Introducing our new Director, extra funding and expertise for disabled people's organisations

After two years, which have simply flown by, this is my last ODInsight. I have enjoyed my time leading ODI, where I have been hugely fortunate to work with a talented and committed team.

As I look back, I think the team's achievements are considerable:

• providing strong leadership - drafting the disability provisions of the Equality Act, overseeing the implementation of the UN Convention, and the launch of the first longitudinal survey of disabled people's experiences
• building capability of government departments through projects such as those on the 2012 Games and hate crime
• spearheading innovation with the launch of the Right to Control Trailblazers and Project Search pilots.

Tim Cooper
Director, Office for Disability Issues

Jeremy Moore has been appointed as the new Director of Independent Living and the Office for Disability Issues (ODI).

Jeremy's remit will encompass all disability issues, including employment, rights, benefits and ODI, reflecting a more joined-up approach across Government.

He will take up his post in September, replacing Tim Cooper who is leaving to become Chief Executive at Advance, a supported housing and employment charity.

• Read more about Jeremy's appointment

Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller has launched a new programme to strengthen local disabled people's user-led organisations.

Groups will be able to bid for money from a £3 million fund. They can also ask for additional support - in areas such as HR and finance - to help their organisation grow and become more sustainable.

• Read more about the programme and how to apply for funds.

We want to make sure that ODInsight continues to meet the needs of our readers.

Please take part in our short survey and tell us what you think of our monthly updates. Your responses will help us to make decisions about future issues.

• Take part in the ODInsight survey

ODI and Office for National Statistics (ONS) staff have won an award for communicating analysis to a wider audience.

The Royal Statistical Society said the Easy Read version of the Life Opportunities Survey "pushed boundaries and set new standards".

• Find out more about the ODI's award.
• Read the Easy Read version of the Life Opportunities Survey on the National Statistics website