Steps of the process

The process can be broken down into three main steps:

1. We offer initial screenings for staff who feel they may be Neurodivergent but have never been diagnosed and feel there may be challenges that are affecting them at work. Screenings only indicate the likelihood of Neurodivergence.
2. Staff can then undertake a Work Needs Assessment (WNA). This assessment involves both the member of staff and their line managers. The assessment helps to understand potential workplace adjustments to support the member of staff in their role. 
3. Implementing support, such as workplace adjustments, should be lead by the line manager.

The cost of initial screenings and WNAs are met by the EDI Centre. Any workplace adjustments costs, including coping strategy coaching, should be met by the staff member's department, unless otherwise agreed. 

1. Initial screenings

Staff should complete the EDI Centre's booking form. Staff will then be contacted by our Dyslexia specialist, from an external company (Right Resources Ltd), and invited to complete a short questionnaire. This allows for the screening tool to be tailored to each individual's needs.

The staff member will also need to complete the DO-IT profiler, which helps assess if they may have Dyslexia or other co-occurrent Neurodivergent differences. The profiler will include tailored modules based on the completed questionnaire. The profiler is designed to offer an indication of both strengths and weaknesses and may be used as a point of reference if additional support is identified. It should take around an hour to complete.

To get their results report, staff are required to email the external specialist to arrange a phone or Microsoft Teams call where they will go through the results together. The report will then be shared with the staff member via email. 

If there are any queries or concerns at this stage, staff can contact either the EDI Centre or a Dyslexia Champion directly for further support and guidance. 

2. Workplace Needs Assessments (WNAs)

Following an initial screening, or if there already is a formal diagnosis of Neurodivergence, a staff member may wish to book a Work Needs Assessment (WNA). An assessment can help if staff are experiencing challenges with their work tasks and believe these difficulties may be associated with their Neurodivergence.

To book a WNA, please complete the EDI Centre's booking form.

Meeting with a qualified assessor

At a WNA meeting, the assessor will discuss with the staff member the challenges they are experiencing with work tasks. Prior to the meeting, the assessor will gather work-related information such as a copy of the job description. The assessor may also have a brief discussion with the line manager to gain their perspective. 

The WNA meeting is usually followed by a short meeting between the assessor and the line manager. This is to help the line manager understand Neurodivergence and workplace adjustments, and the assessor can answer any questions the line manager may have. The line manager should come prepared to take their own notes and list any actions they may need to take. Positive outcomes are more likely to be achieved when the staff member and their line manager liaise fully throughout the WNA process.

The WNA report

Following the meetings, the assessor will prepare a WNA report.

The WNA report outlines recommendations, commonly referred to as workplace adjustments, which the assessor believes could help the individual in coping more effectively with their work tasks. Examples of recommendations include specialist equipment, training on the use of this equipment, one-to-one strategy coaching ,and general awareness training for colleagues.

3. Implementing support

The line manager should take responsibility for implementing any workplace adjustments recommended by a WNA report.

The EDI Centre has produced guidance and information about workplace adjustments.

If one of the recommendations is for the member of staff to have coping strategy coaching sessions, these can be booked through the EDI Centre's booking form. This coaching is designed to support an individual to develop more effective strategies to use in the day-to-day handling of their work tasks. Sessions are tailored to an individual’s specific needs, based on their WNA's report.