Scope Awards 2025 judges

A Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and Broadcaster, Shani is one of the UK's most influential disabled people.

As a South Asian woman who experiences disability, Shani has taken the change she wants to create in the world into her own hands. She is the founder of Diversability, the Asian Woman Festival and the Asian Disability Network. 

As a subject matter expert, she holds 8 executive and advisory roles and is an ambassador for 5 national disability organisations. 

Shani has been recognised with over 25 honours and awards for her inclusion and activism work.

Abi James Miller is a specialist in access, inclusion, research and production support. She has worked with BBC, ITV and Channel 4 over her five years in the creative industries. She has enhanced accessibility at Twickenham, Download Festival and Wimbledon. Abi is passionate about advocacy. She focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and breaking down barriers in TV.

Ade Adepitan MBE is a TV presenter, Paralympic medallist, journalist. He is also a father of two, Bolla and Zayla. Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in East London, Ade survived polio as a youngster after he began to lose the use of his legs at just 15 months old.

Andy looks after some of EVRI’s key retailer relationships with a team of commercial account managers. He’s passionate about the work EVRI are doing to become the most accessible parcel delivery company. With first-hand experience of how an impairment can affect you mentally and in the workplace, Andy is proud to be judging the awards.

Charlotte is a Disabled content creator and speaker raising awareness of stomas, chronic illnesses, and mental health. Passionate about representation, body image, and accessibility, they've shared their story on social media and TV to help others feel less alone.

Chloé is fluent in Dutch and English and has 20+ years of experience using different mobility devices. She founded Stick with Chloé to promote accessibility by creating content. This includes auditing locations, and advising travel, leisure and events businesses. Through public speaking, she raises awareness and helps brands improve physical accessibility on a global scale.

Danielle Vanier is an online creator, personal stylist and disability advocate. She lives with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Danielle empowers individuals to express themselves through fashion while championing representation and inclusivity. She uses her lived experience of chronic illness to offer support and advice to the disabled community.

Dr Amit Patel is a best-selling author, award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, broadcaster, keynote speaker, and disability rights campaigner. He supports various charities. And is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, ensuring a more inclusive society.

Dr Amo Raju OBE DL is a Disability Ambassador and former CEO of Disability Direct. His achievements include stints in the bhangra music industry, politics and commerce. Amo's book ‘Walk Like A Man’ was published in 2021. He has won many awards, including a Scope Award in the Role Model category in 2024.

Ekow Otoo is an actor, model and spoken word artist. When MS changed his life, he dove into the creative arts. Focusing mainly on TV and film dramas and commercials, he aims to tell all stories that make you cry, scream, and laugh.

Award-winning vlogger, all-round adrenalin junkie and President of Wheels and Wheelchairs, Isaac Harvey MBE was born with limb-pelvic hypoplasia which prevented his limbs from growing. This disability has not stopped him from skiing, skydiving, tall ship sailing and much more. In 2023 Isaac was made an MBE in the King’s New Year's honours list. 

Jacqueline Winstanley is the Founder of Universal Inclusion and CEO of the Disabled Entrepreneur Network. She is global thought leader on ethical collaboration between policy academia and practice to increase equality of access to opportunities. Jacqueline is Secretariat for APPG Innovative Inclusive Entrepreneurship. As well as being a published author and poet.

Kate Nash is founder of PurpleSpace, the world’s only global network of disability employee resource groups. Kate's second book, Positively Purple, won Business Book of the Year 2023 (DEI). She is a member of the LSEG EDI Global Advisory Council Leaders’ Group. Kate was awarded an OBE for services to disabled people in 2007.

Lee Ridley is a stand-up comedian, and the first to use a communication device live on stage. Performing as ‘Lost Voice Guy’, Lee won Britain’s Got Talent in 2018. He also won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2014. He has performed all over the UK and starred in and co-written four series of Ability for BBC Radio 4.

Nina Tame is a disability content creator, writer and mentor from the UK. She uses social media to debunk myths about disability and address abelism. Her lived experience of growing up disabled and parenting a disabled child influences her work. She is a proud part of the vibrant and diverse online disabled community.

Jason Arday is Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education. And a Professorial Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was formerly a Guest Editor on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. Jason listed fourth on the prestigious Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 in 2023. 

Richie Brave is a Presenter, Broadcaster & Writer hailing from South London. He is known for his hard-hitting interviews and honest social criticism, which challenges people to think and reflect on themselves. Richie is host of BBC 1Xtra's "1Xtra Talks" exploring the lived experiences of Black people across the UK.   

Sam Tatlow is the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ITV. As part of ITV’s Executive Leadership team, she is responsible for leading the team and overseeing ITV's overarching DE&I Strategy. This strategy means colleagues can play their part in creating an equitable organisation and culture for all.

Samantha Renke is broadcaster, speaker and writer. She is a regular columnist for the Metro. Samantha hosted ITV’s series, Unfiltered Women. Samantha is an ambassador for Scope, and various other charities. Her debut book, You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, was published in July 2022 by Penguin Random House.

Shelby Lynch is an influential, Black, Disabled, LGBT+ model & content creator. She shares her style & creativity online with an educational approach. Shelby has been a cover girl for glamour magazine and rolled down the catwalk at London Fashion Week. She won a Scope Award in the Influencer category in 2024. 

The first black, female, disabled comedian of her era, Variety D has performed at Dave’s Disabled Comedians’ Showcase produced by UKTV & Phil McIntyre Entertainment. Her other credits include Sorry, I Didn’t Know (ITV), The Judi Love Show (BBC Radio London) and Two Birds In A Park (BBC Radio 4).

Victoria Jenkins is the founder of award-winning adaptive fashion brand Unhidden. She has changed the retail landscape in launching an adaptive collection with Primark. The collection makes fashion accessible for every body. Victoria is also a disability advocate, Tedx speaker and author. She sits on multiple charity boards, as well as being co-chair of the Lilac Review.

Zahari Brimacombe promotes inclusion in Girlguiding as an Inclusion Advisor. They also campaign for inclusion within one of Somerset's largest employers. And co-produce on neuroinclusive healthcare. Zahari also helps to organise Open Table Taunton, an intersectionally inclusive monthly Christian gathering. They won a Scope Award in the Purple Pioneer category in 2024.

Mesha Moinirad is an entrepreneur, rehabilitation coach and advocate for the chronically ill community. Having a stoma himself, he uses his platform to raise awareness for those with his condition. As well as providing education that aims to make living with invisible disabilities more manageable.