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The Prince Consort, President of the Society of Arts, Presenting Medals in the Society’s Hall in 1849, by Anna Zinkeisen. A formal audience in a grand hall listens to a speaker at a lectern in a ceremonial, hierarchical setting.

Richmal Maybank awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts

March 2026

The Prince Consort, President of the Society of Arts, Presenting Medals in the Society’s Hall in 1849, by Anna Zinkeisen. While institutions like the RSA have a long history, opportunities to take part were not always open to everyone. The focus now is on ensuring more people have a seat at the table.

Richmal Maybank, founder of Seats at the Table, has been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), in recognition of her work advancing neuroinclusion, accessibility and disability equity across the UK.

The RSA Fellowship is awarded to individuals who are committed to social change and innovation. Richmal joins a global network of Fellows working across sectors to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

Through Seats at the Table, Richmal supports organisations to create more inclusive, accessible and neuroinclusive environments, with a particular focus on employment, hospitality and public-facing services. Her work brings together lived experience and professional expertise, helping businesses make practical, lasting changes that benefit both staff and customers.

Alongside her consultancy work, Richmal has contributed to national policy development through government steering groups and accessibility panels, and is a member of the Regional Stakeholder Network within the Cabinet Office’s Equality Hub. She has also served for the past eight years on the Access Board at The O2, supporting its journey to becoming the first UK arena to achieve Platinum Accessibility Status with Attitude is Everything.

Reflecting on the Fellowship, Richmal said:

“This recognition reflects the growing importance of creating environments where more people can participate and feel they belong. Neuroinclusion is not a niche, it is fundamental to how we design services, workplaces and experiences that work for everyone.”

Richmal will use the Fellowship to continue building partnerships across sectors and to support organisations in creating environments where more people can participate, contribute and belong.