Una Summerson

Una Summerson is a one-woman public affairs powerhouse with more than 15 years working in campaigns, policy and research in the charity sector, most recently at Contact, the charity for families with disabled children.

During her time at Contact Una has single-handedly and on a minuscule budget, delivered all the charity’s campaign, policy, parliamentary and research activities, working across issues that affect families with disabled children like poverty, social security, health, social care, childcare, transport and education.

Una could be described as being in it for the long game: She started as a policy officer at Contact focusing on the extra challenge many parents with disabled children face of juggling work and caring responsibilities and finding suitable and affordable childcare. More than 10 years on, this policy area remains a focus for her.