Gavin Harding MBE

Senior learning disability adviser NHS England and Selby Town Councillor

In 2011, Gavin made history as the first person in the UK with a learning disability to be elected a local councillor. Four years later he made national news as the first UK mayor with a learning disability. He also works for NHS England and was recently promoted to Senior Learning Disability Adviser; first person with learning disabilities to achieve a senior management role in NHS England.

Since the 1990s Gavin’s been advocating for the rights of people with learning disabilities and autism, driven by his own experience of Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs). He joined advocacy group People First and works to ensure ATU patients are not over-medicated and receive high-quality, respectful care. He’s also on the committee investigating private hospital Winterbourne View, which was subject of a 2011 Panorama programme for the shocking physical and psychological abuse of residents.

Gavin strives to embed reasonable adjustment policies. In NHS England he has made huge differences in how people with autism or learning difficulties are recruited and supported, including creating accessible or easy read job application forms. Gavin co-leads on quality assurance, runs focus groups for in-patients at secure units and sits on Yorkshire & Humber transforming care executive board. He works with colleagues in NHS Wales and NHS Scotland to share best practise.

Currently, Gavin is leading work to advocate for inpatients at a hospital which is due to close later this year. This work involves feeding back to and challenging commissioners to make sure patients’ voices are heard.

In 2009, Gavin helped the government draw up a three-year plan on learning disability, Valuing People Now. He co-chaired the Transforming Care Assurance Board with the Health Minister and published guidance for the Ministry of Justice. Gavin also provides advocacy for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to Cabinet Office.

Gavin has also created a local self-advocacy group – Voices for People.

Gavin is a councillor for the 14,000 residents of Selby Northward, currently serving his third term. He was Deputy Mayor in 2014 and elected Mayor the year after. His priorities including better policing, more facilities for people with disabilities and young people, and attracting a wider range of local shops. He also serves as disability officer for Selby and Anisty constituency Labour party.

Gavin was honoured with an MBE in 2014 and won a Learning Disability & Autism Award in 2018.

Gavin’s life story – in his own words – was featured in a book, Made possible, by Saba Salman, published this year.