10 Sep 2020| Online

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Henry Bowater
Customer Service Assistant
conference.admin@dods-events.com
020 7593 5739

Overview
Thursday 10th September 2020 | Online

Operating in a world which was not designed for you can present significant challenges. Neurodivergent 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 neurodivergence include an exceptional ability to spot patterns, increased creativity and problem- solving skills. 

At our ‘Neurodiversity at Work’ event, 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 which consider the contexts of office environments and working from home, you will be provided with the understanding needed to create a neurodiverse workplace that enables both staff and business to thrive.  

Neurodiversity in the Workplace is also taking place in London on 14th January. Click here to visit the event page

Click here to view the full agenda
Key Speakers:
  • Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within
  • Michael Vermeersch, Digital Inclusion Lead, Microsoft

  • Oliver Fenghour, Founding Director, Advance: The Disability Consultants

  • Paul Stevenson, Ambassador, Genius Within 

  • Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust
  • Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate
  • Kirsty Cook, Lead Job Coach, Auticon
  • Adam Corre, Dyspraxia Advocate
  • David Rowland
  • Tony Vickers-Byrne, member of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work, Trustee at the Royal Society for Public Health and retired Chief Advisor for HR Practice, CIPD
Why attend? 
  • Learn how to recruit, manage and support neurodivergent staff, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to progress and flourish within your organisation
  • Bring new, innovative ideas on increasing and supporting 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
  • Earn a CPD certificate for your personal progression
  • Enjoy an opportunity to network with expert speakers and your peers
Who should attend? 

Anyone with an interest in creating an neurodiverse workplace, including: employers; HR managers/officers; wellbeing officers; senior managers; consultants; trade unions; and representative groups.

Registration

Public Sector rate: 1 Place £195 (+VAT) | 4+ Places £150 each (+VAT)
Corporate rate: 1 Place £395 (+VAT)
Charity rate: 1 Place £145 (+VAT)

Registrations can be made online here
To request a manual booking form, please email conference.admin@dodsgroup.com

 

Agenda
09.00
Welcoming session 

Grace McLoughlin, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dods PLC  

09.05
Chair's introduction

SPEAKER: Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate

09.20
The Neurodiversity Paradigm: neurodiversity as workplace asset rather than obstacle
  • Understanding neurodiversity as an innate way of thinking rather than a medical issue
  • Examining different types of neurodivergence
  • Increasing innovation and plurality of thought: the competitive advantage of neurodiversity at work
  • Understanding how neurodiversity, home working and mental health intersect

SPEAKER: Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust

10.00
The Social Model: developing neurodiversity-friendly workplace policy and practice
  • Using the Social Model as a guide when making adjustments and educating staff
  • Understanding legal obligations and responsibilities for employers
  • Examples of helpful reasonable adjustments for office and remote working contexts

SPEAKER: Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within

10.40
Comfort Break
11.00
Employer case studies: attracting and recruiting neurodiverse talent
  • Adapting role descriptions to attract and include neurodivergent candidates
  • Providing opportunities for disclosure during the recruitment process
  • Interview best practice, considering alternative assessments, and recruiting remotely
  • Ensuring applicant filtering and progression methods do not disadvantage neurodivergent candidates

SPEAKER: Kirsty Cook, Lead Job Coach, Auticon

SPEAKER: Michael Vermeersch, Digital Inclusion Lead, Microsoft

11.50
Workshop: Managing a neurodiverse workforce and ensuring fair progression
  • Providing feedback and communicating clearly with neurodivergent staff
  • Creating structures for support and prioritising wellbeing
  • Training and educating managers to support neurodiversity in their teams
  • Managing and supporting neurodivegent staff working remotely

SPEAKER: Oliver Fenghour, Founding Director, Advance: The Disability Consultants

SPEAKER: Tony Vickers-Byrne, member of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work, Trustee at the Royal Society for Public Health and retired Chief Advisor for HR Practice, CIPD

12.40
Break for Lunch
13.40
 
Personal insight: workplace experiences from a neurodivergent point of view

SPEAKER: Adam Corre, Dyspraxia Advocate

SPEAKER: Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate

SPEAKER: David Rowland

14.15
Neurodivergence & individuality: increasing understanding and shifting perspectives
  • Re-examining the language around neurodiversity
  • Moving away from generalisation, towards a nuanced understanding of neurodivergence and individuality
  • Valuing each staff member for their unique traits and contributions
  • Building neurodiverse teams which play to each member’s strengths

SPEAKER: Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within

SPEAKER: Paul Stevenson, Ambassador, Genius Within 

14.45
Chair's closing remarks

SPEAKER: Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate

15.00
Event close