Joanne Austin
Co-chair Ability Employee Resource Group, HSBC UK
Joanne Austin works at HSBC in disability inclusion. Jo is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and has been the driving force behind tangible change that has benefited a number of disabled and neurodiverse people within the organisation.
Jo’s passion for inclusion is driven by her own personal experience of being a carer for her son and son’s girlfriend. Jo has epilepsy, her son is neurodiverse and his girlfriend is a full-time wheelchair user. Jo’s drive for inclusivity has been a lifelong endeavour. She was told that both her son and his girlfriend would not be employable but, defying all odds and down to Jo’s sheer tenacity, they are both now in full time employment.
She has brought this passion into the workplace. She is the Co-Chair for HSBC’s Global Ability network. This group represents c8,000 staff who are either themselves disabled, neurodiverse or carers together with their line managers.
“I am driven by my passion to build a better future for those with disabilities. There is nothing more rewarding than helping others and seeing them meet their full potential.”
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