Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026: New awareness and management training

The University of Essex is marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 by sharing impressive early results from the rollout of the John Innes Centre Neurodiversity Awareness Training.

This new training is already supporting colleagues and managers to build more neuroinclusive working and learning environments across the University.

Developed through the BBSRC funded research project “Understanding, Valuing and Celebrating Neurodiversity”, led by Dr Clare Stevenson and Leah Milner Campbell, the John Innes Centre’s platform provides high quality, research informed learning for staff and students.

As part of Essex’s commitment to the Technician Commitment, the programme launched in late 2025 with two core modules:

• Introduction to Neurodiversity
• Introduction to Managing Neurodiverse Teams

Since launch, engagement has been strong, with survey data showing significant growth in awareness, confidence, and inclusive practice.

Strong improvements in understanding and confidence

Participants who completed the Introduction to Neurodiversity module reported clear and consistent gains across all areas measured.

Overall understanding of neurodiversity rose sharply - increasing by 37%, with participants describing a much clearer grasp of what neurodiversity means in practice. Confidence in talking about neurodiversity also saw a major boost, increasing by 35%, indicating that staff now feel far more able to communicate openly and sensitively on the topic.

Even measures that started high showed improvement. For example, participants already recognised the relevance of neurodiversity to their work, but this still increased by a further 9% after the training.

Many colleagues reported feeling better equipped to support others, more confident in using inclusive language, and more aware of the diverse strengths and needs of neurodivergent people.

Managers report meaningful development in neuroinclusive leadership

The Introduction to Managing Neurodiverse Teams module produced similarly strong results, particularly in areas relating to leadership confidence and practical management.

Managers’ confidence in supporting team members with different neurotypes grew by an impressive 32%, showing that the course is directly enhancing day to day management capability. Confidence in implementing reasonable adjustments also increased by 18%, highlighting the training’s impact on creating flexible, supportive working environments.

Understanding neurodiversity as a core part of the management role strengthened too, rising by 14%, while confidence in neuroinclusive hiring practices increased by 10%.

Together, these improvements reflect a growing ability among managers to create environments where all colleagues can thrive — from recruitment and onboarding through to communication, task design and workplace adjustments.

What our learners are saying

Participants from both modules have shared positive reflections:

• “Easy to follow, practical, and genuinely eye opening.”
• “It helped me understand how small adjustments make a big difference.”
• “Very helpful - I would advise all managers to complete this course.”
• “The combination of real experiences and scientific insight was incredibly valuable.”

Learners also noted that the training helped them think more deeply about communication styles, sensory environments and the importance of approaching colleagues’ differences with empathy and openness.

Building a more neuroinclusive Essex

The early impact of the John Innes Centre platform reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to embedding inclusion across all levels. The training directly supports wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) objectives by offering:

• Accessible, research informed learning
• Real lived experience perspectives
• Practical tools for managers
• Opportunities to build confidence and shared understanding

As more teams continue to engage with the training, we expect these positive trends to grow — further strengthening neuro affirming behaviours and the overall sense of belonging across our campuses.

Looking ahead, Essex is expanding its EDI offer. Through a new partnership with the JIC via their successful EPSRC funded EDI Hub+, we aim to introduce new training focusing on:

• microaggressions
• active bystander intervention
• empowering those with lived experience to advocate for themselves

Get involved during Neurodiversity Celebration Week

We encourage all staff and students to take part in this week’s activities by:

• Completing the Introduction to Neurodiversity or Managing Neurodiverse Teams modules on Moodle
• Joining events and discussions taking place across our campuses
• Exploring further EDI learning resources
• Talking with your teams about ways to strengthen neuro inclusion

For more information about the John Innes Centre’s work to support EDI, you can explore their resources online. If you know someone outside Essex who might benefit from the training, please share the link to the JIC e learning platform.

A more inclusive Essex benefits everyone - and your involvement helps us get there.