Lost Voice Guy to head up JET annual conference

Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy, is the keynote speaker at the bi-annual Jersey Employment Trust Able to Work Conference being held on Thursday 6 December 2018.

Lee, who is the first stand-up comedian to use a communication aid, will share his workplace experiences at the conference which is entitled Make it Happen, Make it Matter. 

As well as being the only comedian to win BGT in its entire run, Lee also won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2014 and performed his first solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013. In addition, Lee has worked as an online journalist for the BBC and was online content manager for Sunderland City Council. Lee has a neurological form of cerebral palsy which means he is unable to speak.

JET Executive Officer, Jocelyn Butterworth, said: “This conference is about promoting abilities and workplace skills and so we are delighted to welcome a speaker who has proved so publicly that having what has traditionally been viewed as a disability isn’t a barrier to using your talents. We’re looking forward to hearing from Lee and to welcoming employers, HR professionals and politicians to find out more about JET’s services and the value our clients could bring to their business.”

The Able to Work conference is a forum for Jersey employers to attend workshops and engage with JET and have the opportunity to recognise the abilities, potential and employability of staff with disabilities and long-term health conditions. 

This year’s workshops include sessions on disability awareness training and job retention services and attendees will also hear from Stuart Barette, the winner of the Times International Diversity Champion, about career development for people with disabilities making reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

The conference will also feature the JET Able to Work Employer Awards 2018. Eight companies will receive awards on the day and one will be nominated for the employer of the year award.

The conference is being held at the L’Horizon Beach Hotel and Spa and has been sponsored by the L’Horizon and Mourant.

Any employers who would like to attend can contact JET directly on admin@jet.co.jeor by calling 01534 788900.