Investing in workplace health and safety is no longer just about compliance; it is about performance, productivity, and protecting your people. 

A strong health and safety culture reduces risk, improves staff retention, and enhances your reputation with clients and stakeholders.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is the world’s largest chartered body for health and safety professionals, promoting high standards and professional excellence across every industry.

At Stallard Kane, we offer a suite of IOSH-accredited courses designed to equip every level of your organisation, from frontline employees to senior executives, with the knowledge and confidence to manage risks effectively and create a safer, more successful workplace.

IOSH Qualifications

Our IOSH training portfolio ensures there is a course suitable for everyone. These qualifications improve safety management, enhance leadership capability, and provide a solid foundation for future professional development in occupational health and safety.

IOSH Leading Safely – For Senior Management and Directors

This essential training is designed for senior leaders, directors, and business owners who want to understand how health and safety integrates with strategic decision-making and business performance.

Core Benefits for Leaders:

• Strategic Safety Integration: Learn how to evaluate your organisation’s health and safety performance and align it with business goals and international best practice.

• Enhanced Business Outcomes: Understand how effective safety leadership improves productivity, profitability, and brand reputation.

• Reducing Absence and Maintaining Continuity: Discover how prioritising employee safety reduces sickness absence, improves morale, and ensures business continuity.

• Key Focus Areas: Explore your responsibilities in health and safety leadership, planning and implementing policies, and the consequences of non-compliance.

This interactive course includes a pre-course questionnaire that allows us to tailor the learning to individual needs. Assessment is through a short written exam and the development of a personal action plan, and the qualification is valid for life.

IOSH Managing Safely – For Managers and Supervisors

IOSH Managing Safely is designed for managers and supervisors in all sectors who are responsible for managing workplace risks, people, and resources.

Key Skills Gained:

• Risk Control and Assessment: Learn to identify, assess, and control workplace risks effectively.

• Understanding Responsibilities: Gain clarity on legal duties, safety terminology, and management accountability.

• Applying Best Practice: Measure performance and embed best practice into everyday operations.

• Course Content: The course is structured around seven modules covering risk assessment, hazard control, responsibilities, incident investigation, and performance measurement.

This lifelong qualification is assessed via a 45-minute written exam and a practical workplace risk assessment. IOSH recommends refresher training to maintain knowledge and confidence.

IOSH Working Safely – For All Employees

IOSH Working Safely is a one-day course providing essential health and safety awareness for all workers, in any organisation and at any level. It meets UK government guidelines for mandatory health and safety training.

Benefits for Employees and Employers:

• Hazard Recognition: Learn how to spot and report potential risks to keep yourself and others safe.

• Legal Compliance: Ensure your organisation meets its duty to provide comprehensive health and safety training.

• Wellbeing and Engagement: Understand how good safety practices contribute to a healthier, more motivated workforce.

• Course Content: Topics include working safely, defining hazards and risks, identifying common workplace dangers, and improving safety performance.

Assessment involves a short written test at the end of the course. This qualification is valid for life and provides an excellent foundation for further IOSH or NEBOSH learning.

Flexible Study Options to Fit Your Business Needs

Every organisation is different, which is why we provide a variety of flexible ways to complete your IOSH training. Whether you are looking for individual development or team-wide training, we will tailor the experience to suit your needs.

Open Courses

These are scheduled throughout the year and are ideal if you have one or two members of staff who need to attend. Available for IOSH Leading Safely, IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely.

Closed Courses

A great option for businesses that want to train multiple team members at once. These courses are delivered exclusively for your organisation, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness. Available for all IOSH courses.

Virtual Courses (Zoom)

If you prefer interactive learning but cannot attend in person, our virtual courses are the perfect solution. Delivered live by experienced trainers, these sessions provide all the benefits of group learning online. Available for all IOSH courses.

On-Site Training

We can bring the course to you. One of our experienced trainers will deliver the session at your premises, helping your team learn in a familiar environment. Available for all IOSH courses.

E-learning (Self-Study)

If flexibility is your priority, our self-study options allow you to learn at your own pace. For example, the IOSH Managing Safely course requires approximately 24 hours of self-study. Available for IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely.

Gainsborough Training Room

Join us in our dedicated training facility in Gainsborough, ideal for businesses that lack their own training space. All IOSH courses are available here throughout the year.

