Kate Bennell
About Kate Bennell
Kate Bennell serves as the Disability Inclusion Coordinator at Sightsavers, where she has worked since 2016. With a background in various administrative and managerial roles at Sightsavers since 2000, she focuses on promoting accessibility and inclusion within the organization.
Current Role as Disability Inclusion Coordinator
Kate Bennell serves as the Disability Inclusion Coordinator at Sightsavers, a position she has held since 2016. In this role, she focuses on enhancing disability inclusion within the organization and its initiatives. She coordinates the Social Inclusion Working Group, which aims to promote social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, she delivers internal disability awareness training to staff and partners, ensuring that the principles of accessibility are integrated into Sightsavers' operations.
Previous Positions at Sightsavers
Kate Bennell has held multiple roles at Sightsavers since joining the organization in 2000. Her career began as a Supporter Care Administrator, followed by positions as Fundraising Administrator, UK Community Relationships Administrator, Volunteer & Events Manager, and New Business Team Administrator. Each role contributed to her understanding of organizational dynamics and the importance of community engagement, ultimately leading to her current focus on disability inclusion.
Education and Professional Development
Kate Bennell has pursued professional development in the field of volunteer management and legal studies. She studied at the Directory of Social Change, achieving a Level 3 qualification in Volunteer Management in 2014. Additionally, she attended Plater College Oxford, where she earned a Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Studies in 1999. These educational experiences have informed her work in disability inclusion and organizational support.
Contributions to Accessibility and Inclusion
Kate Bennell actively contributes to enhancing accessibility at Sightsavers. She tests systems and processes for accessibility and provides feedback for improvements. Her efforts have played a significant role in Sightsavers being shortlisted for the Bond Diversity award in 2020 and achieving Disability Confident Level 3 Leader status. Furthermore, she writes blogs on accessibility and inclusion, sharing insights and raising awareness on these critical issues.
Long-standing Commitment to Sightsavers
Kate Bennell has a long-standing commitment to Sightsavers, having worked with the organization for over two decades. Her extensive experience within various roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's mission and operations. This continuity has allowed her to significantly influence Sightsavers' approach to disability inclusion and community engagement.