Jane Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Baroness Campbell of Surbiton
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Campbell in 2018
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| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 30 March 2007 Life peerage |
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Jane Susan Campbell
19 April 1959 London, England |
| Political party | Crossbench |
| Known for | Campaigner and adviser for disability reforms |
Jane Susan Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, born on 19 April 1959, is a British champion for disability rights. She is a life peer in the House of Lords, which means she has a special role in the UK Parliament for her lifetime. Baroness Campbell has worked hard to make life better for disabled people across the country. She was a Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and led its Disability Programme. She also chaired the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
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Early Life and Health Challenges
Jane Campbell grew up in New Malden, a town in England. Her father, Ron, worked as a heating engineer. Her mother, Jesse, was a window dresser.
When Jane was just nine months old, her parents noticed she couldn't hold her head up. By her first birthday, she moved very little. Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital diagnosed her with spinal muscular atrophy. This condition affects the muscles and can make movement difficult. Doctors thought she might not live past two years old. Sadly, her younger sister, Sally, passed away from the same illness. As a child, Jane often got serious chest infections. These sometimes meant she had to go to the hospital.
Education Journey and Achievements
Jane first attended a special school for disabled children. At this school, learning academic subjects was not the main focus. She left at 16 without many qualifications. However, she knew she was intelligent and wanted to learn more.
In 1975, Jane enrolled at Hereward College in Coventry. This college was special because it supported disabled students. Here, Jane found an academic environment. She also enjoyed a more typical teenage life. In just three years, she earned six O-levels and three A-levels. After Hereward College, she studied at Hatfield Polytechnic. Later, she earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree from the University of Sussex. Her master's project was about Sylvia Pankhurst, a famous activist.
Career in Disability Rights
Jane Campbell has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of disabled people. In 1983, she worked at the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR). The next year, she started working in local government. She became an Equal Opportunities Liaison Officer for the Greater London Council (GLC). She also worked as a Disability Training Development Officer. In this role, she taught others about disability equality.
In 1987, Jane became a Principal Disability Advisor for the London Borough of Hounslow. She later returned to the Disability Resource Team as Director of Training. In 1994, she started her own disability consultancy business. In the early 1990s, she co-chaired the British Council of Organisations of Disabled People (BCODP).
In 1996, Jane co-founded the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL). This organization helps disabled people live independently. She worked at NCIL for six years. After that, she was chosen to chair the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
Jane also co-authored a book called Disability Politics in 1996. Her important work was recognized with national honors. In 2000, she received the Member of the British Empire (MBE) award. In 2006, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). She also received honorary doctorates from Bristol University and Sheffield Hallam University in 2003.
From 2006 to 2008, Jane was a Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). She also led the Disability Committee there.
Becoming a Peer in Parliament
On 3 April 2007, Jane Campbell was given a special honor. She became a life peer in the House of Lords. This means she can help make laws and discuss important issues in Parliament for the rest of her life. She sits as a crossbencher, which means she doesn't belong to a specific political party. Her official title became Baroness Campbell of Surbiton.
Baroness Campbell has campaigned on many important issues. These include the Independent Living Fund (ILF), which helped disabled people live independently. She also worked on the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996. This law helps disabled people manage their own care. She has also spoken out about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected disabled people. She continues to work to protect the rights and welfare of disabled individuals.
Personal Life and Resilience
Jane Campbell met her first husband, Graham Ingleson, at Hereward College. They married in 1987. Graham had haemophilia, a condition affecting blood clotting. Six weeks before their wedding, they learned he had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. He sadly passed away in 1993. In 2009, Jane lived in Tolworth with her second husband, Roger Symes, who is a businessman.
Because of her physical condition, Baroness Campbell needs help with many daily tasks. She uses an electrically powered wheelchair to move around. She also uses a special machine called a ventilator to help her breathe at night. She types on a computer using one finger. In 2009, she received financial support from her local authority. This allowed her to hire five carers to help her with daily activities. Her life shows incredible strength and determination.
