Autism in the Workplace
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Dame Stephanie Shirley CH (Left)
The National Museum of Computing and Track NN launch partnership to support the neurodiverse community into employment
Only 16% of autistic people in the UK are in paid employment
Partnership enables 20 autistic candidates to develop employability skills through placements and interactive projects at the museum
Opportunities will be across a broad spectrum including: Coding, Machine Restoration, Retail experience, 3D Printing and much more
Businesses given the opportunity to learn about supporting the autistic community in the workplace
Partnership recognises the value of diversity in the workplace for employers and employees alike
The partnership is being sponsored by Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, who dedicates most of her time to improving the lives of autistic people
The National Museum of Computing - The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), an independent charity, has launched a new year-long programme to support 20 autistic candidates to develop employability skills through a series of placements and interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects at the museum. The project will be tailored to suit the needs of each individual, to ensure that everyone gains as much from the programme as possible. The project is being run in partnership with Track NN, a social enterprise that enables autistic people to access employment through training and by creating much needed opportunities in the workplace. Through their previous work in Northamptonshire, Track has successfully placed over 30 people into paid work in a variety of different jobs.
Dame Stephanie has pledged her support to the initiative. Through her charitable Shirley Foundation, she initiated a number of pioneering projects in autism, working tirelessly to improve the lives of the autistic community. As part of this, in 2004, she founded Autistica – the UK’s leading autism research charity. The sponsorship is affiliated with Austistica’s ‘DARE’- a globally unique collaboration between Autistica and the Centre for Research in Autism Education at University College London, which conducts cutting edge research to help companies recruit and retain neurodiverse talent through evidence-based insights on best practice.
Figures say somewhere between 1 in 60 and 1 in 100 people in the UK are currently diagnosed as autistic – and of this only 16% are currently in paid employment. Many autistic people have a range of skills that enable them to thrive in a wide variety of roles, however, they are often disadvantaged when it comes to getting and keeping a job because of difficulties with social communication and interaction and employers’ lack of understanding. This partnership is an important step in combating these issues, giving autistic individuals the opportunity to develop soft skills whilst helping employers to reimagine the workplace in a way that benefits the neurodiverse community. The partnership will also highlight the many benefits of employing autistic people, encouraging businesses to consider diversifying their workforce.
On the importance of diversity in STEM, TNMOC’s Director, Jacqui Garrad says: ‘Our economy would benefit from a wider range of people bringing their skills to STEM. We need to ensure that we are creating the right opportunities for everyone and that they have equal chances to take part in jobs in the future. Technological and scientific progress are only realised through innovation – and innovation can only be achieved through the combination of perspectives from a diverse workforce’.
On Owen’s experience with Track NN, his mum says: ‘’Owen has now been with Track NN for about six months and it has made such a difference to Owen's life and mind-set. Owen is able to enjoy having a good laugh with the team. Tom has been so supportive of Owen, he is very approachable and always happy and willing to offer time, guidance and support whenever needed.
Owen has matured since he started working with Track NN and is more confident and self-accepting. I honestly consider Owen’s relationship with Track as being one of the most positive, enriching experiences that he's had.”
On the importance of the project, Dame Stephanie says: “Projects like this are vital if we are to create better employment prospects for the autistic community. We know autistic people face unacceptable employment inequalities and have been pushing for a number of years to get a stronger focus on the needs of people on the autism spectrum. This project will help to combat the many challenges that autistic people face around employment and promote awareness about the many strengths that are also associated with autism and the meaningful contributions that autistic people can make in the workplace”.
About The National Museum of Computing
The National Museum of Computing brings to life the history and ongoing development of computing for the enjoyment and benefit of the general public and specialists. The Museum combines a distinctive approach to engagement with an emphasis on British computing heritage and on-going innovation. TNMOC acquires, conserves, restores and rebuilds historic computing machinery. Our approach is furthered through a process of engagement, with the display and demonstration of historical systems. The Museum runs a highly successful learning programme for schools and colleges and introduces computer coding to young people to help inspire the next generation of computer scientists and engineers. The Museum also runs a popular, on-going program of festivals, lectures and interpreted displays and interactive events.
About Dame Stephanie Shirley CH
Dame Stephanie Shirley came to the UK at the age of 5, as a refugee fleeing from Nazi Germany. Since then, alongside her charitable work, she has become of the UK’s most successful and pioneering entrepreneurs – and trailblazer for women in the industry.
She started what became Xansa plc (now part of the Sopra Group) on her dining room table with £6 in 1962. In 25 years as its Chief Executive she developed it into a leading business technology group, pioneering new work practices and changing the position of professional women along the way.
Dame Stephanie was the first woman Master of the IT livery company; the first woman President of the chartered British Computer Society; and the UK’s Ambassador for philanthropy in 2009/10.
Since ‘retiring’ in 1993, Dame Stephanie’s focus has been on philanthropy, especially autism and IT. . Her charitable Shirley Foundation was one of the top 50 grant-giving foundations in the UK, with over £67m grants given. It funded 100 projects that were pioneering by nature, strategic in impact and significant in money terms. This included three autism charities: Autism at Kingwood (support); Prior’s Court (education); and Autistica (research) which together employ over 1000 staff. In 2001 she co-founded the Oxford Internet Institute which focuses on the social, economic, legal and ethical issues – not the technology – of this network of networks.
About Track NN
TRACK NN Limited is a social enterprise formed in Northamptonshire during 2018. They organisation supports autistic people to access employment through training, support services and creating opportunities. Since opening Cafe Track in January 2019, Track NN have supported 26 people into paid work, and over 50 people into work experience placements. Track NN work with businesses to ensure their workplaces are accessible to autistic people, provide training to ensure that colleagues are aware of autism and make sure that any barriers to employment are removed.
