General news13th June 2025
When Ann McCallum sadly passed away recently, tributes came in everywhere from within the Dimensions organisation.
‘Trailblazer’, ‘formidable’, ‘change maker’, ‘fighter’ – these were just a few of the words rightly attributable to a truly one-off fair and compassionate force of nature.
But put simply, Ann was central to the creation of Dimensions as we know it today. In a remarkable 62 years, she never let her cerebral palsy get the better of her, despite frequently being in great pain with it.
Adding to Dimensions
At Dimensions, Ann was the Chair of the Council for many years. The Council consists of a group of people holding the Executive team and Board to account (and did she ever!).
In a first for the organisation, Ann was one of the original Quality Consultants, in the role to represent the people we support through quality checks and through her outstanding to interviewing and recruiting senior leaders and managers at all levels.
A true campaigner
Ann truly was at the forefront in Dimensions’ campaigns for equal rights, giving the best we can for the people we support.
For example, she was central to the creating of the Social Care Charter – principles from which are still vital now as they were when Ann was involved. These are:
- I want choice and control over my money
- I want opportunities for greater independence
- I want to be part of my community
- I want to have control and choice over my relationships
- I want to have a voice and be listened to
Ann’s presence was felt at Westminster, regularly there to launch our campaigns such as #ImWithSam – to combat hate crime. She was also part of the parliamentary launch of Learning Disability England, saying at the time:
“…make a real change – by giving people with learning disabilities a louder, stronger voice. What we hope it will do is influence policy and public views, so that people with a learning disability are seen as equal people in their community and have a contribution to make…”
No one can doubt Ann’s contribution, best summed in just some of the tributes that came in after the news of her passing:
Ann, you have so much to be proud of in all you did to better the lives of people with learning disabilities, both here in Dimensions and more widely.
I will never forget your performance at the Health Select Committee with Steve – you were incredible. And you were never afraid to challenge and stand up and be counted, along with that wicked sense of humour! A huge thank you…
Rachael Dodgson, Chief Executive
“Ann was the reason I joined the Council; she inspired me in so many ways.
“Ann, always had our backs, she led us well and believed in us all, were in it together, she never left us behind.
She made it all look so easy, but now I know it wasn’t, she is inspirational.” Members of Dimensions Council
Ann is a real tour de force and when I worked with her, she completely opened my eyes, broadened my horizons and transformed my preconceptions about people with learning and physical disabilities.
Angela Sabin, Aspire Coach
“I feel mightily chuffed to have several opportunities to spend time with Ann, including of course on Aspire. She just shone like a comet on Aspire. I remember how clear she was about what she wanted to use Aspire to work on and achieve, and she really used the coaching to help give her that extra something to push towards those goals… I think she made a big impact on others completing Aspire.” Simon Gosney, Head of L&D
I always admired Ann’s strength and courage whenever I had the opportunity to work with her or witness her brilliant contributions to discussions.
Jo Greenbank, Company Secretary at Dimensions
“My lasting memory of Ann is that she said so much with grace and humility, it reminds me to take a breath when I am struggling or conflicted. She cared deeply and showed such love and friendship it was hard not to think of her in happy and sad times.
“Ann was my colleague, my friend; she was my champion when I needed her, and I surely hope that she felt me by her side when things were tough. Ann’s lasting legacy is that we still talk of Ann and her contribution to the Quality Consultant team and Dimensions Council, people are still inspired by her and know her name.
“Many of us called her Maj, for majesty, for she was our Queen, her crown invisible but her leadership strong and fair, rarely did you hear, Oh Ann, it was mostly, Oh Maj!” Tracey Garcia, friend and line manager
Ann
Beccy Simmonds, Involvement & Engagement Officer at Dimensions
Gentle heart inspires,
A council of open minds –
Safe space blooms with grace.