Dr Christopher Whitaker (41) company director of Purple Advantage started the charity with wife Dr Fran Whitaker to help address and challenge the disability employment gap in UK businesses . The gap has stood at 27% in 2023 and remained constant over the past few years, evidencing the necessity of partnering with organisations to upskill their disability knowledge. “It is the difference between the number of disabled and non disabled people in work,” states Dr Chris. “We want to use our professional and technical knowledge as well as our own lived experience to give people the tools they need to work with talented disabled people.” The company slogan, ‘innovation starts with diverse thinking,’ spearheads the support and coaching offered to disabled people to help get them into work, thrive at and remain in work.
Dr Chris explains that at the heart of the approach, a combination of excellent people skills and a strong academic background, ensures assessments can be quickly made to maximise the difference that can be made working in partnership with clients.
The website lists Dr Chris’ super powers as listening and innovation. He affirms that, “listening is an underrated skill, particularly as much of communication is non-verbal and therefore safe spaces must be created to ensure that people are heard.” He explains that innovation is key to ensure businesses have the ability to see different perspectives and find unique solutions and approaches.
Who is Dr Chris?
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club supporter Dr Chris used hypnotherapy ahead of his PhD exam to help him to perform to his best, and he proclaimed that this therapy and endless cups of tea worked. He is a regular media contributor on disability topics raising awareness on disability matters and has been a guest on BBC Women’s Hour to discuss this hot topic. Dr Chris can be often found working alongside his and Fran’s cat, Safia, whose favourite place to sleep is on Dr Chris’ desk.
Dr Fran Whitaker, a former Paralympic swimmer for Great Britain has had an international career spanning 10 years, amassing five World Championship titles and 6 medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. She broke her first World Record at the age of 13 after swimming for only 12 months. Now a motivational speaker, she partnered with husband Dr Chris to meet the employment needs of disabled people. Although Dr Fran is a retired Paralympic swimmer, she is allergic to chlorine, is learning Spanish and never wears matching socks.
Purple Advantage explain that businesses working with them can improve decision making, reduce employee turnover and ensure there is accessibility for everyone. Dr Chris states that, “diversity of thought enhances the quality of decisions made, with employees more likely to remain in an inclusive workplace.”
“We want to create safe spaces, where everyone feels heard.”
Their approach stems on a focussed and impact driven model that emphasises continuous improvement obtained by creating meaningful relationships designed to deliver long term impact. “We want everyone to bring their best selves to work, to feel valued and secure,” says Dr Chris, “We want to create safe spaces, where everyone feels heard.”
Rebecca Diaz, Chief investment officer, Baker Street Financial states that, “after years of getting it wrong, we decided to hire professional assistance for creating the right environment in the company. Efficiency and comfort within the team was achieved after a few sessions with Purple Advantage. We are pleased with the result and we encourage other companies to follow their approach.
Client feedback also sings their praises, enabling them to discuss navigating the barriers faced navigating the world of work as a disabled person. “As a result my confidence and feelings of belonging have increased,” says Claire, a coaching client. Similarly, Danielle Sellwood also a client says that, “Purple Advantage gave such invaluable feedback on our important piece of work. Having insight and input from two people with both professional and lived experience, means we can move forward with confidence.” It is these glowing references that evidence the true effectiveness of such a valuable company in the diverse workplace today. Other feedback states how incredibly helpful Dr Chris has been, creating a supportive space to discuss navigating the barriers faced navigating the world of work as a disabled person.
Fear Factor
“We must end the ‘fear factor’,” says Dr Chris. Advising employers disability knowledge using his expertise, experience, and skills he says will help give businesses a competitive edge. The team are well versed in working with anyone at any stage of their disability journey, whether just starting out or wanting to refresh expertise. It is by recognising disability awareness that Dr Chris believes will create opportunities. “Many people don’t know where to get started where disability and the workplace is concerned.”
The Whitaker team offer training, consultancy, coaching and speaking, collaborating with organisations to help them embed disability into their work. “It’s early days for us,” says Dr Chris, “but we’re optimistic about the future and glad to be able to use our backgrounds to make a difference, or as we say – to give people a Purple Advantage.”