Neurodiversity Celebration Week runs from the 13 – 19 March and aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. We are proud to be supporting the worldwide initiative and have signed the Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) charter to demonstrate our commitment to building a neuroinclusive workplace for colleagues.
What is neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the diverse ways an individual’s brain processes information. Used as an umbrella term, it encompasses the whole spectrum of human neurotypes, each expressing themselves in different ways including Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What is NiB
NiB is new initiative launched in 2021 aimed at helping to ensure greater workplace inclusion of the neurodivergent community. A business-led forum it provides a platform to share best practice on recruitment, retention, and empowerment.
It is estimated that between 15-20% of the UK population is neurodivergent. (Source: Neurodiversity Week). Only 16% of autistic adults are in full time paid employment and 45% of people have lost or left their job because of challenges caused by autism (Source: Neurodiversity in Business).
Churchill Group, along with many other organisations, would like to help change this by educating our colleagues and ensuring that we support both our current team members and anyone who may be looking to join us in the future.
Lynzie Wills, our Wellbeing, Diversity, and Inclusive (WD&I) Manager said, “Our partnership with NiB is exciting as it gives us the opportunity to not only share successes, but work in collaboration with other organisations to find out what works well for them. We are all working towards a common goal of making our working environments fully inclusive for all.”
We sat down with Lynzie and had a chat about what the partnership means to her.
Why was it important to you that Churchill Group signed the NiB charter?
It helps to demonstrate our true commitment to our colleagues and the communities in which we work. Across our group of specialist businesses, we already work closely with our partners and clients to grow a truly inclusive culture and workforce. Take for example On Verve and the extra support they provide through technology if colleagues choose to utilise it, such as screen masking software that reduces distractions or screen tints that ease eye strain. Find out more here. Joining NiB elevates how we can share best practices and grow opportunities for all to thrive.
Why do you feel it is important to focus on Neurodiversity?
Colleagues should feel they can bring their whole self to work. We want them to feel comfortable and that they truly belong. Everyone thinks and feels in different ways. I believe we should celebrate and encourage diversity of thought and embrace what makes us all unique.
Why does recruiting and hiring neurodiverse talent matter?
Primarily, I believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to employment. Neurodivergent individuals bring such a wealth of skills, talent and creativity which really supports high performing, successful teams. When we really take the time to understand a person and how to set them up for success, the possibilities are endless.
How can we help our colleagues understand the neurodiverse community?
I believe knowledge, awareness and allyship is key and forms part of how we look after each other as colleagues. Getting to know our peers with no agenda other than how to support one another makes such a difference. At Churchill Group we have an amazing team of colleagues who are our Mosaic champions. They work with our business areas to help raise awareness on important topics such as neurodiversity, giving colleagues a voice so they feel valued and to help ensure we always put our colleagues at the heart of everything we do.
Find out more about Neurodiversity in Business here.