The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is proud to support the Disability Access Symposium 2026, a landmark UK‑wide event bringing together senior leaders, sector champions, charities, and accessibility experts to accelerate meaningful progress for disabled people.
Taking place both virtually and in person during the week commencing 5 October 2026, the Symposium will turn best practice and lived experience into real‑world change.
Delivered in collaboration with the UK’s Disability & Access Ambassadors, the symposium will spotlight initiatives, solutions and resources already transforming the experience of disabled customers and employees. By sharing what works and ensuring successful approaches can be adopted across sector the event aims to drive practical, scalable improvement throughout UK organisations.
Across thought provoking sessions, hands‑on insights and cross sector discussion, attendees will gain up‑to‑date knowledge, fresh perspectives, and actionable ideas to take back into their organisations.
In‑person events
- Wednesday 7 October 2026 – PwC, Embankment (10:00–16:00) A full‑day symposium welcoming around 150 attendees for deeper discussion, cross sector learning and connection. Register and view the agenda here.
- Thursday 8 October 2026 – Lloyd’s of London (12:00–14:00) A focused lunchtime event for up to 100 participants, designed for high‑impact conversation and networking. Register and view the agenda here.
Virtual sessions throughout the week
To support flexible participation and accessibility, a series of virtual sessions will run across the week. These sessions will bring together Disability & Access Ambassadors, charities, experts, and practitioners to share insight grounded in lived experience, research, and innovation. Register for virtual sessions here.
Expert speakers
We are delighted to confirm the following speakers, with more to be announced:
- Sir Charlie Mayfield – Keep Britain Working
- Giles Barker, BEM – Channel 4
- Caroline Barr – BIBA
- Becks Brindley – NatWest
- Vivine Cameron – CII
- Craig Crowley, CBE – Action Deafness
- James Edmonds – Chartered Insurance Institute
- Chris Fitch – Money Advice Trust
- John Fishwick – Virgin Atlantic
- Leighann Forsyth – BIBA
- Victoria Garcia, MBE – The Go-Ahead Group
- Rhiannon Gogh – SENDA
- Edward Grant – Just Asked
- Kate Hedley – The Clear Company
- Matthew Hill – Chartered Insurance Institute
- Emily Holzhausen, CBE – Carers UK
- Kirsten Howells – STAMMA
- Professor Deborah Johnston, MBE – University of Bedfordshire
- Jan Levy – Three Hands
- Debbie Miller – RNIB
- Hector Minto – Kerbcut
- Patrick Regan, OBE – Brighter Days Life
- Sarah Stephenson – Simply Equality
- Howard Taylor – PwC
- Johnny Timpson, OBE
- Kathryn Townsend – Nationwide
- Sara Weller, CBE – Disability Dividend
Edward Grant, Personal Finance Society Board Director, and Cabinet Office Disability & Access Ambassador for Insurance and Financial Planning, said: “The Disability Access Symposium is a catalyst for leaders who want to collaborate, drive real change, and accelerate accessibility across every sector. By amplifying proven initiatives, learning from pioneering organisations and hearing directly from disability access champions, we can together transform the experience of disabled customers and open genuine opportunities for disabled employees and entrepreneurs.”
Matthew Hill, Chief Executive of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: “The Chartered Insurance Institute is proud to support the Symposium. It complements our work to raise awareness of careers in insurance and financial planning, on supporting vulnerable customers, and helping firms meet their Consumer Duty obligations."