We also work with trusted, carefully vetted training partners to ensure consistent, high-quality IOSH-accredited training across the UK — both in-person and virtually.

Contact Us

Take the next step toward a safer, more productive, and more compliant business.

Contact our Training Team to discuss your needs, course options, or group booking discounts. 01427 420 405  training@skaltd.co.uk

Creating a safe workplace is a legal and moral responsibility, especially in environments where dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres may be present.

At Stallard Kane, our Training team now delivers a suite of DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) courses designed to give employees, line managers, and coordinators the skills and confidence to keep everyone safe and compliant.

Our expert-led sessions explain your responsibilities under DSEAR legislation, helping you protect people, property, and reputation while meeting every legal safety requirement.

Discover the right course for your team and take a proactive step towards safer operations.

Employee DSEAR Awareness Training

Our Employee DSEAR Awareness Training gives employees a solid understanding of how DSEAR applies to their workplace.

You will learn how to:

• Identify dangerous substances and related hazards
• Recognise explosive atmospheres and associated risks
• Follow DSEAR safety procedures and reporting requirements
• Support safe working practices within DSEAR-controlled areas

This course is ideal for employees working within or near DSEAR zones, helping them identify risks early and act safely.

Get more information and book now.

DSEAR: Line Manager and Responsible Person Training

Our DSEAR Line Manager and Responsible Person Training is designed for those who oversee DSEAR compliance in their departments or sites.

You will cover:

• Legal responsibilities under the DSEAR Regulations
• DSEAR risk assessment and record-keeping processes
• Implementing control measures and safe systems of work
• Emergency planning and response
• Communication and training requirements for staff

Perfect for line managers and responsible persons, this course provides the confidence and structure needed to manage DSEAR effectively and meet regulatory standards.

Get more information and book now.

DSEAR Risk Assessment Process, Arrangements, Inspection and Coordinator Training

Our DSEAR Coordinator Training is an advanced, two-day course offering an in-depth understanding of DSEAR risk management. It equips delegates with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to manage complex DSEAR arrangements confidently.

You will learn to:

• Interpret DSEAR legislation and apply it practically
• Conduct comprehensive DSEAR risk assessments
• Develop and monitor DSEAR arrangements and controls
• Manage inspection and maintenance requirements
• Oversee compliance across multiple sites or departments

Ideal for responsible persons and DSEAR coordinators, this course builds the capability to lead compliance from assessment through to implementation.

Get more information and book now.

Why Choose Stallard Kane for DSEAR Training?

Our Training and Risk Solutions teams work together to simplify compliance and make DSEAR management practical and achievable. We combine technical knowledge with real-world experience to help businesses create safer working environments.

When you work with Stallard Kane, you can expect:

• Industry-experienced trainers with DSEAR expertise
• Engaging, accessible course delivery
• Actionable insights and practical tools for ongoing compliance

From introductory awareness sessions to full DSEAR compliance support, we deliver training that makes safety clear, manageable, and effective.

Talk to Our Team

Whether you are new to DSEAR or reviewing your existing arrangements, our Training team can help you find the right course or develop a programme that fits your business.

Email training@skaltd.co.uk or call 01427 420 405 to speak to one of the team today.

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Mental Health First Aid is an internationally-recognised training course that equips people to recognise the early signs of mental ill health and provide first-line support, just as physical first aiders do in the event of an accident.

The two-day MHFA course trains delegates to:

• Offer non-judgmental support
• Identify warning signs
• Signpost colleagues towards professional or internal help
• Promote a mentally healthy culture and break down stigma within the workplace

Why is it important for my workplace?

Mental ill health affects 1 in 4 people in the UK every year. According to Mind, that adds up to 72 million lost working days and costs employers £34.9 billion annually.

Having trained MHFAs in your organisation helps you:

• Meet your legal duty of care to staff
• Reduce stigma and encourage open conversations
• Spot issues early, preventing escalation
• Minimise absenteeism, presenteeism, conflict, and errors
• Improve employee engagement and retention

What does a Mental Health First Aider do?

MHFAs act as a primary point of contact for anyone struggling. They aren’t therapists, but they are trained to:

• Listen non-judgmentally
• Maintain confidentiality
• Spot signs of mental ill health
• Start supportive conversations
• Assess risks of self-harm or suicide
• Encourage professional or internal support
• Respond to crisis situations
• Protect themselves while supporting others

What skills will delegates gain?

