THE Disability Forum needs to work at bringing change to Guernsey, according to the group’s new chairman.

Deputy Andrew Le Lievre (pictured) is looking to make a difference after taking on the role this month.

‘After 15 years working as a senior civil servant within Social Security, I already had some understanding of the barriers disabled islanders face,’ he said.

‘But since becoming chairman of the forum I have discovered just what a huge range of issues need to be sorted out.’

He will be working with the champion for disabled people, Jane Stephens, and chairwoman of the Guernsey Disability Alliance, Shelaine Green.

Deputy Stephens was looking forward to working with the new chairman.

‘I think it’s great,’ she said.

‘I believe we share the same aims and ambitions to bring in a statutory review of disabled services in the island, and I couldn’t be working with a nicer chap.

Miss Green said she felt Deputy Le Lievre’s appointment was good news for disabled islanders.

‘As a member of the HSSD and Social Security departments, plus the Social Policy Group, he is ideally placed to take the views of the Disability Forum forward.

‘He has a genuine compassion for the issues that disabled islanders face and the drive and experience to get things done.’