Neil Heslop

Neil is a visionary leader who, despite losing his sight aged 20, has forged a remarkable career spanning the corporate and charitable sectors, while consistently advocating for disability rights in the workplace.
After graduating with a law degree, Neil spent 25 years in the telecommunications and IT services industry, holding senior positions at companies such as Nortel Networks, O2 and Cincinnati Bell. Throughout his corporate journey, Neil faced significant challenges related to his disability. At a time when disability discrimination legislation did not exist, he encountered prejudice and limited options. However, Neil’s determination helped him overcome these obstacles. He learned to address employers’ concerns directly, reducing their perception of risk and maximizing their view of his potential to contribute.
Throughout his corporate career, Neil has advocated for disability rights. In 1992 he co-founded Blind In Business, a charity supporting blind and partially sighted young people into work, and later advised the UK Government on the Disability Discrimination Act, which later evolved into the Equalities Act 2010. His significant contributions to the telecommunications industry and charitable work were recognized with an OBE in 2002.
After 25 years in the corporate sector, Neil transitioned to the nonprofit world, taking on leadership roles at the Royal National Institute of Blind People and later at Leonard Cheshire, before becoming the CEO of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in 2020.
At CAF Neil has led significant growth, increasing the organization’s impact from facilitating £700 million in donations to £1.1 billion in 2024, it’s centenary year. His vision for CAF is to further grow giving and social impact, accelerating progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all.
Neil is committed to increasing opportunities and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of continuous self-development and leveraging technology to overcome challenges.
Reflecting on his journey, Neil states: “I feel privileged to have had the career and opportunities that I have, and I am very mindful that mine is not the experience of many. It is therefore incumbent on myself and others who may have had that experience to shine a light on the need for change.”