By the end of the course, delegates will have:

• Knowledge of how to be an active listener and show empathy towards others
• A deeper understanding of mental health and influencing factors
• Tools to create a positive mental health culture
• The ability to recognise triggers and warning signs
• Confidence to step in, reassure, and support colleagues
• Knowledge of reasonable workplace adjustments for return-to-work scenarios

What are the course details?

• Length: Two full days
• Assessment: Continual throughout the course
• Validity: 3 years (full retraining required afterwards)
• Entry requirements: No prior experience, but delegates must be 18+
• Certification of attendance
• All delegates receive a workbook to support ongoing learning.

Please note this course covers some sensitive topics that some delegates may find distressing.

Topics include stress, crisis management, self-harm, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and relevant mental health legislation.

How can my team access this training?

We offer flexible delivery options:

• Open courses (ideal for individuals or small teams)
  • UK-wide partner venues
• Closed, in-house courses (cost-effective for larger teams)
  • On-site training at your premises or hired venues
  • Virtual delivery via Zoom
  • Our dedicated Gainsborough Training Room

How should we support MHFAs after training?

Embedding the role is key. Best practices include:

• Setting up peer networks and policies around MHFA
• Offering refresher training every 3 years
• Promoting who your MHFAs are (intranet, lanyards, posters)
• Creating clear referral pathways
• Promoting overall mental health literacy

How do we measure the impact?

Track a mix of data and feedback, such as:

• Absence and return-to-work rates
• Uptake of EAP or support services
• Post-training survey results
• Manager confidence levels
• Employee willingness to talk about mental health

At Stallard Kane, we’re committed to helping organisations build healthier, happier, and more resilient teams. Talk to us today about how we can help support your business and team.

Call 01427 420 405

Email training@skaltd.co.uk

We’re excited to share a fresh new look and feel for our eLearning platform. Built to make learning simpler, faster, and more engaging for you and your team.

You’ll still find the same trusted content and reliable data, but now with a modern design, smoother navigation, and powerful tools to help you get the most from your training.

For Learners

• Netflix-style homepage with banners and content belts
• Quick access to assigned and overdue courses
• New Finder to explore Health & Safety, Wellbeing, and more
• Easy-to-manage certificates: download in bulk or upload your own training records

For Managers

• Check In dashboard to see team progress at a glance
• Real-time compliance tracking
• Familiar reports – now even easier to navigate

For Administrators

• New admin landing page for quicker access
• Tools to design banners and customise your homepage
• Options to highlight compliance or engagement
• Control which content belts appear for learners

See It In Action

Helpful Resources & Guides

Get started quickly with our step-by-step guides:

• How To Download Certificates (GUIDE)
• How To Assign Users to Courses (GUIDE)
• How To Apply A Voucher Code (GUIDE)
• How To Download Certificates (For Administrators Only) (GUIDE)

Talk To Our Training Team

Our training team is ready to help with demos, questions, or tailored advice for your organisation.

Contact us at training@skaltd.co.uk

As a business owner or a key part of an organisation's Learning & Development team, you understand the critical importance of practical training.  

In today's environment, ensuring the safety and compliance of your team is not just a best practice; it's a legal and moral obligation. But how do you provide training that is not only comprehensive and credible but also engaging and accessible, especially when facing challenges like remote teams and busy schedules? 

Many organisations have to deal with the pain points of: 

• Meeting complex regulatory requirements for health and safety, which can be particularly stringent in certain areas. 

• Reducing the risk of costly accidents and incidents, which can lead to legal challenges, medical expenses, lost productivity, and damage to reputation 

• Ensuring training content is always up-to-date with the latest legislation and industry standards. 

• Delivering engaging training that truly resonates with employees and leads to knowledge retention 

• Effectively tracking and managing compliance across a diverse workforce. 

• Cultivating a strong, proactive culture of safety within the organisation 

The Gold Standard: RoSPA Assured eLearning 

We are proud to offer eLearning solutions that directly address these challenges, with a significant portion of our Health & Safety content being RoSPA assured. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) assurance is a mark of the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for training content. 

Why is RoSPA assurance so crucial for your business? 

