Dr Louise Bell
9th June 2026, 14:00-16:00 (hybrid)
14:00 – 14.30: Refreshments in the SCR
14.30-15.30: Research seminar
15.30-16.00: Refreshments
Abstract:
Dr Bell, University of Lancashire, will be speaking about her doctoral research which explores how UK legislation and initiatives intended to support disability employment often fail in practice, leaving reasonable adjustments discretionary and putting responsibility on individuals. Her research shows how inaccessible recruitment, weak enforcement, and tokenistic initiatives sustain exclusion. Recommendations focus on enforceable, proactive adjustments, inclusive recruitment, leadership accountability, auditable processes that move case by case discretion to standard practice. Her thesis title is ‘Disability Employment from Policy to Practice: Accountability, Accessibility, and the Lived Experience’.
About the seminar:
Disabled people in the UK continue to encounter exclusion at every stage of employment. Despite legal frameworks, policies, and initiatives disabled people continue to encounter inaccessible recruitment, discretionary reasonable adjustments, and slow ineffective processes. Responsibility is pushed onto individuals to self-advocate and fit into existing systems. This research explores how this happens in practice by gathering the experiences of disabled people, employment service professionals, and employers across the cycle of employment.
The research proposes practical solutions and a governance tool kit that can help challenge the barriers to employment for disabled people.
Bio:
Louise is an internationally experienced disability and employment leader, currently working as an Autism Specialist Mentor and Consultant. Her research specialises in disability, employment, and policy. She completed my professional doctorate in September 2025 where she explored the lived experience of disabled people, employment service professionals, and employers throughout the full cycle of employment in the UK. She is now seeking post-doctoral opportunities that will build on this work and contribute to the development of more inclusive and equitable workplace practices and disability employment reform.
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To join us in person for this event, please register here.