Speaker details

Biography

Susan Scott-Parker OBE is an internationally recognised thought leader driving disability equality and inclusion by mobilising the power of business as valued stakeholders and potential allies of people with disabilities. She works where the aspirations of disabled people align with business need, transforming the corporate landscape. She is a pioneer in tackling the impact of AI on disabled people and collaborates with key stakeholders such as the ILO Global Business Disability Network to mitigate these challenges. In 2023, she briefed the US Secretary of Commerce on AI’s potential adverse impact on job seekers and employees with disabilities. She founded the world’s first business disability network, now Business Disability Forum (UK), and its Technology Taskforce. Under her leadership, the BDF launched the first corporate disability performance benchmark and the first leadership programme for persons with disabilities. In 2016, she co-founded Business Disability International with Barclays, GSK, and Infosys, to spark a new global conversation between business, public policymakers, and the disability community. In 2003, Susan introduced ‘Disability Confidence’, reshaping the global discourse. She holds ambassadorial roles with Zero Project and Purple Space and now advises the German Government and GIZ on business engagement for the Berlin, Global Disability Summit, 2025. She was honoured with her OBE in 2000 and has an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University.