Workplace neurodiversity training – frequently asked questions
Neurodiversity and neurodivergence
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity describes the concept that people’s brains work in different ways.
For some people, these differences mean they may be diagnosed with neurological conditions such as autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette’s and may consider themselves to be neurodivergent.
The neurodiversity movement champions the idea that while these differences may cause challenges in the workplace, they bring with them incredible innate strengths and talents which should be nurtured and supported.
What is neurodiversity in the workplace?
A neurodiverse workplace is one which represents the full spectrum of diverse brains, incorporating both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees.
Why should you take neurodiversity in the workplace seriously?
Harnessing, celebrating and maximising neurodiversity in the workplace is vital to the success of your organisation. Neurodivergent employees have incredible strengths, so hiring a neurodiverse staff team comes with huge benefits and allows you to access a wider talent pool.
About The Brain Charity’s workplace neurodiversity training
What topics do the neurodiversity courses cover?
The Brain Charity’s workplace neurodiversity training focuses specifically on why it is so important to celebrate and champion neurodiversity within the workplace.
Our learning outcomes for the one-hour sessions are:
- Understanding the history and context of disability and neurodiversity.
- Identify barriers to employment for people who are neurodivergent.
- Explore the impact of environmental factors on the workplace, and find out how to create a workplace where neurodivergent employees can thrive.
Within these themes, we will discuss specific topics such as:
- What is neurodiversity, definitions and commonly used language (including understanding the difference between neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neurotypical).
- The top seven neurodivergent conditions, and the strengths and challenges each bring.
- Understanding the co-occurrence of neurological conditions.
- The Equality Act.
- Access to Work and reasonable adjustments.
- How to support people who are neurodivergent in the workplace.
- Creating inclusive and accessible workspaces, recruitment, onboarding and retention practices and processes.
Our half day course for recruiters includes a section specifically on the application process, interviews, feedback, job descriptions and job carving.
Our half day course for line managers is more focused on supporting neurodivergent direct reports.
The one day course allows to cover the above topics in greater depth and discuss case studies – either supplied by us or real anonymised examples supplied by you.
This allows more time for discussion, facilitated by our trainers to allow you to make the changes you want to see.
If you need help developing a new neurodiversity policy or adapting your existing policies to make them more neurodiversity-friendly, you may benefit most from our bespoke training offering.
What is the maximum capacity for training sessions?
All sessions are capped at 20 delegates, except for the online 1-hour neurodiversity awareness session, which can be increased to more than 500 people upon request. There are different prices for different attendee numbers, so please contact us to discuss your requirements and our rates.
What do you recommend, an in-person or online session?
Our 1-hour session works really well online- it’s the perfect way to introduce the topic to all of your team, and many organisations choose to host as a ‘lunch and learn’ workshop.
We recommend where possible that our half days are held in person, and strongly advise against a full day online. While our trainers are professional and engaging, we can all recognise ‘Zoom fatigue’ and we find it is a challenge for any delegate to stay focused for a full day online.
Plus, we believe it’s a missed opportunity to bring your teams together for focused quality time to discuss the key topics. The workshop elements also do significantly work better in person, due to the collaborative discussions necessary and so full engagement can be reached.
Can the training be tailored to suit my organisation better?
Yes, we can deliver bespoke training based on your specific needs and tailored to your organisation or industry. Please get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of this page to discuss your requirements.
Who are your trainers?
All The Brain Charity’s workplace neurodiversity trainers are people with lived experience of being neurodivergent – either themselves, or because they are the parent of a neurodivergent individual.
This allows them to offer direct and personal examples of what it means to be neurodivergent and how this can affect people in the workplace. They are based all over the UK, with professional backgrounds in experience in a wide variety of sectors. All have prior professional training experience.
Can I access training as an individual, not as part of an organisation?
Yes, we are soon launching open courses, for which you will be able to purchase individual tickets. If you would like to join the waiting list, please get in touch and we can inform you when tickets are available for purchase.
Booking and payment
How much does the training cost?
Please click here to find our rates card with prices.
All prices listed are exclusive of VAT. Any additional trainer costs for travel and transport (if the trainer is delivering an in-person session) will be agreed with you prior to delivery.
How do I book a workshop?
The easiest way to book your training is to click here to complete our customer booking form.
Please include three preferred dates and give us as much notice as possible – this maximises the chances that we can provide your first choice of dates. We ask for a minimum of one calendar months’ notice for in-person training.
How do I pay?
Payment is usually made via invoice. You can also book sessions directly via our website here, if you have already agreed dates with the training team.
We require payment in full in advance of delivering the session.
Practicalities
Can I record the session?
Our apologies, but unfortunately not. Experience has shown that delegates are reluctant to join in or participate fully if they know a session is being recorded. Also, we need to protect our intellectual property rights. We are happy to share slides and handouts following the session.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you wish to cancel a confirmed booking, please let us know as soon as possible. It may be necessary for The Brain Charity to levy a cancellation charge.
If you cancel at least 2 weeks prior to the session, we will refund you 100% of the course fees, providing we have not incurred extra costs.
If you cancel between 1-2 weeks prior to the session, we will retain 50% of the fees to cover our costs.
If you cancel with less than 1 weeks’ notice, (unless exceptional circumstances) we will retain all costs.
On rare occasions, for unforeseen circumstances, The Brain Charity may find it necessary to cancel a course. In such circumstances you will be given as much notice as possible and the offer of a free transfer to another date or a full refund.
How do I change my booking?
If you need to change the date of your training session, please speak to the training team via the contact details below.
How do I get in touch?
If you would like to discuss how we can tailor our workshops and our rates please call our Training Manager, Jane Cullen, on 0151 298 3287 or 07888 297 836.
Alternatively, email training@thebraincharity.org.uk or complete the form below.
