BFI names first Disability Equality Lead

The BFI has announced CLARE BAINES as its first Disability Equality Lead, a newly created role designed to promote disability equality both internally and within the screen industries.

Baines joins from Zebra Technologies, where she was an Inclusion Leader. Her new role will include responsibility for the BFI’s strategic aims and objectives for people who identify as D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodiverse, including implementing sustainable interventions to prevent ableism in the industry.

Baines says her passion for film started at the age of 15, coinciding with when she became blind.

"I quickly began to realise the importance of storytelling and how vital representation is to belonging when I couldn’t find myself represented in UK film," she said.

"I am proud to now be part of the BFI where I’m excited to build on the success of existing projects such as Busting the Bias and Press Reset, as well as working with the BFI’s Disability Screen Advisory Group and colleagues across the organisation."