Helen Cooke, Disability Consultant, Trainer, Speaker and CEO of MyPlus was once again announced as one of the most influential people with a disability in the UK by the Shaw Trust aswell as has being named a 2021 ‘Woman to Watch’ in the annual list compiled by Cranfield School of Management in October 2021.
The Disability Power 100 is an annual celebration of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, working to break the stigma around disability, creating a more accessible and inclusive world for all. A fifth of the UK’s population has a disability or impairment, however, there is very little recognition of successful and influential disabled people. Shaw Trust wants to change the public perception of disability, to recognise strong, successful, influential people who are leaders in their field. Encouraging the talented leaders of tomorrow to connect with role models and see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment. This year there were more than 550 nominations for the 100 places on the list.
Launched alongside the Female FTSE Board Report, which provides an annual analysis of women on the boards of FTSE 350 companies, the Women to Watch 2021 compiled by Cranfield School of Management is intended to shine a light on the impressive talent pool of women in business and offer a snapshot of some of those considered potential board members of the future. The list spotlights 100 leading female professionals who the authors believe are ideally suited for consideration as non-executive directors (NEDs) on the boards of FTSE 350 companies now or in the near future.
Helen Cooke is recognised nationally as a leading expert in disability employment with a particular expertise in student recruitment. In 2006 Helen founded MyPlus, a consulting business focussed on helping organisations realise the potential and possibilities of hiring and investing in people with disabilities. In 2009 she launched the MyPlus Recruiters’ Club offering specialist training and interactive disability focused events for employers. Wishing to motivate and raise aspirations of young individuals with disabilities Helen also founded the website www.myplusstudentsclub.com in 2013, providing them with the support, advice and confidence to find work opportunities, and connect them with employers via the website and through industry focused careers events.
Helen’s unique approach comes from her expertise in HR and graduate recruitment, combined with her first-hand experience of living with a disability; Helen is a wheelchair user as a result of a childhood spinal injury. Beyond MyPlus, Helen works extensively with individuals with disabilities through The Back Up Trust, an organisation which supports people with spinal cord injuries where she is a Trustee and runs their popular Back up to work courses. Helen is also a Commissioner for the Disability Commission, set up by the Centre for Social Justice.
Helen Cooke said: “I am absolutely delighted to be featured for the third year in the 2021 Shaw Trust Power 100 list and for the first time on Cranfield School of Management’s 2021 ‘Woman to Watch’ annual list. My passion and the reason why I started my business, MyPlus has always been to make a difference, to ensure that every disabled individual, particularly students have the opportunity, to progress the career of their dreams. As a wheelchair user myself I and my business are committed to helping disabled students recognise their talents (their plus's) and help businesses to recognise and value these talents.”
About MyPlus
Our vision is to ensure that having a disability or long-term health condition doesn't prevent anyone from having the career they want to have. We want disabled individuals to realise their career ambitions and employers to benefit from the unique talents and strengths that disabled individuals can, and do, bring to an organisation. MyPlus provides progressive employers and disabled students with the confidence, insight and support they need to realise new possibilities.
For more information, contact:
Lise Austen, MyPlus PR Manager
Email lise@myplusconsulting.com
