Jane Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, English activist

Jane Susan Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, born on 19 April 1959, is a distinguished figure in the United Kingdom, renowned for her unwavering commitment to disability rights. As a leading British disability rights campaigner and a life peer, she holds a significant and influential position within the UK's social and political landscape, particularly within the House of Lords.

A Champion for Disability Rights and Social Care

Baroness Campbell's impactful career has been marked by a series of pivotal roles within key organizations dedicated to advancing equality, human rights, and social care. Her dedication to ensuring fair treatment, promoting inclusion, and expanding opportunities for disabled individuals has been a consistent thread throughout her extensive public service.

Leadership at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

From 2006 to 2008, Baroness Campbell served as a Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). This vital national body is tasked with promoting and enforcing equality and human rights law across England, Scotland, and Wales. During her tenure, her leadership was particularly instrumental as she chaired the Disability Committee. This committee played a crucial role in shaping and guiding the EHRC Disability Programme, which focused on developing and implementing strategies to combat disability discrimination and foster greater inclusion, ensuring that the voices and needs of disabled people were central to the commission's broader work.

Enhancing Social Care Standards through SCIE

Further demonstrating her broad impact on social welfare and the lived experiences of individuals, she also held the esteemed position of Chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). SCIE plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people who use social care services by identifying and disseminating best practice, providing valuable resources, and influencing policy across the adult social care sector throughout the UK. Her leadership here underscored her commitment to high-quality, person-centred care.

Transition from the Disability Rights Commission (DRC)

Prior to her significant role at the EHRC, Baroness Campbell was a dedicated Commissioner of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). The DRC was the UK's dedicated body specifically working to eliminate discrimination against disabled people and promote their civil rights. Her service there was critical until its functions were absorbed into the newly formed EHRC when the DRC was formally wound up in October 2006. This transition marked a significant shift in the landscape of equality enforcement in the UK, broadening the scope from specific protected characteristics to a more integrated approach under the comprehensive mandate of the EHRC.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baroness Campbell of Surbiton

Who is Jane Susan Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton?

She is a prominent British disability rights campaigner and a life peer in the House of Lords, widely recognized for her influential roles in significant organizations like the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), and the former Disability Rights Commission (DRC).

What does "life peer" mean in the British system?

In the British parliamentary system, a life peer is an individual appointed to the House of Lords for the duration of their life. They are typically chosen for their significant contributions to society, often bringing a wealth of expertise from various fields to parliamentary debates and legislative scrutiny without their title being hereditary.

What was her specific role at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)?

Baroness Campbell served as a Commissioner of the EHRC from 2006 to 2008. She was particularly influential as the Chair of its Disability Committee, a key position that guided the development and implementation of the EHRC Disability Programme, focusing on anti-discrimination and inclusion.

What was the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), and how did Baroness Campbell fit in?

The DRC was the predecessor body to the EHRC, specifically dedicated to promoting the rights of disabled people and combating disability discrimination in the UK. Baroness Campbell was a Commissioner there until it ceased operations in October 2006, with its functions largely transferring to the newly established EHRC.

What is the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)?

SCIE is a leading charity and improvement agency in the UK that supports the social care sector. Its mission is to gather and disseminate knowledge about effective practice, provide valuable resources, and influence policy, all with the aim of improving the lives of people needing and receiving social care services.