Transforming Leadership London
Programme Summary
Transforming Leadership London has been the first stage of a one-of-a-kind bespoke programme on coaching culture for emerging learning disabled and autistic leaders.
The programme initially saw nine learning disabled and autistic leaders employed in positions across all aspects of theatre making including as theatre directors, workshop facilitators, digital content creators, and trustees.
We’re now working with 5 new trainees for another 2-year cycle that started in January 2024.
Meet the Trainees
Cian Binchy
Digital Content Creator
Cian is a content creator, artist, performer, actor, and poet. After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Cian started working with Access All Areas as a Content Creator writing and filming content for social media. He is the main mind behind Access All Areas’ series ‘Access Not Denied’ and the monthly ‘5 Shows by Disabled Artists’ run-down.
Cian is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on is artistic career, read Cian’s Artist Profile
Paul Christian
Deputy Chair
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Paul is now deputy chairperson of Access All Areas and brings his experience as a learning disabled artist to the board.
He has sat on governance panels and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of how to make boards more accessible and inclusive.
As a consultant and facilitator Paul has worked with a wide array of organisations including Netflix, the BBC, Magpie Dance, New Direction, Royal London School of Nursing, the Houses of Parliament, the Freelance Task Force.
For the past ten years, Paul has worked closely with academic Sue Ledger to research learning disabled histories (and underrepresentation) particularly in its intersection with race. Most recently Paul worked on untold stories of black learning disabled people living in institutions. He creates easy read documents about important historical events such as the New Cross Fire. Along with Sue, he speaks about his research on Symposiums internationally.
Paul is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on his artistic career, read Paul’s Artist Profile
Katy Cracknell
Katy took part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022 where she co-directed on the diploma. Since then she’s been working with children and young people.
Deen Hallissey
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Deen went on to create content for Disability Arts Online’s digital channels. His content focuses on exploring new leads and conduct interviews, giving artists a platform to share things. Deen also worked as a performer in MADHOUSE re:exit.
You can follow Deen work on Disability Arts Online website
Terry Huggett
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Terry went on to develop digital content and run workshops for Access All Areas and partner companies, including Battersea Arts Centre and Sadler’s Wells.
Terry is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on his artistic career, read Terry’s Artist Profile
Adam Smith
Associate Director of Take Part
After completing Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Adam joined Access All Areas as an Associate Director of Take Part.
He co-leads on the Departure Lounge and Spring Back programme. He has transformed the way we evaluate those programmes in a more accessible way. He also led on creating our Spring Back spin-off at Battersea Art Centre.
He co-leads on our consultancy work around accessible facilitation.
Adam is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on his artistic career, read Adam’s Artist Profile.
Charlene Salter
Co-Chair
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Charlene is now co-chairperson of Access All Areas and brings her experience as a learning disabled artist to the board. She also sits on the advisory board of Battersea Arts Centre. She has since spoken on multiple governance panels championing accessible board practice.
In 2020 she was appointed to join the #FreelanceTaskForce where she joined other freelancers sponsored by arts organisations; together they worked to strengthen the influence of freelancers in deciding the future of theatre.
Charlene is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on his artistic career, read Charlene’s Artist Profile
Emma Selwyn
Associate Director
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Emma made their directorial debut in The Interrogation, an app-based immersive show which went on to tour nationally.
They are currently working with Access All Areas as an Associate Director and run regular masterclasses. They co-directed NHS England’s Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training films, and teach on the Performance Making Diploma.
Emma also works as a consultant for Access All Areas where they co-lead awareness training for industry professionals working within TV, Film and Theatre where they bring their lived experience of autism.
Emma is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on their artistic career, read Emma’s Artist Profile.
Lee Philipps
After taking part in Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Lee went on to work as a consultant for Access All Areas where he co-leads awareness training for industry professionals working within TV, film and theatre where he brings his lived experience of learning disability and autism.
Lee also regularly facilitates session on our Spring back and Departure Lounge Take Part programmes
Lee is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on Lee’s artistic career, read his Artist Profile
Partners
We brought together a core group of industry-leading professionals to ensure robust delivery and oversight at all stages of the Transforming Leadership programme.
To create the programme, we worked closely with leadership coach Sarah Pickthall and Disability Arts Online; drawing on their respective experience in leadership and coaching and as a leading voice in disability arts.
We also worked with Dr Lucy Burke of Manchester Met University, an expert in co-working and co-evaluation methodologies of learning-disabled-led work, to create an accessible evaluation of the programme.
