NEURODIVERSITY charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre in Scotland has launched the UK’s first Neuroinclusion at Work programme, to assist companies in improving the experience of neurodivergent co-workers in their workforces.
The project is created with assistance from the Scottish Government’s Workplace Equality Fund and aims to help those with neurodivergence, such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette’s syndrome (a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds that can’t be easily controlled).
By 2026, it hopes to reach a million workers. It will also assist employers in being more knowledgeable, empowered, and willing to take action to encourage neuro-inclusivity in the workplace.
It is the first partnership of its kind in the UK. The training aims to create a climate in which companies can find, hire, develop, and keep neurodivergent employees by demystifying neurodiversity, assisting in the removal of workplace hurdles that neurodivergent persons frequently encounter, and more.
Alan Thornburrow, chief executive of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, said: “Employers that recognise, embrace and support neurodiversity are poised to attract and retain the best employees. That’s why we’ve introduced the UK’s first Neuroinclusion at Work programme to help forward-thinking employers support and develop a neurodiverse workforce.
“We know that 15-20 per cent of the global population are neurodivergent. When seen in a workplace context we think there is significant opportunity to enable neurodivergent employees to thrive and for employers to build fully inclusive teams.”
Neuroinclusion at Work programme is one among the 13 initiatives financed by the Scottish Government’s Workplace Equality Fund which aims to remove persistent obstacles in the labour market and transform Scotland into a Fair Work Nation.
Burness Paull, a commercial legal company, and Martin Currie, a global investment manager, will be among the project’s inaugural partners.
Emma Smith, Inclusion & Wellbeing manager at Burness Paull, said: “Respect, inclusion and employee wellbeing are at the heart of our business. We believe in promoting a workplace culture where we recognise everyone is an individual and where all our people can succeed. As part of our work to attract and retain the best talent in the legal sector, we’ve embedded this in everything we do.
“We’re committed to continuing on our journey to ensure equal opportunity for all, and neuroinclusion is a natural next step for us. We’re proud to be one of the first organisations to partner with the Neuroinclusion at Work programme and we’re really looking forward to working with the team to drive forward change.”
The fund, which is managed by Advice Direct Scotland, was established by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to make sure that everyone, regardless of disability, gender, age, or colour, may realise their potential and, as a result, boost Scotland’s economic performance.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre is a Scottish charity that supports, informs, and empowers children and young people living with learning difficulties.
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