Embracing Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace
2024-09-26 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7M4pcOAsQnKBBM7PRm9E-Q
Sir Robert Buckland launched his review a few months ago. The review distilled down to 19 action points, the operative word being action. As we know, the Disability Confident ethos is all about ‘a little less conversation, a little more action.’ We’ve invited Sir Robert Buckland, Prof. Nicola Martin from LSB University, and David Forbes-Nixon of DFN Foundation to share how their work supports neurodiverse and autistic people. We will look at the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ to be much more inclusive employers. David will talk about the amazing work the foundation does with supported internships, and Nicola will speak to how they are supporting undergraduates who are autistic.
Speakers:

Sir Robert Buckland – Austism Review
DFN Foundation: David Forbes-Nixon, founder
London South Bank University: Prof. Nicola Martin

Maximising employment schemes for UK Businesses
2024-10-31 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mEdv-qdOQWmEnWjixCQjvg
How to navigate the complex employment maze! Our upcoming webinar offers expert guidance on excelling in your career journey. Join us for insider insights from HSBC’s Mali Fernando’s innovative approach through digital team internships. We will then share breaking news on the government’s new Universal Support programme, announced as part of a £2bn package from the Spring Budget, which will help disabled people, individuals with health conditions and anyone with additional barriers to employment, into sustained work. Explore Universal Support, Access to Work and more with industry leaders.
Speakers:

HSBC: Mali Fernandos – Head of Digital Experience and Accessibility
Tania Martin – Neuro-Inclusion Consultant

Working Together: Building a Disability Confident Workplace
2025-02-27 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pb8I_Rc4SFSrKqlnfxK_Jg
Explore how organisations can collaborate with employees, stakeholders, and the Disability Confident scheme to foster an inclusive culture. Learn practical steps to meet Disability Confident criteria, from accessible recruitment to retention strategies.

Neurodivergent Conditions: Support in the Workplace
2025-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I-CDslOMQzewP5Xjh3u8eg
This trending workplace topic featuring Ruhel Ahmed from ACAS, Dr Nancy Doyle and Prof Almuth McDowall will explore the challenges neurodivergent employees face, including communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and time management struggles. Speakers will also discuss “masking” and its impact on wellbeing, along with legal responsibilities and workplace adjustments. Employers will gain practical strategies to support a neuroinclusive workplace, reduce stigma, and provide better support.

We’re All in This Together: Being Disability Confident Benefits Us All
2025-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_btAvRN7JTTqKLgcGg8HUcg
Discover why leadership buy-in is critical for embedding disability inclusion across an organisation. Featuring insights from industry leaders, including Kate Nash OBE and Michael Vermeersch, this session will explore how aligning Disability Confident strategies with business objectives drives long-term success.
Kate is the founder of PurpleSpace, the world’s only global network of disability employee resource groups: a community of 5,000+ leaders across 175+ brands that collectively employ 1.5 million employees with disability.
Michael is Microsoft’s Accessibility Go to Market Manager; his focus is landing Microsoft’s commitment to bridge the “Disability Divide”. Using his creative neurodiverse thinking and passion for inclusion, Michael creates and curates Microsoft’s Digital Inclusion content, to empower inclusive organisations gain greater business advantage.

