At the heart of our approach to neurodiversity and disability is Ability, our colleague-led community group. It provides a welcoming, supportive and confidential space for us to share experiences, ask questions and access guidance.
Ability plays an active role in shaping a more inclusive workplace by raising awareness, supporting internal networks, and working closely with our HR, Talent Development and leadership teams to ensure policies and practices evolve in line with our peoples’ needs. It also builds relationships with external organisations, encouraging collaboration, learning and wider engagement.
Over the past year, Ability has helped create opportunities for us to better understand neurodiversity through shared experiences. During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, people came together for a series of sessions designed to build awareness and empathy.
In Nottingham, Helen Webster, an employment Legal Director, shared her personal journey following an ADHD diagnosis. Speaking openly about her experience, Helen provided insight into both the challenges and the strengths that come with ADHD, as well as practical advice for others who may be navigating a similar path. By creating space for open conversations, we were able to learn directly from her experience, helping to break down stigma and build understanding.
Following her diagnosis, we have supported Helen in ways that reflect a flexible and individual approach, creating an environment where she can work in a way that plays to her strengths. This includes working preferences, access to support through internal networks like Ability, and a culture that encourages our people to share their experiences without judgement. By listening and responding to individual needs, we support people not just professionally, but personally, helping them feel confident, understood and able to thrive.
In Leeds, more than 60 colleagues attended an interactive session with Leigh East, which explored neurodivergent experiences through immersive activities and insights into concepts such as spiky profiles and masking. These sessions helped colleagues better understand how different people think, work and experience the world around them.
Additional activity throughout the year, included sharing people-led stories on World Autism Day and content for International Guide Dog Day, helping to extend understanding across the wider business.
Ability helps create an environment where inclusion is actively shaped by our people. It enables them to bring their whole selves to work, while ensuring the business continues to listen, learn and adapt, strengthening a culture where everyone feels supported and able to succeed.