Neurodiversity at Work

Neurodiversity at Work: Monday 18 November 2:00pm- 3:30pm

Society uses labels to describe the differences in how our brain functions – labels such as autism, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia etc. The National Autistic Society estimates that there are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK today and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) estimates that at least 10% of the UK population are neurodivergent. As a trade union, UCU represents a diverse membership of workers from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities and neurologies. Neurology is the way that the brain functions.

This workshop seeks to share information, encourage debate and discussion on ways to support neurodivergent members in the workplace. We welcome everyone on this workshop, whether the subject relates to you directly or not, as a union, our collectivity is our strength.

Learning Aims

• Know more about Neurodiversity and what it means to be Neurodivergent
• Understand the workplace barriers that prevent full participation at work
• Clarify the role of the employer in supporting neurodivergent workers
• Explore action that members and branches can take to support neurodivergent workers

How UCU CPD workshops work

The taught sessions last for about 75 minutes, after which time we take 15-20 minutes to discuss the issues raised with a UCU official, depending on availability. The total time commitment will be around an hour and a half.

You will need to find a quiet space, away from distractions (like telephone and email!), and you may prefer to use headphones for the session. I would also recommend that you check that you can use zoom before the session if you are unfamiliar with it.

Once registered you will be sent a meeting number and password for the webinar using zoom. You will be able to join the session from about 10 minutes before the stated start time. I would also recommend that you do join 5 to 10 minutes early as you will need to be admitted to the session, and of course there can be technical problems. Live transcription will be available.

We plan to use the zoom “chat” function during the session. If that will in any way inhibit your full participation please contact us beforehand so that alternative arrangements can be made.

We are passionately committed to ensuring that everyone can fully participate in UCU CPD sessions so if you need us to make any additional facilities available to you please get in touch as soon as you can. We will do everything possible to help.

In solidarity,
Glen Pickard and Tracy Walsh
Learning and Development Coordinators
UCU CPD