Credibility and Trust: RoSPA assured content means your team receives training that is not only effective but proven to work, developed with leading industry experts and grounded in the latest research. It signifies that the learning activity has met required benchmarks and its value has been scrutinised for integrity and quality. 

Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: By providing RoSPA-assured training, your business remains compliant with industry regulations and helps equip employees to identify and prevent workplace hazards, thereby reducing accidents and injuries. Our courses are continually updated to meet HSE guidelines and relevant health and safety regulations. 

Enhanced Safety Culture: Implementing high-quality, accredited training helps to create a culture of safety where employees are empowered to prioritise safety and contribute to a healthy working environment. 

How Stallard Kane's Platform Delivers Solutions 

Our enhanced eLearning platform, which is provided by Access Learning, features the UK's most comprehensive RoSPA-assured Health and Safety eLearning library. This comprehensive content library includes approx. 100 RoSPA and CPD accredited health & safety courses, alongside an additional approximately 300 individual courses across various vital topics. 

Here's how our eLearning platform turns your pain points into strengths: 

Flexible and Engaging Learning: Our solutions are designed to be efficient, engaging, and credible. Courses are optimised for mobile use, allowing your team to learn anytime, anywhere via desktop or our intuitive mobile app. We break down learning into manageable, bite-sized modules, allowing your team to fit training into their busy schedules without feeling overwhelmed. The content itself is video-led, incorporating interactive modules, quizzes, and assessments to make complex concepts easier to understand and retain. 

Robust Tracking and Reporting: The platform enables you to assign, track, and manage health and safety compliance across your entire business. You can pull data to identify knowledge and compliance gaps, ensuring the widespread completion of mandatory training, regardless of employees' locations. The platform offers comprehensive reporting tools to gain valuable insights into your team's strengths and areas for improvement. 

Expert-Led and Always Current: Our content is developed in collaboration with leading industry experts and is regularly updated to the highest standard possible. This ensures your business remains safe, compliant, and that employees are protected from health and safety risks. 

A Glimpse at Our Health & Safety Offerings 

Our extensive catalogue of RoSPA assured Health & Safety courses spans multiple categories and is designed to meet the needs of organisations across all industries. Some popular examples include: 

• General Workplace Safety: Covering essential topics like Fire Safety, Manual Handling, Office Safety, and Slips, Trips & Falls 

• Specialist Environments: Training for specific hazards such as Asbestos Awareness, Confined Spaces, Legionella, and Warehouse Safety 

• Chemical Hazards: Crucial courses like COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and Spill Prevention and Control. 

• Vehicles, Plant and Equipment: Important training on topics like PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) 

• Management Support: Equipping managers with skills in Accident Investigation, Risk Assessment, and Managing Contractors 

• Food Safety and Hygiene: Covering topics like Food Safety Levels 1-3, Food Allergies, and Personal Hygiene 

• Safeguarding: Training to protect vulnerable adults and children, helping to identify risks and signs of abuse 

We also offer a fixed package of 10 essential Health & Safety courses to kickstart your training journey, and an expanded Business Essentials Safety Bundle which includes these initial 10, plus 10 additional courses, covering topics such as Bullying & Harassment, Data Protection, Cyber Security Awareness, and Mental Health. 

Invest in Your Team, Protect Your Business 

By choosing our RoSPA assured eLearning, you're not just purchasing training; you're investing in your workforce's growth and development, cultivating a stronger, more motivated team, and ensuring your business remains safe, compliant, and thriving. 

Ready to empower your workforce and drive a safety culture? 

Contact our training team today to discuss how our RoSPA assured eLearning solutions can transform your organisation. We can help you access our Health & Safety eLearning Package or the comprehensive Business Essentials Safety Bundle. 

You can also schedule a personalised demo to explore the features and benefits firsthand. 

Contact us on 01427 678660 or email training@skaltd.co.uk

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Not only can accidents result in serious harm to employees, but they can also lead to financial and legal consequences for businesses. We look at how proper training and compliance with ladder safety protocols can help prevent these incidents and protect your workforce.

How do I know if my employees need Working at Height training or retraining?

Employees who use ladders or scaffolding, or work on elevated surfaces, require training. Signs that retraining is required include:

• Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of ladder safety protocols
• Near-miss incidents or actual falls in the workplace
• Introduction of new equipment or updated safety regulations
• Employee turnover or new hires without prior training
• The last formal Working at Height training was carried out 3 or more years ago

What are the key ladder safety rules my employees should follow?

