Ladies of Cheltenham Hacking Society Event

Last week, I stepped outside my comfort zone and attended the Ladies of Cheltenham Hacking Society event. As someone who doesn’t consider themselves a tech expert, I was both excited and apprehensive about taking part in a Rust programming workshop. But what I discovered was more than just coding, it was a powerful reminder of why inclusion and accessibility matter in every space, including the workplace.

Learning and Inclusion

The evening kicked off with an insightful talk from Riskaware, which shed light on how cybersecurity helps protect critical infrastructure. Seeing their real-world applications made it clear how essential diverse perspectives are in tackling security challenges.

Then came the hands-on Rust workshop. I had never coded before, yet by the end of the session, I had grasped some key programming principles. Rust’s focus on safety and efficiency tied in perfectly with the broader cybersecurity themes of the night, demonstrating that even newcomers can engage with tech in meaningful ways when given the right support.

What stood out most, however, was the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Being in a space where women in tech uplifted and supported one another was inspiring. Events like these reinforce why creating accessibility and inclusion is crucial, not only in tech but across all industries.

Best Practices in Inclusive Event Design

The organisers’ commitment to inclusion was impressive. Simple yet effective measures, such as a yellow lanyard system to signal that attendees preferred not to be photographed, ensured privacy was respected. A clear code of conduct set expectations for behaviour, creating a safe and welcoming environment.

Another key takeaway was the importance of clear communication. The event schedule was well-planned and shared in advance, allowing attendees to engage with confidence. 

Inclusive Recruitment and Neurodiversity: What Can Businesses Learn?

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the evening was how coding workshops like these align with inclusive hiring practices, particularly for neurodivergent talent.

Coding, with its structured logic and problem-solving nature, plays to the strengths of many neurodivergent individuals. Traditional hiring processes often fail to recognise these skills, creating unnecessary barriers to employment. By incorporating practical workshops into recruitment strategies, businesses can provide alternative ways for candidates to showcase their abilities, moving beyond rigid interview formats.

Inclusive Change’s Neurodiversity and Recruitment training course offers essential insights into how businesses can adapt their hiring processes to be more neurodivergent-friendly. With 15–20% of the global population being neurodivergent, forward-thinking companies have a real opportunity to tap into this talent pool and foster more inclusive workplaces.

Take the Next Step: Build a More Inclusive Workplace

Creating safe and accessible spaces, whether at industry events or within workplaces benefits everyone, particularly those who face multiple barriers due to neurodiversity or disability. If you’re looking to make meaningful changes in your organisation, Inclusive Change’s Neurodiversity and Recruitment training is the perfect place to start.  

Learn how to: 

✅ Adapt your hiring processes to attract and support neurodivergent candidates
✅ Make practical, reasonable adjustments that remove barriers in recruitment
✅ Foster a workplace culture that values cognitive diversity

📅 Get in touch to discuss your training requirements further: book your training here.

By prioritising inclusivity, we don’t just open doors for neurodivergent professionals, we create workplaces where everyone can thrive.