PurpleSpace ERGs: Empowering Disability Confident Networks
2025-05-29 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9TeygGahSfC4qxDdLfb2uw
Learn how PurpleSpace’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) empower employees with disabilities, build leadership pathways, and contribute to Disability Confident goals. This session will share actionable advice on setting up and sustaining ERGs that deliver impact.
We will be joined by three inspiring speakers:
Sally-Anne Owen, Managing Director at Purple Space- a strategic thinker and passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusion. Her warm, personable leadership style is at the heart of her work supporting global disability ERGs and networks. Drawing on her lived experience with MS, which she proudly redefines as “Mighty Strong”, Sally helps organisations foster inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive.
Suzie Austen, Brand Manager at WTW and participant in PurpleSpace’s Future Makers programme, brings extensive experience as co-chair of the Workability Inclusion network and co-pillar lead for Disability Smart. In 2024, she was recognised with WTW’s CEO Circle Award for her impactful work. Suzie manages dyslexia, Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, depression, PTSD, and panic disorder; experiences that drive her passion for creating inclusive and supportive work environments. Her commitment has helped WTW become a Disability Confident Leader.
Annette Moody, Group Technology Governance Director at Serco, is responsible for global technology standards and digital strategy. In 2013, shortly after joining Serco, Annette became paralysed following a spinal cord injury. After 10 months of intensive rehabilitation, she returned to work using a wheelchair and went on to co-found ‘Unlimited’, Serco’s disability network, which supports and attracts colleagues with all types of disabilities.

An ‘Everyone Wins a Balloon’ Masterclass - getting past the ‘YES… BUT’ barricade.
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m1c5hda9SvyyRtbw7w6kkA
Discover practical strategies from Susan Scott-Parker’s new guide, Everyone Wins a Balloon, on how to overcome resistance to workplace adjustments and unlock productivity through inclusive practices. Learn about Channel 4’s real-world success stories from returning guest, Giles Barker, and explore tools like the 12 Critical Success Factors and the Fit for Purpose Gap Analysis. Perfect for anyone ready to move beyond good intentions and drive real change.

Inclusive Growth: Unlocking the Business Case for Disability Confident
2025-07-31 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum, George Woods, Sustainability Advisor at Siemens Mobility, and Helene Palmer, Recruitment Team Lead, XPS Group will lead this webinar, focusing on the business benefits of disability inclusion. Learn how disability diversity enhances brand loyalty, innovation, and employee engagement while addressing the bottom line.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace: Practical Solutions
2025-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NuZLLLInTG2lrgQp7rp7GQ
Examine how organisations can adopt proactive approaches to employee mental health and wellbeing. Topics include reasonable adjustments for mental health, tackling stigma, and embedding wellbeing into workplace culture.
Microlink’s Access Consultant – Recruitment, Tracey Abbott, will be joined by Microlink’s Consulting Business Psychologist, Abigail Tennant, Martin Jervis, COO and Board Director at Thrive Mental Wellbeing, and Alison Knowles, creator of Ollie and his Super Powers and founder of the Ollie Method.
Martin has 18 years of senior leadership experience across purpose-driven organisations in healthcare, technology, and the charity sector. He also advises The Happiness Foundation, chairs Fundify, and brings international experience from roles across Europe and Africa. Ali has pioneered a simple, non-labelling therapeutic approach now used across schools, families, councils, and healthcare. Recognised with multiple awards in 2025, she leads a network of 100+ coaches delivering measurable emotional wellbeing impact in the UK and beyond.

Achieving more through Microlink's Neurodiversity support
2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_My_qF2-HR9m1viQwIWC22A#/registration
Goal of the session: “You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how we can help you emphasise how your services and strategies can enhance employee well-being, boost performance, and support inclusive workplace practices.

Creating Environments That Work for Everyone: The Power of Adjustment Management
2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-62jgEUkRNCdu8dWECKGwg
This session provides practical guidance on designing inclusive environments with effective workplace adjustments. Learn how to build scalable systems that support employees with diverse needs, driving organisational efficiency and inclusion. We will be joined by guest speakers, Paul Cutler, Global Head of Branch Design for HSBC, and Jim Rush, Head of Health and Safety at HSBC.
Paul is responsible for the design of HSBC’s branches and wealth centres globally, including the development of HSBC’s retail design standards and best practice to enhance the customer experience for all HSBC customers and colleagues. He joined HSBC on their graduate programme and has undertaken a wide variety of senior roles in retail banking across Marketing, Design, Product Management, and Sales and Distribution, both in the UK and overseas.
Jim is responsible for the design of the Health and Safety Management System and the Workplace Adjustment process used across HSBC’s operations globally, including the development of HSBC’s Minimum Design Standards for Health and Safety, and Accessibility and Inclusion. Prior to joining HSBC in 2016, he worked as an Environmental Health Officer advising on and enforcing Health and Safety, Food, Hygiene, and Environmental legislation, and then for various consulting businesses supporting organisations across a wide range of industry sectors.