The following ladder safety principles should be implemented:

• Choose the right ladder: ensure it is long enough and has the correct load capacity
• Inspect the ladder before use: check for damage, missing rungs, and slippery substances
• Position it correctly: place it on a stable, level surface and use the four-to-one ratio rule for straight ladders
• Climb safely: maintain three points of contact and avoid overreaching or standing on the top step
• Secure the ladder: if accessing a raised surface, extend it at least three feet above the edge and tie it off

What are the consequences of ignoring ladder safety?

Ignoring ladder safety can lead to severe outcomes, including:

• Workplace injuries or fatalities
• Increased insurance premiums and legal liability
• Fines or enforcement action from regulatory bodies
• Loss of productivity due to employee absence or investigations

How can I provide my team with proper training?

Register your employees in a Working at Height training course to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Our recommended course covers:

• Risk assessment and hazard identification
• Awareness of the safe use of ladders and scaffolding
• Emergency procedures and fall prevention techniques

You can find a suitable course here: Working at Height Training.

We can also provide more specialist Working at Height training such as IPAF training for MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) operators.

What advice is available for implementing ladder safety protocols in my business?

May 12^th-16^th is No Falls Week, a nationwide campaign which promotes safe working at height. Throughout the week, we will be providing information on courses, tips and advice on our social media channels.

Our Health & Safety team can assist with tailored audits, risk assessments, and training programmes. Contact us at healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk for expert advice or email our training team at training@skaltd.co.uk to schedule a course.

You will soon see a change to your eLearning platform.

Your organisation will be automatically upgraded to the new-look eLearning platform in Summer 2025, delivering an enhanced experience for both learners and administrators.

The improvements include:

 A Better Learning Experience for Your Team

The upgraded eLearning platform has been redesigned with your team in mind, offering a fresh and intuitive user experience.

• New Homepage: clear, modern navigation helps users stay focused and productive
• My Tasks: tasks are automatically added and sorted by urgency, helping learners stay on top of deadlines
• Mandatory Training at a Glance: learners can instantly see their compliance status with a visual progress dial
• Finder Tool: allows learners to browse or search for content without leaving their current view
• Love List: learners can save their favourite content to revisit anytime
• Portrait Hub: a central hub where learners can view their tasks, achievements, and progress in one easy-to-navigate space

 More Powerful Tools for Administrators

The upgraded platform brings improvements for administrators.

• New Admin Homepage: easily access enrolments, reports and helpful insights to guide decision-making
• Improved Reporting & Analytics: track engagement and completions with clear, actionable data
• Engagement Score: a monthly metric that helps you understand and improve learner connection with the platform
• Smarter Content Assignment: assign training more efficiently, with clearer mandatory and optional content tracking
• Improved Navigation: a redesigned profile menu, including a dedicated 'Admin View', simplifies access to essential tools
• Certificates Centre: manage certificates centrally, making recognition and tracking easier than ever

No Action Needed - Your Upgrade is Automatic

Your eLearning platform will be automatically upgraded in Summer 2025.

We'll continue to share updates and helpful resources ahead of the upgrade so you and your team are well-prepared to take advantage of what's new.

If you have any questions, please email training@skaltd.co.uk, and a member of the team will contact you.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, ensuring a safe, compliant, and inclusive workplace is more important than ever. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our Business Essentials eLearning Bundle, an all-in-one training package designed to provide your team with essential health, safety, and workplace wellbeing knowledge.

What’s Included in the Business Essentials eLearning Bundle?

Building on our core Health & Safety package, this bundle includes 20 eLearning courses covering introductory compliance topics and workplace skills.

Core Health & Safety Training:

Our original 10 course package ensures that your team meets all necessary safety requirements:

• Fire Safety
• Manual Handling
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• DSE (Display Screen Equipment)
• Lone Working
• Working at Height
• Driving Safely
• Health & Wellbeing
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
• Stress Management

Additional Training for a Stronger Workforce:

To help businesses go beyond compliance, we’ve added 10 more eLearning courses focusing on key workplace issues:

• Bullying & Harassment
• Sexual Harassment & Worker Protection Act
• Data Protection UK
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Practical Cyber Security Awareness
• Tackling Mental Health Stigma & Discrimination
• Relationship Building in the Hybrid Workplace
• Health & Safety Introduction
• Slips, Trips & Falls
• Communicating Under Pressure

Why Choose the Business Essentials eLearning Bundle?

