To mark World Autism Day 2021, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) are launching a toolkit designed to support staff with autism, as well a range of neurological conditions including attention deficit disorders and dyslexia.
The launch of the toolkit is just one example of NBT’s commitment to continuously improving the support they provide for their almost 12,000 staff, whatever community they come from.
The toolkit offers practical guidance for supporting and managing ‘neurodivergent’ staff, as well as video resources, fact sheets, and a list of internal and external contacts who can give further help and information.
It also contains a directory which defines and explains the various conditions in simple terms. This is to help staff who may be unfamiliar with neurodiversity understand how their colleagues may experience the workplace differently.
Alongside the launch of the toolkit, NBT are introducing a Buddy Scheme, where staff can volunteer (with training) to work with neurodivergent staff to ensure that necessary workplace adjustments are made for them.
Monira Chowdhury, NBT’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said:
“We are very fortunate to have secured funding from the National Workforce Disability Equality Standard Innovation Fund to complete this project, and are pleased this will be promoted as part of sharing national good practice. This work has also been done in close collaboration with our staff and partners, setting a baseline for future engagement under our Valuing You Strategy.”