A delegation of four members represented NAHT at this year’s TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, which took place in Bournemouth on 3 and 4 June. The conference brings together trade unionists from across a wide range of sectors and is an opportunity to come together in solidarity and organise against disability discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

NAHT Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Disabled Members’ Network representative Jon Barr spoke to a motion on the importance of reasonable adjustments and reasonable adjustment passports. He was also invited to ask a question live to Stephen Timms, the minister of state for social security and disability. He asked how the government plans to raise the profile of reasonable adjustment passports and access to work to ensure disabled workers are effectively supported in the workplace.

These are the themes the 2025 conference addressed:

• opposing cuts to welfare support, including proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments
• promoting the use of Reasonable Adjustment Passports to ensure consistent workplace accommodations when employees change jobs
• raising awareness and improving access to the Access to Work programme
• advancing inclusivity and accessibility across schools and colleges
• enhancing workplace accessibility for all employees
• exploring the role of artificial intelligence in driving greater inclusivity, while addressing the risk of associated job losses.

NAHT was also invited to close the conference, where EDI committee member Annwen thanked venue staff, the TUC and delegates for their incredible work over the previous two days.

If you’re interested in attending the TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference in 2026 as an NAHT delegate, please join NAHT's Disabled Members’ Network. Applications for the conference will be opening in the next academic year.