• Cost-Effective – Get all 20 courses for just £65+VAT per person per year.
• Flexible & Fully Online – Train your team anytime, anywhere, with courses accessible 24/7.
• Improve Compliance & Wellbeing – Stay compliant with UK workplace regulations while promoting a positive work culture.

Experience Ease Of Use With The App

Our elearning platform is designed for efficiency and convenience and is accessible via desktop and mobile app. Training has never been this intuitive. Clear design, seamless navigation, and accessibility ensure a smooth learning experience.

Take the Next Step Towards a Safer, More Inclusive Workplace

Invest in your business's and your employees' future with our Business Essentials eLearning Bundle.

Call us today: 01427 678 660
Email us: training@skaltd.co.uk

Winter can be a difficult time of the year for many: short daylight hours, cold weather and lingering financial pressures can affect your team’s morale.

We believe this is the perfect time to refocus on supporting your workforce in meaningful, impactful ways. We look at how businesses can go beyond the basics and make a genuine difference for their employees.

What can I do to make working in winter easier?

Winter can often mean a return to heavy workloads and tight deadlines, which can feel overwhelming after a long break.

• Check in with staff about their workloads and redistribute tasks where necessary. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how supported your workforce feels.
• Allow flexibility where possible, such as remote working options or flexible hours, to help employees ease back into their routines.
• Encourage employees to take their unused annual leave early in the year, to give them a break to look forward to.

What can I do to help lift the mood?

It’s tempting to offer generic ‘fun’ activities to distract employees from the winter blues. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, why not tailor activities to your team’s preferences? For example:

• Host a quiz based on your team’s interests - TV shows, sports, or even workplace trivia.
• Introduce a “pay it forward” coffee station where employees can leave a small treat or positive message for their colleagues.
• Share uplifting or humorous stories from your business’s history that remind employees of the value they bring to your organisation. Small acts of thoughtfulness and recognition can go a long way in promoting connection and positivity.

General energy levels seem really low, but how can I change that?

Mental wellbeing is often linked to physical energy levels. Providing small, actionable ways to help employees recharge can have a profound impact on their mood and productivity.

• Stock the break room with energising snacks like fruits, nuts, or protein bars.
• Introduce a lunchtime walking group to get staff moving and away from their desks.

I’m meeting with my senior team: what should I tell them?

Leadership teams play a vital role in setting the tone; if employees see managers working excessive hours, skipping breaks or appearing overwhelmed, they may feel less able to prioritise their own wellbeing.

• Encourage leaders to openly share their own strategies for managing stress and staying positive.
• Set clear expectations around breaks and work-life balance, especially in high-pressure periods. Authenticity is key; employees are more likely to feel supported when they see this in action.
• Acknowledge the winter blues in team meetings and highlight the resources available to employees.

Is there any training or any procedures my business should have in place?

Employee wellbeing should be a year-round priority. Assess whether your business is encouraging a culture where employees feel supported in the long term.

• Do you have clear mental health support structures in place, such as access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Wellbeing Champions or Mental Health First Aiders?
• Are managers trained to spot early signs of burnout or mental health concerns?
• Are employees genuinely encouraged to share feedback on how the business can better support them?

Take action now to demonstrate your commitment to your team’s wellbeing.

Contact our Training team at training@skaltd.co.uk or call us on 01427 420 405

Supporting neurodivergent employees is a crucial step toward fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, OCD, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. 

Katie Rees, Senior HR Advisor at Stallard Kane notes “Many individuals with neurodiverse conditions experience challenges on a daily basis, and in some cases, be classified as disabled. The Equality Act 2010 places a legal obligation on employers to protect neurodiverse employees from disadvantage and discrimination in the workplace.”

“This can be achieved by ensuring the correct support mechanisms and reasonable adjustments are in place to remove any barriers which prevent the individual from carrying out their duties.”

Each individual experiences these conditions differently, so understanding and accommodating their unique needs is essential to creating a positive and supportive work environment. 

