Susan Scott-Parker OBE is an internationally recognised thought leader driving disability equality and inclusion by mobilising the power of business as valued stakeholders and potential allies of people with disabilities. She works where the aspirations of disabled people align with business need, transforming the corporate landscape.
She is a pioneer in tackling the impact of AI on disabled people and collaborates with key stakeholders such as the ILO Global Business Disability Network to mitigate these challenges. In 2023, she briefed the US Secretary of Commerce on AI’s potential adverse impact on job seekers and employees with disabilities.
She founded the world’s first business disability network, now Business Disability Forum (UK), and its Technology Taskforce. Under her leadership, the BDF launched the first corporate disability performance benchmark and the first leadership programme for persons with disabilities. In 2016, she co-founded Business Disability International with Barclays, GSK, and Infosys, to spark a new global conversation between business, public policymakers, and the disability community.
In 2003, Susan introduced ‘Disability Confidence’, reshaping the global discourse. She holds ambassadorial roles with Zero Project and Purple Space and now advises the German Government and GIZ on business engagement for the Berlin, Global Disability Summit, 2025.
She was honoured with her OBE in 2000 and has an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University.
Now available as a keynote speaker, Susan has addressed audiences from the UN, the White House, civil society, and across global business- and is now available to provide insights to your organisation, on how to manage disability equality as an economic and ethical imperative- while addressing the challenges posed by AI.
How to hire Susan Scott-Parker
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Susan Scott-Parker for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Susan’s speeches end with the “mic drop” moment. She delivers bold truths to those with most influence - she stuns with brilliant insights, shames us with grace in a way business leaders and politicians want to do things differently and with indefatigable energy brings new thought to old problems.” - Kate Nash OBE, Founder, PurpleSpace
"Susan is one of those speakers that give me "A-HAs" every time she speaks. Drawing from her extensive experience leading in areas long before anyone else, blended with an insatiable curiosity and clear wit she is not only a fabulous storyteller but has deep insight and knowledge that has her as a returning speaker time and time again. She has that rare ability to make sense of very complex issues and brings you on a journey so that you genuinely have learnt AND are motivated to learn more." - Caroline, Founder, The Valuable 50
"Susan is recognised as a global leader in making businesses more inclusive for people with disabilities. As Founder of BDF (UK) and Business Disability International she coined the concept of “Disability Confidence”…helping companies become more inclusive. Susan is a global thought leader who has proven time and time again over the decades that she is a consummate connector, mentor, persuader, and catalyst for positive change. She works with businesses and shares her insights and experience in an engaging way, that motivates people to work towards enabling more inclusive organisations.” - Neil, Global Head of Accessibility, Atos Group
- 2024 – Advisory Board Member, Equitable AI Alliance
- 2024 – Host of the Scott-Parker Goes Live podcast
- 2024 – Invited to speak at the Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference
- 2024 – Host of the PurpleSpace Global Disability ERG Summit
- 2024 – Invited to speak at ZeroCon24
- 2020 – Founder, Scott-Parker International
- 2013 – Founder, Business Disability International
- 2000 – Appointed OBE
- 1991 – Founder, Business Disability Forum
