Designability announces the appointment of Jim Bowes as its new CEO
Disability charity Designability has announced that Jim Bowes has been appointed as its new CEO to help the charity carry forward its ambitious growth strategy.
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 Jim worked with national charities including the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, RSPCA, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and GOSH Children’s Charity.
Jim Bowes 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, he 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.
The principles of user-centred or person-centred design are fundamental to the work of Designability which aims to design 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 Designability 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.
In 2023, the charity launched a “game-changing” accessible pushchair for wheelchair users.
