Code of Conduct
Ripon Disability Forum (RDF) works to improve the well-being of people with a disability in the Ripon area. As a member of the North Yorkshire Disability Forum, we work with other organisations to address disability issues and to seek improvement to services and life opportunities.
Members play a critical role in developing and promoting the credibility and positive reputation of the Forum.
The Code of Conduct has been developed to ensure members and visitors understand the expectations for Ripon Disability Forum
meetings. It should be read in conjunction with the Ripon Disability Forum Terms of Reference.
Trustees of Ripon Disability Forum
Maggie Donnelly Chair of Ripon Disability Forum
After 13 years in Hampshire Maggie returned to Ripon in 2002, joining RADDAG (Ripon and District Disability Action Group) and has seen the group transform through all its iterations into a CIO (Charitable Interest Organisation). She has been a serious volunteer for more than 45 years for organisations ranging from The Samaritans to Victim Support and is also a Parish Councillor. At the heart of RDF is Ripon and the city’s interests but we also campaign on any matters regarding disability- which generally benefit the wider community too
Lynette Barnes OBE Co-ordinator
Having been involved in the establishment and continuation of RADAG and then RDF.
As the Director of the Ripon Council for Voluntary Service I continued my interest, becoming the Co-ordinator of RDF on my retirement in 2011.
It has been a privilege to work with such a proactive and happy group of people.
Daniel Abel
Daniel is a ‘youngish’ man with cerebral palsy. He joined Ripon Disability Forum about 2022 as he wanted to help get the message across that when you’ve got a disability you have the right to be listened to just like anybody else. People with disabilities (seen and invisible) must not be ignored and the right to an independent life He has an interest in improving facilities in ripon that are accessible to all. He is passionate about creating opportunities that allow those with and without disabilities to enjoy independent life together and making Ripon a disability friendly city.Â
His current main ambition is for the creation of a fully accessible playground in the city centre that allows all children to have a place to play together irrespective of whether they have a disability or not.Â
Stewart Aitken MSc B Eng(Hons) BSc Cert Ed.
Stewart Aitken is a wheelchair user and a retired Fire Service Station Officer.
Currently, he is the lay member for two University of York committees, the Physical Sciences Ethics Committee and the Professional Services Research Ethics Committee.
Margaret Crossfield
I have been involved in disability matters over many years in Ripon.