2025 Shortlisted nominee
D&I CONSULTANCY AWARD
John McDonald is a Disability Consultant and advocate, whose life and work exemplify resilience and the transformative power of inclusion. With over 20 years in healthcare, his commitment deepened after a 2016 diagnosis of bowel cancer and hydrocephalus, followed by brain surgery that left him with lasting health challenges. Refusing to be defined by them, John developed strategies to thrive and continue his mission. He created Cities of Belonging, uniting social, economic, and employment sectors to build inclusive urban communities. John amplifies his message through social media and voluntary roles, including six months as interim chair and ongoing member of a regional disability forum. He supports Small Business Britain and serves on The Jobs Foundation’s regional steering board. Recognised with award nominations, John champions the belief that “inclusion isn’t normalising the difference; rather, inclusion is seeing the difference as normal.
