Ford Disability Champion Honoured at Autocar ‘Drivers of Change’ Awards

DUNTON, UK - Darren Coan’s outstanding work as chair of Ford’s Disability Support Group has been recognised by an important industry award that has highlighted his insistence on the importance of opening up conversations about disability.

Darren, who is Dunton-based IT lead for the European Business Office, was presented with the inaugural Autocar Drivers of Change Diversity and Inclusion award for his work in raising awareness of disability and having open conversations about it. The new Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) category was introduced to reflect the nature of the industry’s fast-paced progression.

“I was thrilled to hear that I had won the inaugural award for D&I.?However, I don’t see this as my award alone. There are lots of people inside Ford driving change to make the workplace more Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive,” he said.?

“Studies have shown that companies who have a more diverse workforce are more successful.?To be successful Ford needs to attract talent from under-represented groups.?Increased diversity is good as it removes barriers for everyone to be successful.

“I chair the Disability Support Group and we have disabled members and allies who are leading change internally and driving awareness of all disabilities seen or unseen and I couldn’t have won without them.”?

Darren added: “Around one in five people have a disability or long-term health condition and we want to help and support and provide the tools to continue to work at Ford if they want.?

“If any colleague has a disability or long term health condition and they want to speak to someone confidentially for advice or just to talk, please contact?[email protected]?and someone will be in touch to listen, or alternatively attend one of the listening sessions that we will look to hold regularly.?These are safe spaces where you can share if you like’

Diversity is obviously critically important to Darren: “It means making the world more equitable for everyone in it and giving everyone a platform to be heard and, more importantly, listened to.”

The 2022 Autocar Drivers of Change Awards?showcase the very best of the automotive industry’s talent with an impressive mix of innovative ideas, from Darren’s work to improve disability rights, to a new payment solution for car servicing, and mapping cityscapes to ease congestion.