Merlin Entertainments

Internal Intelligence Group

Best Campaign

The Internal Intelligence group, consisting of employees who have personal experiences with disabilities, whether through their own lives or their connections to family & loved ones, was established in 2022 with seven members. This group’s global presence has expanded significantly, now comprising over 40 members and continuing to grow, thanks to various social media campaigns and internal communications.

This group’s primary purpose is to instigate change through the power of valuable insights & firsthand experiences, offering information, education, & inspiration. It serves as a supportive space within Merlin where employees can freely seek advice on enhancing disability inclusion without fear of judgment.

The group has three objectives:

1. Increase disability inclusion confidence: The group’s shared experiences inspire change by offering practical examples for enhancing accessibility. It fosters an open culture for discussing disability inclusion. You can listen to the episode of Merlin’s Leadership Unplugged podcast, where two members of the group share their experiences to see this in action. The podcast received over 600 listens

2. Inform improvements for guests: This year, the group influenced 20+ global projects, boosting attraction accessibility. From providing feedback on new designs (like the newly launched Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse) to guest training, their input is enhancing guest satisfaction. This is having a positive impact. Scores for guest satisfaction are higher for guests with disabilities than for those without, across attractions that have worked with the Group. “Exceeded all expectations! The sensory room is beautiful & the accessibility and inclusiveness for everyone is so lovely” Guest comment

3. Inform improvements for employees: The group supports our Global People Team to influence change for employees with disabilities leading changes to processes & spaces. “It was really informative for me to understand the different requirements & ensure we are overall much more inclusive” The bonus group benefit; “I bring my whole self to work & am able to chat through emotionally heavy stuff & know I’m not alone on the journey”

“I’m so proud to share that we have this group to explore and implement ways to include every guest and every staff member. More importantly, it’s something personal that I know I am not alone within the company.” Member of the Internal Intelligence Group.”

Follow Merlin Entertainments

Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.

Dr Shani Dhanda

Dr Shani DhandaDisability Inclusion Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and BroadcasterChair JudgeShani is a multi-award-winning disability inclusion specialist, thought leader, social entrepreneur, and accomplished broadcaster. She's driven change by establishing...

Lee Ellery

Lee ElleryWebsite Accessibility AssessorLee Ellery is from Swansea and has Cerebral Palsy which affects all four limbs and is also visually impaired. None of this stops him doing what he enjoys or working as a user-tester for Shaw Trust Accessibility Services. Using...

Simon Stones

Simone StonesSenior Medical Writer and Patient AdvocateSimon Stones is an Award-Winning Senior Medical Writer and International Patient Advocate. In 2023, he was awarded the inaugural Rising Star Award by the International Society for Medical Publication...