Skip to main content

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week in March this year, our Equality Action Group launched a set of 12 Neuroinclusive Pledges. These pledges aimed to solidify our commitment to fostering a workplace that celebrates and empowers neurodivergent colleagues. By creating an environment where everyone can thrive, we aim to not only enrich the workplace experience but also ensure better service delivery for our tenants. 

Seb York, People Partner at CCHA said: “Championing neurodiversity in our workforce isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s what makes us stronger. Our unique distinctions shape our identity, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can truly be their best selves.” 

You can take a look at the 12 pledges by clicking on the link below. 

Neuroinclusive Pledges 

Our Equality Action Group has already taken the following steps towards delivering in these areas: 

  • Revamped Office Environment: Listening to employee feedback, the office has undergone a redesign with neurodiversity in mind. This included:
    • Quiet areas: Offering dedicated spaces for focused work while maintaining a sense of connection to the office. 
    • Welcoming Reception: Creating a more inviting and comfortable reception area with a “homely” feel. 
    • Wellbeing Space: Introducing an additional area for relaxation. 
    • Social area: Encouraging collaboration and team interaction through a designated space for socialising. 
    • Wall murals: Using murals on walls painted with muted colors to minimise sensory overload, define areas, and create a calming and welcoming environment. 
    • New equipment: Investing in equipment such as wobble chairs, noise-cancelling headphones, and fidget spinners to support colleagues with sensory needs. 
  • Subgroup Initiatives: Subgroups dedicated to specific pledge areas have been formed to address recruitment, communication, training, and support for neurodivergent colleagues. 
  • Training and Awareness: Plans are underway to implement training programmes for colleagues and board members to increase understanding and support for neurodiversity. 
  • Specialist Support: Providing workplace coaching for neurodivergent colleagues. 

These ongoing efforts represent a significant step forward in our journey to becoming a caring landlord and employer of choice.  

 

Here’s what some of our colleagues have said about the work we have done so far: 

 

“The entrance to our office is now a lovely welcoming space for staff and customers. The redesign has offered so many choices of working environments to suit all. From a more formal desk layout to the quiet area that’s got glass screens. This lets you have a quiet working space but still feel included, plus you can’t hide from anyone!” – Angharad 

 

“I love how my workplace has not only acknowledged my neurodivergency but has also taken action to make my working life better. I have a quiet space I can go to when I start to feel overwhelmed or have a sensory overload. This helps me stay productive. I am also more confident when speaking about the issues I may face and explaining how certain things impact me, this is because I believe the organisation cares and encourages an inclusive environment.” – Becky