2026 applications now closed!
Our applications will reopen next summer (2027). Thank you so much to all of this years applicants, we will be reviewing all of the applications in the next couple of weeks, ready for a September onboarding.
What you will get access to
- Exclusive events and leadership workshops
- Networking and collaboration with fellow members and sector experts
- Tailored opportunities to grow your profile and drive change
- A platform to shape the future of disability leadership
Who should apply?
We welcome anyone with disabilities aged 18+ who have demonstrated excellence or leadership potential in their field. This includes professionals, students, entrepreneurs, campaigners, changemakers, and anyone with a drive to make an impact.
You don’t need to have a traditional career path; we value lived experience, non-conventional journeys, and all forms of leadership.
We are especially keen to hear from Black and Global Majority disabled people, LGBTQ+ disabled people, and people from lower-income backgrounds, and those underrepresented in leadership spaces.
About the DLN
The Disabled Leaders Network (DLN) is a network of emerging disabled leaders, inclusive of current students, graduates and professionals who each bring subject expertise and lived experience of disability to this pioneering platform.
The DLN is the first of its kind, striving to become a space of support, community and opportunity, driving impact and potential for its members. Our aims include:
Community: Fostering a space for members to learn, collaborate, and build professional connections.
Professional & Personal Development: Supporting members in developing skills to become influential leaders.
Advocacy: Leveraging the DLN’s expertise to advocate for Disability Rights, particularly in Higher Education, and drive meaningful change.
The Disabled Leaders Network is managed in partnership with the Snowdon Trust and Global Disability Innovation Hub, and funded by the Snowdon Trust.
FAQs
When will I hear if I am successful?
We aim to respond to all successful applicants by the end of August 2026, for a September welcome. Please stay up to date with our socials, which we will be keeping updated with timelines and to let everyone know when to start checking for responses.
Due to the size of our team, we politely ask that you refrain from chasing us about our decision, we are expecting a high volume of applicants and will sort through all applications at the same time period regardless of contact.
Will I hear if I am unsuccessful?
Unfortunately due to high demand we will only be able to respond to successful applicants. This contact will only be made by the official DLN email: DisabledLeadersNetwork@ucl.ac.uk
What if I don’t get accepted to the network?
Unfortunately we are limited to the amount of resources we have so are unable to accept everyone.
Our bimonthly events are open to the public and are free to join, you can find more information here. Or to stay connected to the DLN you can check out our Instagram or LinkedIn. Our recruitment opens annually in the summer time so please don’t be discouraged if you don’t get accepted this round, there are plenty more opportunities to get involved.
The form isn’t accessible to me, but I still want to apply, how can I do this?
If the online written form or the video submission is inaccessible to you, please get in touch with DisabledLeadersNetwork@ucl.ac.uk with the subject titled: SUMMER RECRUITMENT ACCESS ISSUES and we will be happy to help. Due to the high demand, we may take a couple of days to respond, but we aim to accommodate everyone.
I’m not disabled, can I still apply?
Thank you for your interest in our network, unfortunately our network is solely for disabled professionals, leaders and students. However you can join our public events which are free and open to all. You can check these out here.