New Chair for London CIC

An organisation set up to provide support for deaf and disabled people's organisations in London has appointed its new Chair.

Kirsten Hearn, a member of the government’s disability advisory committee, Equality 2025, will lead the new London Community Interest Company (CIC) of Deaf and Disability Organisations in providing policy, campaigning and capacity building support.

Hearn, who is also an independent member of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), said that she was “extremely excited” to be appointed, and that leading the organisation was “the perfect role.”

She told Disability Now that she faced a number of challenges, but that the new organisation provided a strong opportunity to support and develop existing user-led organisations in the capital.

“In the borough where there is a poweful organisation, services are generally better, whereas in boroughs were the organisation has collapsed or is struggling, services are worse.

The big thing for me is that we help disabled and deaf organisations gain a voice, gain a way of influencing and we help them back, or to, the table for the first time.”

London Deaf and Disability Organisations CIC chief executive Andrew Little said:

“Kirsten is well known in the sector and will bring her considerable experience and expertise to help lead the organisation to ensure that it supports and advocates for Deaf and disabled peoples organisation across London.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Kirsten as we take the next exciting steps in setting up this important organisation.”