Designability appoints new CEO
Bath-based disability charity, Designability, has appointed Jim Bowes as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Jim joins Designability with over 20 years of experience as a founder, leader and consultant in a wide range of start-ups, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit environments.
His most recent experience is that of creating, scaling and selling the agency Manifesto, where he worked with national charities including the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, RSPCA, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and GOSH Children’s Charity.
Jim said, “I’m delighted to be joining Designability at this important moment in the delivery of its strategy. I believe that good design can create a better, more inclusive world and Designability is at the forefront of using user-centred design practices to create products and services that improve disabled people’s lives. I have a personal connection to how important their work is, and I look forward to using the full range of my experience to help the organisation deliver even greater impact.”
As a charity trustee, Jim holds roles with both a national charity and a Somerset-based organisation where he has been hands-on in developing their new user-centred three-year strategy.
User-centred or person-centred design is fundamental to the work of Designability as by listening to disabled people, the company co-designs innovative products and services that enable disabled children and adults to live with greater independence.
Jim will succeed Designability’s former CEO, Catharine Brown, who stepped down as CEO of the company in September 2023 after four years in the post.
Jerry Marwood, Chair of Trustees at Designability, said, “We were impressed by Jim’s achievements, personal values and his thoughtful approach to the role of Designability CEO. We believe that he has the drive, experience and personal qualities to carry forward the ambitious strategy set in place by Catharine, and to lead the charity to achieve our vision – a future where disabled people live the life they choose.”
Borne out of a partnership between the Royal United Hospital and the University of Bath in the 1960s, Designability is best known for its pioneering Wizzybug Loan Scheme which provides free, fun, powered wheelchairs called Wizzybugs to very young disabled children across the UK.
Pictured above: Jim Bowes, Chief Executive Officer, Designability
