The Office for Disability Issues appoints new Director

Press releases from the Office for Disability Issues

Tim Cooper has been appointed as the Office for Disability Issues’ new Director.

Tim, who has been profoundly deaf since birth, has worked and volunteered in a range of disability roles over the past 25 years. He is currently Managing Director of the Shaw Trust’s Work & Independence Division.

Tim says: “I’m really excited to be joining the Office for Disability Issues. I have followed its successes with interest and I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues.

“There are some real challenges ahead as we step up our engagement with disabled people and build on the relationships with colleagues across government. This will help us to translate policy into tangible service delivery that supports disabled people in their day to day lives.”

Tim will take up his post in September, replacing Acting Director Stephen Martin.

The Office for Disability Issues was set up in December 2005 to work towards equality for disabled people. It works with all government departments to help them understand and meet the needs and aspirations of disabled people.

Notes to editors

About the Office for Disability Issues

The Office for Disability Issues was set up in 2005 following the publication of the Government report, 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People'. The report says that by 2025, disabled people should have the same opportunities and choices as non-disabled people and be respected and included as equal members of society.
More information about the Office for Disability Issues is available on www.odi.gov.uk

About Tim Cooper (career)

Mr Cooper has worked and volunteered in a range of disability roles over the past 25 years
His most recent role was Managing Director of Shaw Trust’s Work & Independence Division. He had been at the organisation since 1998, joining as Business Development and Marketing Director
Between 1989-1998, Mr Cooper was Chief Executive of WBHC Ltd, a charitable organisation he set up to provide residential care and supported housing for people with learning disabilities
Prior to that, he worked for Scope in London and was Chair of Citizen Advocacy Alliance, the first advocacy agency to be set up in the UK.

About Tim Cooper (personal)

Away from work, Mr Cooper lives in Wiltshire and enjoys spending time with his three children
He supports Bath Rugby Club and Manchester United
His interests include travel, photography, skiing, mountain biking and sailing.

Press enquiries

For press enquiries please contact Gaynor Ferrari on 07985 368 709 or Catherine Chan on 0207 449 5015 / 07957 980 782.

Page last reviewed: 08 April 2009