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Helen Cooke CBE is one of the UK’s leading diversity, equity and inclusion experts, recognised for transforming the way organisations attract, recruit and retain disabled talent. As the Founder and CEO of MyPlus, Helen has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to employment and creating workplaces where disabled people can thrive. Combining senior corporate experience with her lived experience as a wheelchair user, she delivers engaging keynote speeches that challenge perceptions, encourage meaningful action and equip organisations with practical strategies to build genuinely inclusive cultures.
Helen began her career after graduating from the University of Hull with a BA in Management Systems, joining Marks and Spencer before progressing to Mars Incorporated, where she spent almost a decade in talent acquisition and recruitment. These experiences gave her first hand insight into the opportunities and challenges within graduate recruitment, ultimately inspiring her to establish MyPlus. Under her leadership, the organisation has become a trusted partner for employers seeking to improve disability inclusion, while supporting thousands of disabled students and graduates as they transition into employment. Helen also launched the MyPlus Recruiters’ Club, creating a collaborative network for graduate employers committed to inclusive hiring, before introducing the MyPlus Students’ Club to help disabled students develop confidence, career skills and professional connections. Beyond MyPlus, she developed the Back Up to Work programme for The Back Up Trust, supporting people with spinal cord injuries as they rebuild their careers and independence.
Helen’s expertise has been recognised through numerous honours celebrating her influence on disability inclusion and talent strategy. She has been named among the SHAW Trust Disability Power 100 on four occasions, recognised in Cranfield University’s Women to Watch list, honoured by the Corporate LiveWire Innovation and Excellence Awards and included in the TA Tech Top 200 Most Influential Talent Acquisition Thought Leaders. Her outstanding contribution was further recognised when she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s New Year Honours for services to special educational needs and disabilities. She regularly shares her expertise through industry conferences, employer events and podcast appearances, including the University of Bath’s The Placement Podcast.
Helen is hired as a diversity and inclusion speaker because she combines strategic expertise with practical solutions that organisations can implement immediately. Having advised organisations including the BBC, BP, EY, JP Morgan, Nikon, KPMG and the Institute of Student Employers, she helps leaders understand how inclusive recruitment and workplace culture drive stronger business performance while creating opportunities for underrepresented talent. Her evidence based insights, authentic storytelling and ability to inspire lasting cultural change make her one of the UK’s most sought after voices on disability inclusion, accessibility and equitable leadership.
“Helen Cooke’s guest appearance on University of Bath’s ‘The Placement Podcast’ gave disabled students practical, reassuring guidance on disclosure, workplace support and navigating recruitment. The episode has become a highly valued resource for students preparing for placements and employment.”
“I have worked with Helen over a number of years across multiple organisations. Her knowledge and passion in this area is what really shines and has always stuck with me. Most recently Helen came in to deliver a conversation for International Day of Persons with Disabilities which was well received across Kennedys. I cannot recommend working with Helen enough.”
“Helen is an energised and thoroughly engaging presenter. Her point of difference is that she is a positive and powerful role model. Helen uses her own lived experiences of disability and examples from the students she coaches, to unpack many practical examples on how to build disability confidence, address discrimination and self advocate to gain employment.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for inspirational figures of different races, genders, sexualities and abilities since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on diversity and inclusion.
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