Inspiring Leadership from AbilityNet

Sarah Botterill | 01 Feb 2021

Text reads 'Recognising an inspiring leader'We’re delighted AbilityNet’s Sarah Brain, has been recognised as part of the inaugural Inspiring Leader awards, from Inspiring workplaces. 

Sarah was named an inspiring leader in the manager category for her work leading our Free Services. As a team leader, she leads an internal team as well as the 300+ volunteers who provide technical support to thousands of older and disabled people.

For support from one of our volunteers call our helpline on 0300 180 0028
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls


Inspiring Leaders 2021 aims to recognise people who’ve helped individuals, teams and organisations navigate personal and business challenges, and to make a contribution to make their business, community and the world a better place.

A picture of Sarah Brain, Team Leader for AbilityNet's Free Services Amy Low, Sarah’s manager nominated her and said: “Sarah always takes a person-centred approach to her work and considers the needs of all individuals in her decision making.”

Low added, “Sarah balanced her concern to ensure we were able to continue to support disabled and older people to get online in this critical time but also to think of their safety as many will be particularly vulnerable to the virus.”

“Sarah quietly just gets on and delivers a phenomenal amount and is one of the nicest people to you could ever hope to work with.”

See how we’ve supported people during the pandemic with AbilityNet Live! webinars. 


In response, Sarah said: "I was really surprised to see myself on the list, but truly humbled and honoured to be recognised alongside the other winners. 

"She added: "It’s down to the amazing efforts of the team I work with, and the wonderful volunteers who support us, enabling us to continue offering our free tech service through these tough times.”

Helping people in the community

Sarah has pivoted the volunteer service from delivering support at home to offering it remotely and by phone.

She’s also continued to recruit volunteers to the service, throughout Covid-19, and one volunteer now works for us helping to build community relations.  

Find out how AbilityNet volunteers are helping people remotely through TeamViewer.


Sarah was recognised as one of 55 inspiring people, across all levels of the organisation. Read about the inaugural Inspiring Leader Winners. 

In addition to Sarah’s fantastic achievements, we’re proud that AbilityNet is a Disability Confident Leader. 

How AbilityNet can help