11 May 2022| Online
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Overview
Tuesday, 22nd February 2022 | Online

Operating in a world which was not designed for you can present significant challenges. Neurodiverse staff and jobseekers are often disadvantaged by traditional systems which organisations have in place. 

Failing to address these barriers puts your organisation at a significant disadvantage, given neurodiversity presents unique competitive advantages in the workplace. Talents associated with neurodiversity include an exceptional ability to spot patterns, increased creativity and problem-solving skills. 

Fast-moving employers are now taking significant steps to nurture neurominority talent. With this group representing more than 10% of the population, your job applicants and existing staff are likely far more neurodiverse than you recognise.

At ‘Neurodiversity at Work’, you will receive expert insight into different forms of neurodiversity (such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD) and the unique attributes associated with each. Through workshops, case studies, and personal perspectives, you will be provided with the understanding needed to create a neurodiverse workplace that enables both staff and business to thrive.  

Please click here to view the agenda.
Why attend? 
  • Learn how to recruit, manage and support neurominority 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 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 an neurodiverse workplace, including: employers; HR managers/officers; wellbeing officers; senior managers; consultants; trade unions; staff network leads and representative groups.

Registration

Public Sector rate: 1 Place £295 (+VAT) | 4+ Places £250 each (+VAT)
Corporate rate: 1 Place £595 (+VAT)
Charity rate: 1 Place £245 (+VAT)

Registrations can be made online here.

For enquiries or to request a booking form, please contact conference.admin@dodsgroup.com.

Agenda

Please find the full agenda below:

9:00
Welcome from Dods D&I

Kiren Kaur, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Dods D&I
9:05
Chair’s Introduction & Opening Remarks
An introduction to neurodiversity using the Social Model

  • Using the Social Model to understand and educate staff about neurodiversity

SPEAKER: Aidan Healy, Chief Executive Officer, Lexxic
9:30
'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

SPEAKER: Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust
10:10
Comfort break
10:25
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

SPEAKER: Kirsty Rogers, Head of Environmental, Social & Governance, DWF
11:00
Comfort break
11:15
Interactive session: how to attract, recruit and progress 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

SPEAKER: Jane Hatton MSc FCIPD FRSA, Director, Evenbreak

SPEAKER: Rosa Breen, Careers Coach, Evenbreak
12:15
Break for lunch
13:15
Starting up and setting out: how to include neurodiverse talent when launching a new project
  • Neurodiversity questions to ask when setting out a new project
  • Building neurodiverse teams which play to each member's strengths

SPEAKER: Theo Smith, Author, Podcast Host & Neurodiversity Evangelist
13:45
Comfort break
13:55
Panel Discussion: managing a neurodiverse workforce and ensuring fair progression in the office and remotely
  • Providing feedback and communicating clearly with neurodivergent staff
  • Training and educating managers to support neurodiversity staff in their teams
  • How to support the mental health and wellbeing of neurodiverse staff 

SPEAKER: Simon Allen, Senior Advisor & Conciliator, Acas 

SPEAKER: Meike Bliebenicht, Neurodiversity Programme Lead, BP

SPEAKER: Jess Gosling, R&D Strategy, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy; Co-Chair of the Civil Service Neurodiversity Network (CSNN)
14:55
Comfort break
15:05
Neurodiversity & 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

SPEAKER: Uzma Waseem, Business Psychologist, Genius Within CIC
15:45
Comfort break
15:55
Keynote Address
Intersectionality at Work: understanding how neurodiversity and other diversity dimensions can intersect 

SPEAKER: Emma Case, Founder, Women Beyond the Box
16:20
Chair’s Closing Remarks

SPEAKER: Aidan Healy, Chief Executive Officer, Lexxic