Autism Works!
How to be an Autism Confident Employer
For our latest training dates, please visit our Events page
The training was interesting, useful and practical. Delivery was engaging, accessible and easy to follow. An incredibly worthwhile experience.
Training participant Nov 2023
Would you like to:
- Become a more inclusive employer?
- Enhance the confidence of your team to recruit, retain and promote autistic staff?
Our interactive professional training is designed to equip organisations/employers to understand the diverse capabilities and skill-sets autistic individuals can bring to their workforce, and build confidence in recruiting, retaining, and promoting autistic staff.
Background to the Autism Works! project
An innovative project supported by Scottish Government’s ‘Increasing Understanding of Autism’ fund.
Autism Works is part of a wider Scottish Government programme, managed by Inspiring Scotland, to increase understanding of autism across Scotland.
In 2020, we formed an Autism Advisory Group to co-produce a new three part training course for employers. Our Advisory Group have a wealth of experience in a range of roles.
The project is co-produced by autistic people, with the goal of breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for autistic adults to fulfil their employment potential.
Training with lived experience at its heart
Our training stands out because it has been co-produced with an Advisory Group of work-experienced autistic people and is delivered by autistic trainers and consultants, who have substantial professional experience in a range of different sectors and roles.
Watch this video co-produced by our Autism Advisory Group explaining some of the common barriers autistic people encounter with team working and how to make it more inclusive:
Topics we cover:
- What is autism?
- What does an autistic person experience?
- Autism-inclusive work environment, recruitment, and adjustments
- Continuing to thrive: retention and career progression
- Resources and sources of support
- What can you do?
Who is this training for?
The course is aimed at professionals responsible for managing staff or work environments, or for those wishing to develop good organisational practices. It is suitable for work teams and anyone with an interest in inclusive work practices.
From 2021 up until May 2023, we trained over 300 people from 92 different organisations, ranging from multinational companies with a base in Scotland to local enterprises, as well as local authorities and public bodies such as the National Library of Scotland.
How is this training delivered?
This course is delivered interactively to small groups of up to 16 participants. We can offer this course online over three sessions, where we ask that participants attend all sessions as these build on one another) or in person across one day or two half days.
For further information about our training, please contact training@intowork.org.uk.
Fiona Clarke
Senior Lived Experience Trainer and Peer Facilitator
About FionaFiona is our Senior Lived Experience Trainer and Peer Facilitator. She brings lived experience of multiple neurodivergences. As well as working with employers, Fiona runs peer led courses at Into Work supporting people to better understand what their neurodivergence means for them and to navigate employment.
Fiona is Vice Chair of Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE) and her wider experience includes being part of the Scottish Government’s Autism Strategy Review Group and working group for the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s “Autism in Adults” (CR 228) guide.
Fiona has a background in banking and finance where she qualified as a chartered accountant, and has worked in the private, public and third sectors.
- Year Joined: 2020
- Secret Talent: Speed typing
- Dream Holiday Destination: Any country with a new culture and dry heat