---

Disability Equality

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Jonathan Shaw) has made the following Statement. Equality 2025, the United Kingdom Advisory Network on Disability Equality, was established in December 2006, following a recommendation in the Prime Minister’s strategy unit report, Improving the life chances of disabled people, which suggested that the Government should set up a new mechanism to involve disabled people in the heart of policy making. It is working with government to help it achieve the aim of equality for disabled people by 2025. Equality 2025 was set up with no formal chair, as the group was keen to offer this opportunity to all members on rotation. However, in December 2007, members agreed that they would like a formal chair. An acting chair has been in place since then, while the recruitment exercise has taken place. The recruitment exercise was carried out in accordance with the standards set by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments. The quality of applicants for the post was exceptionally high. I am pleased to announce that the successful candidate and new chair of Equality 2025 from 1 December 2008 is Rowen Jade. Rowen Jade has been a member of Equality 2025 since it was established and has been acting chair since December 2007. I am confident that she will lead the group forward during an interesting and challenging time.