What's New in AT and AI? ALPACA Assessment
2025-11-19 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rqzNZOhASbitDsL8PlrsuQ#/registration
Discover ALPACA: A Smarter Way to Screen Early Literacy Join us for an insightful webinar introducing ALPACA, a simple, tablet-based screening tool designed to help Reception teachers identify literacy challenges up to 18 months before the Year 1 phonics check. We’ll explore the aims of the 2025–26 national pilot in England, what participating schools can expect, and how this co-creation initiative is shaping the future of early literacy screening in the UK. The session will also cover the upcoming January 2026 entry phase, including how schools can register and get involved.

Workplace Needs Assessments: One Size Doesn’t Fit All!
2025-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xXxCDN5eStSp0pk1iqsz5g
Join us for an insightful discussion exploring why a tailored approach to workplace needs assessments is essential for creating inclusive, productive environments.
What to expect:

Expert Perspectives
Practical Strategies on how to support neurodivergent employees
Lived experience perspectives

Who should attend: HR professionals, business leaders, occupational health specialists, and anyone passionate about workplace inclusion and accessibility.
Who is involved: Microlink’s very own Business Psychologists: Hannah Arnold-Wallinger, Magdalena Grudzien, and Noeleen McKenna.

Let’s Make It Click: Why Digital Accessibility should be the default setting
2025-11-27 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TPxCyKcMT-CcfAZSGF6pqA
You’ll hear from Microlink expert Barry Croniken, Head of R&D in addition to special guest Chris Holloway, Head of Accessibility at Recite Me. These brilliant panellists, each an experienced leader in the field, will share personal and practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for creating truly accessible digital spaces. This is a unique chance to hear:

Why digital accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a business imperative
Some of the main dos and don’ts of accessible design across web, mobile, and documents
How collaboration, not competition, drives better accessibility outcomes
Why transparency is key to building trust and accountability in digital accessibility efforts

Register -Register to our DWP webinar

The Inclusive Season: Making Festivities Meaningful in the Workplace and Beyond
2025-12-04 08:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zdB0QN3YTAGJEkV0ZF2rIg
Join us for an insightful webinar that shines a light on the challenges neurodivergent individuals may experience during the festive season. Discover practical tips and inclusive strategies to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued – at work and beyond.

Confidently Supporting Neurodivergent Talent: A Practical Guide for HR & Leaders
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cde880d6-7249-4736-a095-395f87507eaf@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Join us for an insightful session designed to empower HR professionals and business leaders to confidently support neurodivergent employees. Discover how to build inclusive workplaces, unlock unique strengths and leave with actionable tools to foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

Missing Pieces: Supporting AI Developments in Your School Community
2026-02-04 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3dd909c3-c21e-4cc3-b665-f5ef78e0e63d@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education.
From personalised learning paths and adaptive assessments to real-time feedback, AI promises to transform classrooms into dynamic ecosystems tailored to every learner’s needs.
But with great potential comes even greater concerns.

Could over-reliance on AI erode human judgement?
Will built-in bias deepen inequalities instead of eliminating them?
How do we protect sensitive student data from misuse?
What happens when profit overshadows pedagogy?

This webinar explores the missing pieces in the AI puzzle for education:
✅ How to harness AI’s benefits without compromising ethics
✅ Building transparent governance and safeguarding privacy
✅ Keeping human values at the heart of innovation
We are delighted to welcome David Curran, a nationally-recognised AI-SEND expert practitioner, to reflect on the present, and future, of AI in education.

