Neuroinclusion for Business: Practical One-Day Training, Belfast 29th Aug

Is your organisation truly equipped to support its neurodivergent workforce?

Around one in five people are neurodivergent, so supporting them isn't just about doing the right thing anymore. It's crucial for a modern, high-achieving, and legally sound workplace. However, many businesses, particularly those with middle managers, lack the confidence and skills to handle it effectively.

This intensive one-day workshop, hosted by Neurodiversity Spark at the prestigious W5 conference centre, is designed to bridge that gap.

Why Attend?

• Unlock Neurodivergent Talent: Learn to identify and leverage the unique strengths of neurodivergent employees, from hyperfocus to creative problem-solving

• Minimise Legal & Reputational Risk: Understand the growing body of case law and learn how to avoid common, costly mistakes in workplace inclusion

• Increase Staff Retention: Create a psychologically safe environment that fosters loyalty and reduces employee turnover among all staff, not just those who are neurodivergent

• Build Manager Confidence: Equip your managers with the soft skills, communication tools, and confidence needed to lead inclusively and handle requests for accommodations effectively

What You Will Learn: A Day of Practical Insights

• 09:45 | Welcome & Setting the Scene: Welcome to the event from Gary Gates (Neurodiversity Spark) and a venue introduction from Roland Johnson (W5).

• 10:00 | What is (and isn’t) Neurodiversity?: Led by Professor April Hargreaves, this session tackles common misconceptions and the social model of disability through interactive discussion.

• 11:00 | The Risks of Getting It Wrong: Roland Johnson explores the legal, reputational, and retention risks through engaging, real-world (but anonymised) case scenarios.

• 12:00 | Lived Experience & Strength Spotting: Led by Gary Gates, this session uses a strengths-based approach to reframe neurodiversity in a trauma-informed, respectful environment.

• 12:45 | Accreditation & Driving Change: Christine from Diversity Mark NI shares how accreditation supports a journey of cultural change and its transformational impact.

• 14:45 | Cost-Effective Accommodations That Work: A session focused on quick, practical wins, covering accommodations that are often free, cheap, and scalable.

• 15:30 | Ask the Experts Panel + Q&A: An interactive panel with all our speakers to answer your specific questions.

• 16:00 | Action Planning & Commitments: A final, facilitated workshop to help you identify immediate takeaways and create a personal action plan, supported by a comprehensive Resource Pack

Venue & Inclusions: The event will be held in the prestigious Point boardroom at W5. To encourage interaction, the room will be set up with circular tables. Your ticket includes full catering with pastries, coffee, a networking lunch, and refreshments.

Your Action-Focused Resource Pack

Wait wait, there's more! Your learning journey doesn’t stop at the end of the day. Every attendee will receive a comprehensive resource pack designed to help you translate the day’s insights into concrete action and ongoing implementation back at your workplace. This valuable guide is compiled by our expert speakers to support you long after the workshop concludes.

Inside your pack, you will find:

1. Practical communication tools and guides for managers.
2. Actionable tips for managing upwards and advocating for change within your organisation.
3. Supplementary articles and research to deepen your understanding.
4. Key takeaways and slides from the day’s expert-led sessions.
5. Guided worksheets to help you build your own tangible action plan