Amanda Wadsworth has been a passionate and dedicated career Civil Servant for forty years. She has worked for a number of key government departments including: Department for Transport, Department for the Environment and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Her career has been extensive, ranging from operational management delivery, government procurement, learning and development and latterly within DWP Strategy/ Policy.
As a Senior Disability Policy Official, Amanda actively supports the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the governments Disability Confident scheme, which provides practical support to help employers effectively attract, recruit and retain disabled people in the workplace. Amanda provides policy advice and guidance at the DWP Business Leaders and Professional Advisers Group(s), comprising disabled people, disability organisations and Chief Executives from national businesses. She also works closely with MPs (cross party), helping them to promote Disability Confident to employers within their constituencies and organises thematic webinars and events on hot topics such as: Mental Health in the Workplace, Autism and Neurodiversity, Accessibility and Access to Work.
As the policy lead for Autism and Neurodiversity across DWP, Amanda worked strategically with other government departments and key stakeholders, chairing the Hidden Impairment National Group (HING) with the aim of improving provision and services for people with Autism and Neurodiverse conditions, whilst developing a range of practical toolkits and resources to inform and upskill staff/managers.
Amanda is an extremely proud Mum to Georgia and Isobel.
Throughout her career, her contribution has received significant recognition, as follows:
- 2006 – Inaugural Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Awards: Winner for Innovation category (Design and development of Recruitment That Works: Disability Provision)
- 2007- Whitehall and Westminster World Awards: Winner for Excellent Customer Service (Design and development of the Employ-Ability Programme for disadvantaged groups)
- 2008 – Awarded: Member of the British Empire (MBE) by the Queen for Services to the Public Sector.
- Mental Health First Aid England Instructor.
- Parent Governor and Chair for 10-years at Cheadle Catholic Infant school.
Amanda was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2019.