The Head of Innovation and Regulatory Compliance at airport services provider OmniServ, Samantha Saunders, has been made a global ambassador for the #PurpleLightUp movement.
The role will see Saunders furthering the aim of PurpleSpace in supporting those employees living with ill health, disability or the repercussions of an accident or injury, and helping them flourish in the workplace. She will also lead OmniServ’s plans for #PurpleLightUp Day on 3 December, a global solidarity campaign which aligns with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)and recognises the economic contribution of people with disabilities.
These include the displaying of bunting and posters across Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted & Edinburgh Airport’s terminals, as well as distributing briefing sheets outlining the support services available to passengers travelling with a disability or impairment. OmniServ will also inform passengers of its #PurpleLightUp founding partner status, along with Saunders appointment as global ambassador.
Ahead of #PurpleLightUp day, the OmniServ owned travel retail staffing and experiential agency Blackjack Promotions launched a new travel retail training programme aimed at training its brand ambassadors on how to offer service and advice to passengers with a variety of accessibility challenges.
Since joining OmniServ in December 2017, Saunders has driven service enhancements across the company’s PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) operations, making her the ideal choice for a #PurpleLightUp ambassador. She also has more than 30 years’ experience across the aviation industry, and has championed changes in working practices that made Gatwick Airport the first in the UK to be classified as Autism Friendly and receive an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Innovation Award.
“I am both delighted and extremely proud to be appointed as a global ambassador for #PurpleLightUp” said Saunders.
“At OmniServ, we believe employing disabled people is more than just a moral imperative; it’s also a logical move that strengthens our team.
“If we’re going to deliver the best possible experience we can for disabled passengers, then disabled employees can contribute particularly valuable skills and insights based on their personal experiences, and they can share that knowledge to the rest of our team. Being a #PurpleLightUp Strategic Partner has enhanced our understanding of how we can deliver a better service built around real experience.”
Originally posted Airline Routes and Ground Services 2 December 2019