LEADERSHIP STANDARDS OVERVIEW

Purpose

This page provides an overview of the leadership standards required within organisations aligned with NWAF™. Its purpose is to define the core expectations, behaviours, and responsibilities that leaders must uphold to create ethical, accountable, and inclusive environments that protect disabled people’s rights and support organisational integrity.

These standards form the foundation for all leadership practice within the Leadership Hub.

Principles

Integrity: Leaders must act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all decisions.
Accountability: Leaders are responsible for the impact of their actions, behaviours, and decisions.
Inclusivity: Leadership must actively promote accessibility, equality, and participation for disabled people.
Clarity: Leaders must communicate clearly, consistently, and respectfully.
Courage: Leaders must challenge poor practice, remove barriers, and uphold standards even when difficult.
Consistency: Leadership behaviours must be reliable, predictable, and aligned with organisational values.
Service: Leaders must prioritise the wellbeing, rights, and experiences of the people they serve.

What NWAF™ Expects

Leaders demonstrate ethical behaviour and uphold national standards.
Leadership decisions are transparent, evidence‑based, and aligned with organisational values.
Leaders model inclusive behaviour and champion accessibility across all areas.
Leadership practice supports safe, respectful, and barrier‑free environments.
Leaders maintain accountability for culture, conduct, and organisational performance.
Leadership standards are applied consistently across all levels of the organisation.
Leaders engage with disabled people to understand lived experience and improve practice.

What Leaders Must Do

Act with integrity and uphold NWAF™ leadership standards at all times.
Make decisions that are fair, transparent, and grounded in evidence.
Promote accessibility and inclusion as core leadership responsibilities.
Communicate clearly, respectfully, and consistently with staff and service users.
Address poor practice promptly and take corrective action where needed.
Support staff to understand and meet accessibility and inclusion expectations.
Reflect on their own practice and seek continuous improvement.
Foster a culture of respect, accountability, and organisational integrity.

What Disabled People Can Expect

Leaders who act ethically and uphold their rights.
Transparent decisions that are communicated clearly and respectfully.
Leadership that prioritises accessibility, inclusion, and fairness.
A culture where barriers are identified and removed proactively.
Leaders who listen to lived experience and respond constructively.
Consistent leadership behaviour across all departments and services.
A safe, respectful environment supported by strong leadership accountability.

Why This Matters

Leadership sets the tone for organisational culture, behaviour, and performance. When leaders uphold strong ethical and accessibility standards, organisations become safer, fairer, and more inclusive for disabled people. These standards ensure that leadership practice aligns with national expectations and supports the mission of NWAF™ to create environments where disabled people can participate fully and confidently.

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