As Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Abri, I’m reminded every day that inclusion isn’t something we simply talk about - it’s something we build through consistent, intentional action.
When we think about neurodiversity, this becomes especially important. Many of our colleagues experience the world through different cognitive styles, sensory needs, and communication preferences. Our responsibility is to ensure Abri is a place where those differences are understood, valued, and fully supported.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far, although we know there’s always more to be done and we’re committed to continuing to make improvements.
Creating safe, supportive spaces
One of our most meaningful recent steps has been launching the Disability and Chronic Illness Group, which has already played a vital role in strengthening our Workplace Reasonable Adjustments procedure. The group offers a safe and trusted space for colleagues to share experiences and discuss solutions that could genuinely support disabled and neurodivergent people.
Hearing colleagues say that these groups help them feel heard and able to thrive at work - reminds me why representation and belonging matter so deeply. These conversations build the psychological safety needed for colleagues to say, “Here’s what I need to work at my best”.
Embedding inclusion into how we recruit
Inclusive recruitment isn’t only about who we bring into Abri; it’s about how we welcome people in. We encourage candidates to share any support they might need from the very start, so that they feel comfortable about sharing their needs before even joining Abri. We ask about any reasonable adjustments they may require at the very start of recruitment. This is simple but helps remove assumptions, widen access, and ensure no candidate is unintentionally disadvantaged.
Normalising conversations about difference
Culture changes one conversation at a time. Through colleague sessions - including our learning opportunities on neurodiversity awareness, inclusive recruitment, learning opportunities that are accessible to all, we’re creating space where lived experiences are shared openly and respectfully.
Our Reasonable Adjustments Working Group continues to strengthen our guidance and expand the practical support available, making adjustments easier to understand, request, and implement. We know that the most effective adjustments are those shaped around the individual, not the other way around.
We're actively working with IT and enablement services like Posturite to secure a range of assistive technologies that reflect the diverse needs of neurodivergent colleagues. There is no single tool that works for everyone, and providing equipment or assistive technology alone isn’t enough. To truly make a difference, we must also offer meaningful familiarisation, guidance, and ongoing support for both colleagues and their managers. This includes creating space for people to share what’s working, what isn’t, and what could be improved, ensuring adjustments genuinely help colleagues to thrive.
Learning from the sector
We are not on this journey alone. Across the housing sector, organisations are recognising the importance of designing services, workplaces, and customer experiences that don’t overwhelm or disadvantage neurodivergent people.
Research shows that understanding how individuals process information, interact with their environment, and communicate is essential - both for colleagues and for the customers we serve. This sector-wide shift aligns with Abri’s approach: proactive, thoughtful, and grounded in respect.
Our commitment continues
We’re making meaningful progress, but this work is far from finished. Inclusion is an ongoing journey - one that requires curiosity, empathy, and continuous action and we recognise that we are only at the beginning of this journey.
For me, neuroinclusion is about more than adjustments or increased awareness. It’s about recognising the creativity, insight, and innovation that neurodivergent colleagues bring to our culture and decision-making. It’s about ensuring every person at Abri feels they belong—not despite their differences, but because of them.
And I’m committed to ensuring this work continues - steadily, intentionally, and with all of us contributing to a culture where every mind has space to thrive.