The David Grainger Award, sponsored by Outshine Telephone Training Specialists, recognises a disabled person who inspires others to aim high in employment, challenges perceptions of what disabled people can achieve, and demonstrates exceptional progress in their chosen career.
This year, we are proud to announce that the award goes to Beth Kume-Holland.
Why Beth?
Audrey from Outshine presented the award, saying:
“I feel privileged to hand this award to Beth Kume-Holland, it’s so deserved. If I had to pick three words to describe her, they would have to be Courageous, Visionary, and Unstoppable. She is making a huge difference.”
Beth’s story is nothing short of remarkable. After facing needless accessibility barriers that forced her to leave opportunities she loved, she founded Patchwork Hub – a platform dedicated to closing the disability employment gap and creating meaningful work for all.
Beth is often the only disabled person in the room, yet she consistently drives change at the highest levels – whether advising the Cabinet Office on Disability Pay Gap reporting or challenging ministers on policy.
Impact Through Patchwork Hub
Patchwork Hub is more than a business – it’s a movement. Under Beth’s leadership, thousands of job opportunities have been posted for disabled jobseekers; hundreds of employees have been trained across organisations; more than 75 interns have gained experience through inclusive placements.
The impact is real. One jobseeker shared:
“I secured employment with a FTSE 100 company. Thank you Beth and team for helping me through the recruitment process, being there to give advice and support.”
Beyond Business
Beth also co-founded the Disabled Entrepreneurs Network, championing self-employed disabled people. She advocates tirelessly for policies that protect benefits while enabling people to try work without fear of reassessment. Her work flips assumptions about what disabled people can achieve – and she does it with courage, vision, and unstoppable energy.