Inclusion starts at the top – Securing Executive Buy-In for Inclusion
2026-02-24 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5c777b3f-0b2e-4085-8ef2-c2ae9205d7cc@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Most organisations start bottom up with inclusion, not realising that there are more impactful ways to drive positive outcomes such as increased wellbeing and retention. In this session, our Senior Business Psychologist Hannah Arnold-Wallinger will help you identify practical solutions to ensure executive buy in for inclusion.
Hannah will share:

The barriers we often see in the workplace when it comes to creating effective inclusive workplace
What small actions can be done to show effectiveness of adjustments and support
How to have effective conversations about adjustments and support
Guidance on ensuring policies and procedures are clear

This session is suitable for HR and people professionals, senior managers and those with a formal or informal role in disability and or DEI.

Dolphin for Visually Impaired - with new AI-powered interface
2026-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/488683e1-f1e1-47bd-8d83-7584870bfe29@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Dolphin Computer Access is a leading provider of Assistive Technologies for the blind and partially sighted.
We explore some amazing AI innovations that make charts diagrams and images “visible”. 2026 is the National Year of Reading, and we will reflect on the wider use of Dolphin apps removing barriers to learning caused by low levels literacy, whatever the reasons.

Creating the Neuroinclusive Classroom- Microlink’s brand new suite of online training and resources
2026-03-04 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3cfeb43e-e040-4ffd-b166-383d3b4e6181@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
A year ago, during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Microlink introduced the concept of the Neuroinclusive Classroom- over 7000 education professionals worldwide signed up to hear more!
Marius Frank and special guest Sharon Gray OBE will describe how Microlink has taken the ideas and developed a comprehensive suite of online training and resources to bring the Neuroinclusive Classroom into a vibrant reality.

Inspiration- Mind Mapping support in the classroom and in GCSE/GCE examinations
2026-03-18 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/077dfd20-1668-44da-a8e2-12035514d31d@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Join Reeza Awoodun and Marius Frank explore the latest version of Imagination, one of the most popular Mind Mapping Tools found in schools today, and see how the tool can be adapted “as a normal way of working” in the classroom, but also meet stringent digital security conditions in public exam settings.

Inclusive Conversations: Practical Tools for Team Success
2026-03-23 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/57e8f82b-15b1-4217-aa77-446d81c6bc6d@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Inclusive Conversations: Practical Tools for Team Success

Many organisations want to support neurodivergent colleagues but feel unsure how to translate good intentions into meaningful, everyday practice. Inclusive conversations are a powerful starting point, helping teams reduce misunderstandings, improve collaboration, and create environments where everyone can contribute at their best.
In this webinar, Becky Furber and Moya Balfour from our neurodiversity team, will share:

Common communication barriers neurodivergent colleagues may experience in the workplace.
Exploring real world scenarios and talking through examples of adjustments that can support inclusive communication.

This session is suitable for HR and people professionals, managers, team leaders, and anyone with a formal or informal role in neurodiversity, disability, or inclusion and wellbeing.

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00 – 14:00 (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

We look forward to having you attend the event!

Missing Pieces 2#- Developing Media Literacy and Thinking Skills in an online world dominated by AI opportunities and threats
2026-03-25 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8285c6a3-e36f-4a2c-bc45-b8fba259c151@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Whether children under 16 get banned from social media or not, they must be taught to survive and thrive in an online world increasingly dominated by AI
Join Dr Nicole Ponsford, Chris Ayling and Marius Frank as they discuss opportunities, threats and “must-dos” for both primary and secondary schools in response to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Getting Workplace Adjustments Started: Understanding the fundamentals
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/886f483f-e279-46b6-8e77-240f3b54a769@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Getting Workplace Adjustments Started: Understanding the fundamentals

Supporting fair, consistent workplace adjustments start with getting the fundamentals right. This session explores what reasonable and proportionate adjustments look like in practice and how decisions can be made fairly and consistently.
This webinar supports employers to understand the fundamentals of workplace adjustments and what a reasonable, proportionate response looks like in practice. It explores how adjustment requests arise, who should be involved, and how decisions can be made fairly and consistently.
The session is particularly suitable for organisations at the early stages of their Disability Confident journey or those seeking to bring greater clarity to existing arrangements.

