Claire Cookson, DFN Project SEARCH’s CEO, announced as finalist at the Business Disability Forum ‘Disability Smart Awards’

We are delighted to share that DFN Project SEARCH’s CEO, Claire Cookson, has been announced a finalist for the Disability Smart Leader Award at the Disability Smart Awards 2023.

This nomination is indicative of all that Claire has achieved so far at DFN Project SEARCH, pathing  the way to a more inclusive society by helping create much improved career opportunities for young adults with a learning disability and autism through supported internships schemes across the UK.

Under Claire’s leadership, the DFN Project SEARCH programme has helped 1,900 interns into employment, with over 60% of interns achieving full-time permanent roles, compared to the 5.1% average in England.

Claire has also played a crucial role within the Internship Works Programme, alongside her colleagues at BASE and NDTi, which was commissioned by the Department for Education to double the number of supported internships by March 2025.

Thank you to the Business Disability Forum, Microlink and the Disability Smart Awards for shortlisting Claire as a a finalist and supporting the DFN Project SEARCH mission.

We’re looking forward to celebrating Claire and all those put forward for the awards at the ceremony in April.

To find out more about these fantastic awards click here.