Neurodiversity at Work

Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents

Neurodiversity has gained increasing attention, recognising that individuals with neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, possess unique strengths and perspectives that can greatly benefit the workplace. However, despite this growing recognition, many workplaces still struggle to support neurodiverse staff, leading to recruitment, retention, and productivity challenges. Learning the skills to create an inclusive workplace that accommodates the needs of all employees, including those with neurological differences, is more important than ever before.

By embracing neurodiversity, employers can tap into the talents and perspectives of individuals with unique problem-solving abilities, exceptional attention to detail, and specialised skills that can contribute to the organisation's success.

Moreover, accommodations that may be made for neurodivergent individuals, such as flexible work schedules or sensory-friendly workspaces, can benefit all employees by creating a more comfortable and flexible workplace.

At Neurodiversity at Work, you will receive expert insight into different forms of neurodiversity and the unique attributes associated with each. Through workshops, case studies, and personal perspectives, you will gain the understanding needed to create a neurodiverse workplace that enables your staff and organisation to thrive.  

Why attend? 

• Learn how to recruit, manage and support neuro-minority staff, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to progress and flourish within your organisation
• Bring new, innovative ideas on increasing neurodiversity in your workplace back to your organisation with the insight needed to put them into practice 
• Hear from leading figures about how to educate staff and foster an understanding of neurodiversity within your organisation
• Receive on-demand recordings of all sessions after the event

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in creating a neurodiverse workplace, including:

• Employers
• HR managers/officers
• Wellbeing officers
• Senior managers
• Consultants
• Trade unions
• Staff network leads and representative groups

Book your place

09:00

Welcome from D&I, Dods Events

Kiren Kaur, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Portfolio, Dods Events

09:05

Chair's Introduction & Opening Remarks

• An Introduction to neurodiversity using the Social Model: Using the Social Model to understand and educate staff about neurodiversity

Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, Founder, Thinking Light Coach

09:35

'The Neurodiversity Paradigm': Neurodiversity as workplace asset rather than obstacle

• Examining different forms of neurodiversity and their unique competitive advantages
• Understanding how a neurodiverse workforce increases innovation and plurality of thought

Emma Kearns, Director for UK Ireland & EMEA, Rangam

10:15

Comfort Break

10:30

Keynote: "A personal reflection on my career as a neurodifferent employee"

Helen Jeffries, Deputy Director, Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Department of Health and Social Care

11:00

Neurodiversity and the law: understanding an employer’s role in supporting neurodiverse employees

• Ensuring business policies provide for neurodiverse employees
• Understanding legal obligations and responsibilities of employers under the Equality Act 2010
• Examining the legal issues through a practical case study
• Examples of helpful, reasonable adjustments and assistive technology

Kirsty Rogers, Global Head of Environmental, Social & Governance, DWF

12:00

Comfort Break

12:15

Employer case studies: attracting, recruiting and progressing neurodiverse talent

• Adapting role descriptions to attract and include neurominority candidates
• Providing opportunities for disclosure during the recruitment process
• Interview best practice and how to implement alternative assessments
• Ensuring applicant filtering and progression methods do not disadvantage neurominority candidates 

Ruth-Ellen Danquah, Chief Innovation Officer, Exceptional Individuals

13:15

Break for Lunch

14:15

Managing a neurodiverse workforce and ensuring fair progression in a hybrid working environment

• Providing feedback and communicating clearly with neurodivergent staff
• Training and educating managers to support neurodiversity staff in their teams
• Creating safe spaces for open discussions and asking for help
• Building neurodiverse teams which play to each member's strengths and progression

Lee Corless, EVP, Head of Global Expansion, People & Culture, Rangam Consultants Ltd

14:35

Neurodiversity and mental health: understanding the connection

• Neurodiversity and mental health: understanding the connection
• Examining the difference and connection between neurodiversity and mental health
• Neurodiversity and mental health: a personal account
• Practical steps to supporting and creating positive mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent staff

Dr Emma Offord, Clinical Psychologist ; Founder, Divergent Life
 

14:55

Comfort Break

15:00

Workshop

Neurodiversity ERGs: supporting diversity, realising inclusion and driving business goals

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a vehicle for educating and driving awareness of neurodiversity whilst unlocking rganisational growth
• How to setup, operate and cultivate ERGs within and beyond the business to actively support a neuro-inclusive culture

Tristan Lavender, Senior Content Strategist, Writer & Editor. Philips Communications Center of Excellence; Philips Neurodiversity Network – Founder & Chair

15:45

Panel Discussion

Neurodiversity and individuality: increasing understanding and shifting perspectives

• Creating an organisational culture that includes, understands and celebrates neurodiversity
• Re-examining the language around neurodiversity
• Moving away from generalisation towards a nuanced understanding of neurodiversity and individuality
• Intersectionality at work: A personal account on how neurodiversity and other diversity dimensions intersect

Charlie Hart, Founder, Ausome Charlie

16:25

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, Founder, Thinking Light Coach