royal College of Music in London, the University of Glasgow, Manhattan School of Music, and Florida State University. I attended 110 meetings, advising individuals, charities, schools, universities, local education authorities, creative professionals, and corporate leaders. I produced 21 reports, delivered 27 seminars and presentations, wrote 25 blogs, and recorded a series of podcasts. My work was featured in the national and international press, and I was interviewed on the BBC, ITV, Sky News, Radio 4, and numerous local radio programmes.

Government Collaboration and Policy Impact

I advised Government departments on access to museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, and concert halls, and published six common goals to promote more inclusive and accessible arts and culture. I wrote the Special Needs section of the new National Plan for Music Education and recorded a video for the then Disabilities Minister to present at the United Nations in New York. Thanks to my advocacy, the iconic Royal Albert Hall now includes an accessible changing facility for disabled performers as part of its standard hire fee.

Global Ambassadors and Cultural Leadership

To ensure lived experience remained at the heart of my advocacy, I formed the Music Man Project Global Ambassadors: a group of 15 musicians with learning disabilities who delivered disability workshops to 20,000 school children and for the corporate sector. They showcased the UK’s leadership on the global stage through performances in America, Italy, and Canada. In the UK, they led 300 musicians with learning disabilities in my original production at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring Michael Ball and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines - an event supported by 4000 people including Ministers and my fellow Disability Ambassadors. Having already received a standing ovation from the King in 2023, my musicians were honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.

Reflections and Gratitude

Throughout my tenure, I navigated frequent ministerial changes, shifting strategies, and no fewer than four Prime Ministers, culminating in a change of Government. Yet through it all, I found unwavering support. Every Minister I worked with valued and encouraged my efforts, and I was consistently backed by the dedicated team at the Disability Unit within the Cabinet Office. My most productive period came when I had a direct liaison at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This connection unlocked opportunities for meaningful change and helped sustain the momentum needed to drive lasting impact.

Confidence for the Future

I will never stop championing the arts. This mission is lifelong, and I will continue to use my platform to uplift, inspire, and drive lasting change. Serving as a Disability and Access Ambassador has reaffirmed my belief that the UK stands as a global beacon for accessible arts and culture. Inspired by the extraordinary individuals I’ve met along the way, I recently co-founded the International Alliance of Accessible Music (IAAM) with Italian music charity AllegroModerato. This pioneering network will help reshape perceptions of disability through music education and performance - bridging communities from the local to the global stage. We already have members from the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, America, Japan and the UAE.

Coming Full Circle

The Disability and Access Ambassador scheme was first conceived during the tenure of The Right Hon. Dame Penny Mordaunt as Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. Her vision was clear: to enlist sector champions who could drive meaningful change from within their industries, bridging the gap between policy and lived experience. This pioneering move laid the foundation for the ambassadorial roles we know today. Thank you, Penny, for your foresight in shaping the scheme - and for your unwavering belief in my mission at The Music Man Project, which you have passionately supported over many years.

I reflect on my 4 year tenure with gratitude for those early champions who lit the path and empowered me to make a lasting difference for the extraordinary disabled artists we celebrate today.