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:00 – 15:00 (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We look forward to having you attend the event!

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Neurodivergent Talent from Education to Employment
2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fc50f956-0feb-4072-b868-8e584cd9861b@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Bridging the Gap: Supporting Neurodivergent Talent from Education to Employment

This event aims to spotlight support for graduates and apprentices, bringing together a panel who can share insights and expertise on the transition from education into the workplace.
Proposed Panel Discussion Topics

Challenges and opportunities during the transition from education to employment
Gaps in support and how these can be addressed
Inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and workplace practices
The role of schools, colleges, universities, and career services
Collaboration models that help create smoother transitions

Welcome to Microlink Neuro-Essentials
2026-04-22 15:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/444ad601-1779-494d-a6a3-e89fd95ada08@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Programme Director Marius Frank will explain the unifying philosophy behind the creation of the “Neuroinclusive Classroom” approach, the resources that schools can currently draw on, and the plans for new units in Autumn 2026.

Building Manager Confidence and Capability: Upskilling Managers
2026-04-30 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/[REDACTED]?p=Vi8FDJrIPjwMU1zWDu
Building Manager Confidence and Capability: Upskilling Managers

Managers play a central role in delivering effective workplace adjustments, yet many feel uncertain or concerned about getting things wrong. This webinar focuses on the practical support managers need to have confident, constructive conversations.
It explores how organisations can equip managers without over-formalising the process and how clear guidance and escalation routes support fairness for all.
We look forward to having you attend the event!

Building Healthier Workplaces: Transforming Mental Health Awareness into Practice
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c5f00e08-c358-44eb-ae83-5b208f589d8f@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Building Healthier Workplaces: Transforming Mental Health Awareness into Practice

When workplaces turn mental health awareness into everyday practice, they reduce stress and burnout while building a more connected, productive, and resilient workforce.
Join our Workplace Strategy Psychologist, Noeleen McKenna and our Senior Business Psychologist, Hannah Arnold-Wallinger, in our upcoming webinar, as they discuss insights and practical tools to help you turn awareness into meaningful action
Learn about:

How mental health can impact work and areas of challenge
Practical, actionable ways to better support mental health at work
Fostering a culture of transparency, belonging and psychological safety across teams

If you work in HR, people management, leadership or any role in shaping workplace culture, this webinar is for you.’

Mental Health Adjustments in Practice: Understanding how to support Mental ill health
2026-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c201cfd0-3b7b-4ffe-b5e4-53191bab44eb@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Mental Health Adjustments in Practice: Understanding how to support Mental ill health

Mental health is one of the most common areas for workplace adjustments and one of the most challenging. This webinar focuses on practical, reasonable adjustments for mental health conditions, including fluctuating needs and ongoing review.
The session supports employers to build confidence, reduce stigma and ensure mental health adjustments are considered alongside physical and sensory needs.

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00 – 15:00 (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We look forward to having you attend the event!

Beautiful Minds, Broken Systems- Why Inclusion Fails Without Action
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/df6b6645-a894-4c0c-9ba3-663345a07575@28c5d0b5-b8cf-4453-90d1-e9d6c3ceea5e
Join us ahead of Neurodiversity Pride 2026 for a webinar that moves beyond awareness and into action. Grounded in recent research statistics published in 2026, this session explores why neurodivergent employees still experience delayed support, hidden burnout, and performance penalties, despite growing organisational confidence and awareness.
We’ll unpack what the data really tells us, challenge common myths about adjustments, and invite you to rethink how workplace systems are designed. This is not about better intentions. It’s about better design and action.
