Dan’s talk “went down a storm”

Yesterday (20 March) members of Unite South West’s regional disabled committee, in partnership with Plymouth City Council, launched the inaugural Neurodiversity Conference at the Council House in the city.

The event was part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.

The Plymouth Neurodiversity Conference aimed to celebrate neurodiversity across the Ocean City, with the Council’s Neurodivergent Staff Network bringing together employers and employees to share insights, best practices and resources to support individuals in the workplace.

The Conference featured presentations on neurodiversity from a range of employers and experts. This included Dan Smith and Unite Rep at Babcock International at Devonport Docks.

Dan is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate, and as well as his job as a supervisor in the company and a Unite health & safety rep, he leads the at Babcock International alongside leading their Neurodiverse Inclusion Programme at Babcock.

Dan explained that, “I got involved with the conference after being asked by Joe Savage, who  sits on the Plymouth Neurodiversity Support Network.” 

The Unite rep gave an inspiring talk drawing from his own experiences of neurodiversity and its challenges in the workplace.

Dan said, “I gave a 20 minute presentation about the impact neurodiversity can have in the workplace, and what employers can do to support workers.”

“It went down a storm, and had a very positive reaction from those attending.”

Unite also held a stall at the event to supply information and advice to workers and employers on supporting neurodiverse people within the workplace, where Dan was joined by Joe and colleague Steve Taylor-Pockett.

Throughout the day around 200 people attended the event.

Unite runs a wide range of courses for reps. Find out more about Unite Education reps courses here. 

By Keith Hatch