By Gabby Machell, Chief Executive at Learning Disability Network London
As we move into 2026, I want to share some of the areas we are focusing on this year. It is not an exhaustive list, and as always things evolve, but these are some of the priorities shaping our work.
Many of you will know that Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are appointing new providers. That will change the local landscape and it may mean we support fewer people in some areas.
I understand that this brings uncertainty. I do not yet know exactly what the final picture will look like, but I am committed to communicating openly as decisions are made. What remains constant is our focus on quality and consistency for the people connected to LDN London. For me, growth has never been about size. It is about the difference we make in people’s everyday lives.
One area we are continuing to develop is the voice of people with learning disabilities within our organisation. Our Quality Checkers, eight people with learning disabilities who visit services and speak confidentially to people, are a key part of that. In 2026 we are strengthening how their feedback reaches managers and trustees, and how actions are tracked. Listening should lead to visible change.
Employment is another priority. Following our Spotlight On event last year, we have continued building LDN Eats.
LDN Eats is our catering initiative, creating paid roles at the London Living Wage and structured training in the food industry. It is one of the ways we are trying to address the lack of employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. We are recruiting and developing the team, and learning as we grow.
We are also working on strengthening our wider workforce. Recruitment across social support remains challenging. Through our Pathway to Work scheme we are offering local people work experience that can lead to employment, helping build careers within the community.
Health inequality continues to concern me. This year we plan to hold another Spotlight On event focused on this issue. We are also looking more closely at how people with learning disabilities experience ambulance services, with the intention of sharing what we learn. Alongside this, we have started student nurse placements, because improving understanding within the health system matters.
Children and families are also very much on our minds. With national reforms expected in the SEND system, there is likely to be change ahead. Kids Can Achieve, part of LDN London, along with our Family Services, will be affected.
Whatever happens, we will make sure families are kept informed and continue to focus on inclusion, relationships and practical support.
There is a lot happening this year. Some things are within our control, and some are not. What is within our control is how we behave, how clearly, we communicate, and how firmly we hold to our values that will continue to guide us through 2026.
