August 5, 2020, by Hannah Webber
Meet our Disability Sport Officer : Hannah Webber
At the University of Nottingham Sport, we believe sport is for everyone. We work alongside the Student Union and Disability Support team to ensure that there are accessible sporting opportunities for all students at the University.
We also have our own dedicated Disability Sport Officer, Hannah Webber, who can support you. Read more as we catch up with Hannah and hear about the work she does.
Tell us a bit about yourself, why you chose to work in participation sport…
I previously worked at Speedo International in their sports marketing department and although I enjoyed the job, I wanted to do something where I was more active. Now I get to support people, this gives me a real buzz and I also get the opportunity to try lots of fantastic sports- this makes it a dream job for me. My work life is made a lot easier by the great sports participation team, however I may be slightly biased.
Working on our Rainbow Laces campaign video with Millie Doherty (SU Sport Officer 2019-20) and Sam Hawkins (LGBT+Officer 2019-20).
How long have you been at University of Nottingham sport
I’ve been working at the University in this role for over 11 years. When I first started my role was part time and externally funded but now my position is full time and funded by the University. This shows how committed the university is to providing inclusive opportunities. My role has evolved, beyond disability sport to encompass a wider inclusion remit. I also support work on areas like the LGBT+ inclusion, Black History Month and University Mental Health Day.
What are the key aspects of your role?
My role covers a wide range of different areas across the sports department. The primary focus of my role is to support disabled students to access sport and physical activity, whilst they’re studying at Nottingham. I aim to enhance their University experience through access to physical activity.
I support sports club to develop their inclusive offer and work on developing inclusive initiatives, such as Engage Inclusive Sports Day, Men’s Health Active, Supported Fitness Sessions and Gym Quiet Time, which aim to break down some barriers to participation for disabled students, staff and alumni.
Sports welfare training with the Nightline and Sports Development teams.
Mental health and welfare is a big passion of mine, so I do spend a considerable amount of time supporting sport welfare training and the Welfare in Sport campaign group, alongside the SU Officers and wider SU team.
I also support our talented para-sport scholars, sit on the University Executive Board committee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the BUCS Inclusion Board as well as advising on facility accessibility and running inclusion training for our 100+ team of staff.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety that my job offers. No one day is quite the same. If I have to give one thing, I’d have to say that it’s getting to work with a great team of like minded people. It’s so much easier and so much more fun when people are on board with what you’re trying to achieve!
Can you tell us about a highlight from your work at university of Nottingham sport?
There are so many highlights for me, both personally and professionally. My role provided me with the opportunity to volunteer at the 2012 Paralympics in London. I think, however, that when students engage with what you’re doing and flourish – that gives me a real buzz. Seeing one of our students – Aymun Khan – winning the BUCS Student Volunteer of the year in 2019 was amazing, after seeing how much time he’d invested in the wheelchair basketball club and other sports volunteering opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to the 2020/21 academic year?
Although the new academic year is looking a little uncertain, I’m really looking forward to seeing our wheelchair basketball club compete in BUCS. I am also looking forward to working with our new cohort of student ambassadors and SU Officers. We have some passionate students and staff, who I will be working with proactively to develop our inclusive offer and support for disabled students at the University.
Whether you want support in the gym or to join a sports club, we can support you in your ambitions. Find out more about the inclusive sport offer at the University of Nottingham here.
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