Affinity Water Joins Neurodiversity in Business

Affinity Water, a leading provider of clean water services, is proud to announce their membership in Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) - the Neurodiversity Charity, a non-profit forum dedicated to fostering neuroinclusivity in the workplace. This initiative aligns with Affinity Water's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is a cornerstone of its current EDI strategy.

Neurodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum of human neurotypes, including neurotypical individuals as well as neurodivergent individuals such as those with Autism, Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette's, among others.

Despite the significant talents and contributions neurodivergent individuals bring, statistics from the National Autistic Society and CIPD Poll highlight the challenges they face in the workplace, with low employment rates and lack of focus on neurodiversity.

• Only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid employment.
• Only 1 in 10 organisations are focusing on neurodiversity at work.
• 45% of people have lost or left their job because of challenges due to being misunderstood.

Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) serves as a platform for corporates to integrate neurodivergent individuals into the workforce, support their career progression, and foster a better understanding of neurodiversity among companies. NiB is endorsed by numerous organisations and supported by global leaders in neurodiversity, with a mission to educate, demonstrate, celebrate, and empower neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.

Sally Brett, Head of Culture and EDI at Affinity Water said:

"Our partnership with Neurodiversity in Business reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals, regardless of their neurotype, can thrive."

"By joining NiB, we aim to enhance our understanding of neurodiversity, champion neuroinclusive practices, and empower neurodivergent individuals to reach their full potential."

"We will be working closely with our disability and neurodiversity inclusion network to ensure we are understanding the lived experience of our employees and gaining their input and feedback into the steps we are taking to be more neuroinclusive."

"We are also proud to have adopted Text Help’s Read&Write software to support employees and their families with things like text-to-speech, dictate and audio file functionality. This software is available to any employee or their family members."

Through its membership of NiB, Affinity Water looks forward to learning from other employers and specialist organisations, and to contributing to a more inclusive society and fostering a culture where neurodivergent individuals are valued and supported.

Affinity Water is a leading provider of water services, serving millions of customers in the South-East of England. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Affinity Water strives to create an inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.