Thursday 25th April; 9.30am to 11.00am
In person Workshop
Hosted by Linklaters, Central London
In the last few years, it is (finally) being recognised that individuals with a neurodiverse* condition bring different perspectives and skills to the workplace which, in turn, can make a positive difference to the organisation.
With the substantial increase in the number of adults being diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions and the increasing number of neurodiverse graduates entering the job market. It is therefore crucial that employers build their understanding about this subject if you are to leverage the unique skills and abilities that these individuals have. You need to understand the abilities of neurodivergent individuals, how your organisation can attract neurodiverse talent and how to support employees once they have joined your workforce.
MyPlus are delighted to be joined by a number of experts who will provide a clear and practical understanding of neurodiversity including the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, and how to provide relevant support in the workplace itself.
Agenda:
Understanding ‘Neurodiversity’
Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD
Proving support in the workplace
Insights and first had experience
Speakers
Alison Matthews
Alison is a consultant in Herbert Smith Freehills' corporate insurance team, where she has worked for over 16 years. Her children, now aged 21 and 23, are both autistic.
While continuing her role as a lawyer, Alison became co-chair of HSF's disability network when it was launched 10 years' ago. A few years later, she stepped down from that role to focus on increasing understanding within the firm of autism and on creating a more inclusive environment for autistic employees.
Alison now co-leads HSF's Neurodiversity Working Group in London which supports implementation of HSF's global Valuable 500 commitment "Championing the recruitment and retention of neurodivergent people". She is particularly proud that HSF is a founding member of the Legal Neurodiversity Network which supports the sharing of good practice amongst law firms and the creation of a more neuro-inclusive legal profession.
Tania Martin
Tania is an experienced neuro-inclusion consultant, trainer and speaker with over two decades of corporate experience. As a key member of the team behind the EY UK Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence, she led the development of a supportive ecosystem and implemented neuro-inclusive people processes.
With a background in leadership and process improvement, Tania offers invaluable insights into organisational dynamics. Her journey includes navigating ADHD, diagnosed in 2022, providing a distinctive firsthand perspective on managing neurodiversity in the workplace. Tania brings expertise, empathy, and real-world experience to fostering neuro-inclusive environments in large organisations and beyond.
Tom Norrish
Tom is the Neurodiversity Lead for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at JPMorgan Chase, working from their Bournemouth office. He is responsible for making sure that all aspects of an employee’s experience are neuroinclusive. Tom delivers the firm’s Autism at Work programming in region, so all members of the community have the supports they need to thrive in the workplace. During his 24-year tenure with the firm, Tom has held a broad range of roles, to include Business Operations, Service Management and Technology.
As a member of the neurodivergent community, Tom is passionate about driving neuroinclusive practices for employees in the workplace and developing external programming for neurodivergent students, and emerging talent of all ages.
Yewande Akeju
Yewande joined Linklaters as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager in 2023 following roles at Essence Global, NHS Gender Identity Development Service, HSBC NY, as well as Chief of Staff roles at Alantra and KPMG UK. Since joining Linklaters Yewande has relaunched their VisAbility network, designed and delivered Neurodivergence training to Linklaters staff and worked with external peers on neurodivergence and disability themes.
As someone who received a diagnosis of ADHD later in life Yewande is passionate about supporting Neurodivergent people and is focussed on ensuring individuals are empowered with all the skills and resources necessary to reach their full potential.
This workshop will be invaluable for those wishing to understand more about neurodiversity, and how to support neurodiverse individuals both during the recruitment process and in the workplace.
Please note we will be running a similar workshop in September specifically focused on supporting neurodivergent ‘students’ during the recruitment process and into the workplace.
*Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a set of hidden disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Complimentary places at this event for MyPlus Recruiters’ Club members will be limited based on venue capacity.
Non-members may purchase places at a price of £95 + VAT. Contact lise@myplusconsulting.com to purchase places or to find out more about Recruiters’ Club membership.
MyPlus run a variety of these types of events for employers. For details of the different types visit our events page. For details of forthcoming Recruiters’ Club events taking place visit our events calendar page.
