Employers, HR professionals and business leaders are being invited to a County Durham event focused on recruiting, supporting and retaining neurodivergent and disabled staff.
The next Inclusive Employer Network event will take place at Consett AFC on 24 September 2026, from 9am until noon.
The network brings together employers interested in improving inclusive employment practices and creating workplaces that better reflect the diversity of communities across County Durham.
The September event will focus particularly on the recruitment and retention of neurodivergent and disabled employees, with practical guidance for organisations looking to improve their approach.
A training session will be led by Carole Williamson of DurhamEnable, an experienced trainer and AuDHD professional.
She will explore areas including inclusive recruitment, workplace adjustments and the practical steps employers can take to better support neurodivergent and disabled members of staff.
The session will also look at the wider benefits of creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Attendees will hear from Ella Bains, founder of Eric Knows, who will discuss her organisation’s experience of developing an inclusive working environment.
She will be joined by employee Emma, who will share her own experiences of employment and the impact a supportive workplace has had on her confidence and career.
Emma’s parent will also take part in the discussion, offering a family perspective on the difference meaningful employment and supportive employers can make.
The Inclusive Employer Network is aimed at businesses and organisations at different stages of developing their employment practices, from those already working on inclusion to employers beginning to consider changes.
The event will also give attendees an opportunity to meet other local organisations and share experiences around recruitment, workplace support and accessibility.
The Inclusive Employer Network event takes place at Consett AFC on Thursday, 24 September 2026, from 9am to 12 noon.