Here are ten ways to effectively support neurodivergent people in the workplace:

1. Implement Universal Adjustments and Accommodations

Not all employees will disclose their neurodiversity, and some may not even have a formal diagnosis. Many individuals are adept at masking their neurodivergent traits to fit in, which can be mentally exhausting. To ensure everyone is supported, it's crucial to establish workplace adjustments and accommodations universally. This could include flexible work hours, quiet spaces, or the option to use noise-cancelling headphones, regardless of whether someone has disclosed a specific need.

2. Ask Individuals What Support Looks Like for Them

Neurodivergent individuals have unique ways of managing their conditions. For example, one person might find certain fonts or colours difficult to read, while another may need to wear headphones to concentrate. Engage in open conversations with employees to understand their specific needs. Faye Bevington, Head of Risk Solutions at Stallard Kane states ‘As a neurodiverse individual and a senior manager, I still face challenges - like recently struggling with an external training module written in green text over images, which I couldn’t read. These small adjustments can make a significant difference.”

3. Provide Neurodiversity Training for All Staff

Faye continues “Awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace is essential, and robust business training is the first step towards greater understanding.” Training should cover what neurodiversity includes, such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, OCD, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. When everyone understands these conditions, it fosters a more supportive environment where neurodivergent employees feel understood and valued.

4. Tailor Communication to Individual Preferences

Effective communication is key to supporting neurodivergent employees. Some people may struggle with extracting crucial information from lengthy text documents, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Ask your employees how they prefer to receive information. For instance, highlighting or bolding important details in documents can help those who find large texts overwhelming.

5. Focus on the Strengths Neurodiversity Brings

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths to the workplace. For example, people with dyslexia are often highly creative and excel at thinking in three dimensions. Those with autism might have an exceptional ability to focus on fine details for extended periods, and individuals with ADHD may channel their hyperfocus into driving new projects forward. By recognising and leveraging these strengths, employers can tap into a wellspring of innovation and productivity.

6. Utilise Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can be a game-changer for neurodivergent employees. Tools like mind-mapping software, speech-to-text programs, and even dual screens can significantly enhance productivity. Employers should stay informed about available technologies and explore funding options such as the UK government's Access to Work program, which provides support for employees with disabilities or health conditions.

7. Consider the Physical Environment

The physical workspace plays a crucial role in supporting neurodivergent employees. Open-plan offices can be overwhelming due to noise and lack of personal space. Consider using partitions to create more defined workspaces, provide adjustable lighting, and designate quiet zones where employees can work without distractions.

8. Create a Culture of Empathy and Understanding

Empathy is at the heart of supporting neurodivergent employees. Create a safe environment where people feel comfortable disclosing their needs without fear of judgement. Many neurodivergent individuals spend a significant amount of energy masking their behaviours to appear more neurotypical, which can be exhausting. For example, someone might repress their natural tendency to stim (self-stimulatory behaviour) in the office, leading to unnecessary stress. As an employer, fostering an environment where people don’t need to mask their true selves can lead to a more inclusive and happier workplace.

9. Hold Regular One-on-One Meetings

Regular one-on-one meetings provide an opportunity for employees to discuss any challenges they may be facing and to request additional support. These meetings also give managers a chance to check in on their well-being and to offer guidance or adjustments as needed. Being proactive in these conversations can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

10. Know How to Signpost to Additional Services

Sometimes, employees may need additional support beyond what can be provided in the workplace. Ensure that managers and HR teams are aware of external services and resources that can assist neurodivergent individuals. Whether it’s mental health support, career coaching, or specialised training, being able to direct employees to the right services shows a commitment to their overall well-being.

Supporting neurodivergent employees requires thoughtful consideration, empathy, and a proactive approach. By implementing these ten strategies, employers can create a more inclusive workplace that not only supports neurodivergent individuals but also leverages their unique strengths to benefit the entire organisation. The result is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative workforce where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

JOIN OUR NEW COURSE: Supporting Neurodivergent People in the Workplace

Supporting Neurodivergent People in the Workplace offers ten strategies for promoting an inclusive workforce. Our course enhances your understanding of neurodiversity and provides actionable steps to support neurodivergent employees, helping you create a more empathetic and supportive work environment.

Book now to educate your team with the tools necessary for a more inclusive workplace: https://www.stallardkane.co.uk/courses/supporting-neurodivergent-people-in-the-workplace/

For more information or to discuss your training needs, please contact our Training Team by calling 01427 420 405 or emailing training@skaltd.co.uk