Start the Conversation: Exploring Neurodiversity with Retrofit West

Earlier this year, we partnered with the team at Retrofit West to deliver our Start the Conversation, Neurodiversity in the Workplace webinar, a 90 minute session exploring what neurodiversity looks like at work and how small, practical changes help create inclusive, accessible environments.

Retrofit West is a Community Interest Company working across the region to help homeowners improve energy efficiency. As an organisation that already values accessibility and community impact, the conversation around workplace neurodiversity felt like a natural next step (retrofitwest.co.uk).

Before the session, we met with Laura, Retrofit West’s Head of Marketing, who shared her excitement about the training and the positive impact it could have. The aim of the session was to deepen understanding of neurodivergent colleagues and customers, and to explore how inclusive communication can strengthen both team culture and service delivery.

During the session, we unpacked what neurodiversity really means, covering conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. We focused on moving beyond stereotypes and emphasised the value neurodivergent individuals bring to the workplace. There was great discussion around shifting perspectives, busting common myths, and embracing practical strategies for creating more supportive, accessible environments.

We talked about reasonable adjustments, the realities of the UK workforce, and how every organisation is at a different point in its inclusion journey. As Lucy puts it so well, it’s about meeting people at their bus stop.

One of the most encouraging moments was hearing the team who shared practical steps they plan to take, including improving website accessibility, adapting customer surveys, and reviewing processes for home visits to ensure they are inclusive for neurodivergent homeowners.

A huge thank you to the Retrofit West team for their engagement, openness, and thoughtful contributions. This is what Laura Barber, Head of Marketing, Retrofit West had to say about the training:

"We're incredibly grateful to Lucy and the team for delivering such an engaging and thought-provoking session. As a small CIC that values inclusion and accessibility, it was empowering to explore how neurodiversity shows up in both our team and our customer base. The practical advice shared has already sparked meaningful conversations and tangible actions, from improving our communications to rethinking how we deliver support. This was an important step in our journey to becoming more inclusive, and we're excited to keep learning."

If you are curious about our Start the Conversation sessions or want to explore neurodiversity awareness training for your organisation, you are welcome to get in touch, [email protected]