Browne Jacobson’s Mark Blois nationally recognised in the Disability Power 100 2023

Mark Blois, partner and national head of the education team at UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson, has been named in the ‘Politics and the Law’ category of this year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100. The Disability Power 100 recognises Mark as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK.

All about creating change, the Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a key role in recognising and showcasing the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.

Mark is a renowned national expert in education law and governance, earning consistent recognition as a leading figure in his field for over two decades, including from both Chambers, which places Mark in Band One, a prestigious national ranking for recommended education lawyers, and the Legal 500, which honours him in their Hall of Fame. Last year Mark was also named in The Lawyer’s ‘Hot 100’ listing which each year identifies 100 legal professionals selected for having played a critical role in shaping the legal profession over the past 12 months. 

Mark has previously been named in the 'Disability Power 100' in 2021, on that occasion placing in the 'Education, Public & Third Sector' category. Mark has over 25 years' experience of serving in education sector governance roles including serving for ten years as the Chair of the L.E.A.D Academy Trust, a 25-school trust educating over 10,500 children & young people. Between 2021 and 2023 Mark was also appointed by the Department for Education as a National Leader of Governance (NLG), which role he specialised in governance advice and support to the academies sector.

Mark Blois, National Head of the Education Team at Browne Jacobson commented:

“The ongoing journey to break the stigma around disability and empower disabled individuals can be challenging, but it is also often very rewarding and I am honoured to be included in the Disability Power 100 for 2023. All the individuals recognised in Disability Power 100 have demonstrated great ambition, strength and achievements and together they are both a testament to the steady progress we are making in creating a more accessible and inclusive world and an inspiration for further progress on this journey to be made.”

Oliver Holmes, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Browne Jacobson further adds: 

“Mark's recognition in the Disability Power 100 demonstrates his unwavering commitment and efforts in the field of education law and governance, as well as his consistent acknowledgment as a leading figure in the legal industry.

At Browne Jacobson, we believe in the power of diversity, and this recognition reinforces the need for a more inclusive world where talent knows no boundaries, and individuals of all abilities are given equal opportunities to thrive.

We congratulate Mark on this well-deserved achievement, and will continue to champion his efforts as we work together to create a more accessible and equitable future for all."

The Disability Power 100 comprises of the top ranking individuals selected by an independent panel of alumni and disability leaders across ten different categories (Business & Finance, Community Advocate, Digital & Technology, Education, Entertainment, Media & Publishing, Politics & Law, Science & Engineering, Visual Arts, Fashion & Design and Sport).

Background

A fifth of the UK’s population has a disability or impairment, however, there is very little recognition of successful and influential disabled people. Disabled people are more likely to be unemployed, and the gap is widening, and until we change the public perception of disability, to recognise strong, successful, influential people who are leaders in their field, this gap will continue. According to government figures the disability employment rate has increased by 9.2 percentage points from 43.4% in July to September 2013 to 52.6% in July to September 2022. 

Previous winners of the Disability Power 100 number one spot have included comedian and presenter Alex Brooker, campaigner and peer Baroness Jane Campbell, BBC disability journalist Nikki Fox.

The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel chaired by Andrew Miller MBE from more than 1,500 public nominations. Full details of this year’s finalists can be found on www.disabilitypower100.com.