Neurodiversity in the workplace is an increasingly important issue. National Chair Charron Culnane shares her experience attending a GFTU training course on neurodiversity, highlighting key insights, the challenges unions face, and the steps Napo is taking to support neurodivergent members.
I was privileged to attend this GFTU (General Federation of Trades Unions) training course, for two days on 16 and 1 January at Quorn Grange.
This was my first face to face union training since before COVID. I have never seen so many neurodiverse people happy to spend two days with lots of other people.
The two day course was excellent. It provided a really good introduction to different neurotypes that fall under the Neurodiverse umbrella.
It gave us all a great opportunity to check and revise our own knowledge and expand our learning while in the company of Union peers from a wide range of other Unions.
Networking, discussing good practice and what works with other likeminded Union reps is always a refreshing and valuable experience. I came away from the course with a lot of positive ideas, feeling energised about how to support Neurodiverse members and Union reps.
This was timely training regarding its subject matter too. As a Union, Napo is seeing an increase in members identifying as Neurodivergent who require support and reasonable adjustments.
Our employers are still finding it challenging to support these colleagues adequately. Regional directors are trying to ensure training and support for staff, but this training and support seems to be slow in reaching our manager colleagues who need to be able to support their Neurodiverse staff.
Napo recently undertook its own Neurodiversity Survey which the Equal Rights Committee are currently working with.
How to become a rep:
If you want to become a rep please contact your local branch or Annoesjka Valent here at Napo HQ. They will be happy to provide you with details and support you.
We have a large range of rep roles from being a local health and safety rep, sitting in on local meetings to representing members who find themselves in HR processes. There are Branch roles and National ones too. We can never have too many reps and the Union only runs because people volunteer to undertake these roles. We couldn’t do it without them so if you are already a rep out there, please accept our grateful thanks. You do a brilliant job. If you’re not a rep yet it is something to consider.
Training:
We provide full training for our reps. Much of this is provided by the GFTU and it’s free. To see what’s on offer please see the link here and contact your Branch and Annoesjka to book.
