Times below are British Summer Time (BST).
All talks are recorded so you can revisit or view at a time convenient to you!
08:40 Online networking
09:05 Chair’s morning opening remarks
Speaker:
Theo Smith
Author, Podcast Host & Neurodiversity Evangelist
09:10 Creating flexible work environments in which neurodivergent colleagues can thrive
- Executing the design principles that inform office spaces, including new offices
- Establishing safe spaces that reflect and promote inclusion
- Examples of designing flexible work environments, and the positive impacts
- Sharing insights on how flexible working environments can unlock the strengths of neurodivergent talent and create workplaces where everyone can contribute at their best
Speakers:
09:30 Driving positive change for neurodivergent colleagues through mentorship, health and wellbeing initiatives
- How an internal mentorship programme for people leaders is raising awareness, and driving positive change for neurodivergent employees
- Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of neurodivergent colleagues through training and upskilling mental health first aiders
Speaker:
Steph Lucas
Long Term Strategic Partnerships Co-ordinator; Co-Chair, Global Neurodiversity Network
Philips
09:50 In conversation: Personal reflections on navigating the world of work with a non-apparent disability
In this session, the speaker will talk about her personal story with neurodiversity and what they are doing at Essex County Fire & Rescue Service to drive neuroinclusion.
Speaker:
10:10 Developing a framework and comprehensive support structures for neurodivergent staff
- Embedding comprehensive guidelines on neurodiversity, shifting perspectives and raising awareness
- The work that the ERG is doing to support neuroinclusion
- Making different ways of working the norm, including digital accessibility and more
Speakers:
Jaskaran Tawana
Supply Chain & Procurement Graduate - Market Planner, & Co-Chair, We Are All Able ERG
Diageo
10:30 Live audience questions and answers
11:00 Break and online networking
11:30 How managers can support and empower neurodivergent employees
- Why neuroinclusion should matter to all managers
- Examples of what actions supportive managers and mentors can take and the impact they can have on neurodivergent individuals
- How can organisations support managers with practical guidance
Speakers:
11:50 Embedding neuroinclusion at work: Stop accommodating and start enabling
- Why accommodations alone aren’t enough, and the barriers employees still face
- How neuroinclusion shows up in everyday work to support performance and confidence
- A practical way to embed neuroinclusive support and unlock potential at scale
Speaker:
12:05 Taking a tailored approach to workplace adjustments to enable neurodivergent employees to thrive
- Getting the right processes and systems in place, including considering what enables your staff and what is a burden
- Examples of adjustments that have had a positive impact
- Equipping line managers with the knowledge and skills to best support neurodivergent colleagues
- A personal story of navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent employee
Speakers:
12:25 Live audience questions and answers
13:00 Lunch break and online networking
13:45 Chair’s afternoon opening remarks
Speaker:
Theo Smith
Author, Podcast Host & Neurodiversity Evangelist
13:45 How assistive technologies are supporting neurodivergent employees and transforming the world of work
- Understanding the scope of the digital and AI tools offering in delivering positive change
- Examples of challenges that neurodivergent colleagues face and how AI tools are resolving them
- Feedback from users, benefits and lessons learned, next steps
Speakers:
14:05 Attracting, recruiting, and onboarding neurodivergent talent
- Common strengths that businesses are unintentionally screening out during recruitment
- Key barriers facing autistic talent within recruitment and the workplace
- Some key practical tips to reduce and remove these barriers
Speaker:
14:20 In conversation: Understanding the challenges and benefits of neurodiversity and intersectionality
- A personal story navigating the world of work as a gay, neurodivergent man
- Understanding neurodiversity from a business perspective, including training and embedding learning
- Real life examples and metrics supporting the business case for neuro-inclusion
Speaker:
14:40 How a neurodiversity working group is taking a strategic approach to neuroinclusion
- Shifting the dial through active leadership and a single, all-encompassing neurodiversity strategy
- Reviewing processes through a neuroinclusion lens
Speakers:
Beth Try
D&I Manager UK & EMEA; Co-Chair, Legal Neurodiversity Network
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Alison Matthews
Consultant Lawyer; Co-Lead, UK Neurodiversity Working Group