We are very proud to be a diverse workplace and one way we can continue this is through the work of our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) working groups.
Our fantastic Disability Workstream are joining the national ‘Learning Disabilities Week’ to further our goal of becoming an even more diverse and inclusive workplace for all. It follows the success of our recent Diversity and Inclusion Week.
Learning Disabilities Week will involve an array of educational workshops, podcasts, as well as competitions and reading materials, to educate our colleagues and showcase the help and assistance available to those who need it.
Whether it be a congenital disability from birth, something that’s been brought on by an injury, or a condition that’s developed over time, it’s important we learn and raise awareness.
We believe that having a disability shouldn’t be a barrier to anyone achieving their full potential, and so we are committed to learning and understanding the experiences of our colleagues with disabilities.
As well as physical disabilities, we’ll also be raising awareness on neurodiversity, some of the traits of which, are listed below:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia (also known as DCD)
- Dyscalculia
- ADD
- ADHD
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- Tics
What’s neurodiversity?
Neurodivergent simply means someone who thinks differently from the way the majority (referred to as neurotypical) expect. Being neurodivergent simply means your brain functions, learns and processes information differently than others.
Did you know that Neurodiverse individuals represent at least 1 in 10 of the adult population? If we put that into perspective of Admiral, it means that 800 of our colleagues could be neurodiverse.
We work hard to support our all our people and have many different ways to help. Colleagues can contact the Workplace Support Team confidentially and they will provide more information about the options available to assist and support. We’re proud to help with some of those we’ve helped have provided testimonials:
Holly – Admiral Academy Trainer
I’ve worked for Admiral for over 8 years now, but I’ve only understood what my neurodiverse labels are for 2 years. I was participating in my masters, supported by Admiral, when I was diagnosed through my university as dyspraxic with attentional deficits and challenges. I think that’s a fancy way of saying I may have ADHD but they can’t definitively say as they didn’t specifically test for it.
While I have always known that I learn and process information differently than others, my diagnosis was the ‘ahhh ha!’ moment that answered a lot of questions. It’s a strength that has enabled me to be successful as a Trainer in Admiral Law and now within our Central Training function. Admiral has always supported me in utilising my strengths in developing others to grow and succeed. The fact that I view and perceive things differently is valued because I might find other opportunities or solutions, or spot challenges that others wouldn’t have considered.
My manager has supported me in developing my strengths and always listens and offers support with any challenges I experience. I’m happy sharing this part of myself with the business, and it means that I’ve been able to train and support other colleagues with neurodiversity understand more about themselves. This is one of the things that makes Admiral a great place to work!
Shelly – Claims
I have worked for Admiral for just under 3 years in various roles across the business, I was open about my Dyslexia from the beginning in the hope Admiral would help me achieve my full potential.
I am so grateful for the support I have received, from specialist software and additional training, to a management team who encouraged me to be the best I can be.
Admiral focus on my strengths encouraging me to shine in these areas, enabling me to feel confident at work, I also feel able to ask for help when I may struggle with certain tasks.
One my favourite things about Admiral is there are many working groups you can join to help others and share your story, such as the internal Podcast we are making on Neurodiversity.
As a young girl who struggled to write, to a woman who is confident to type, I am proud to be open about my daily battle with dyslexia.
Cara – IT Training
I’m reasonably new to the Admiral family – I’ve been here for a year and half and 2 (very) different roles. I was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and VPD (visual processing disorder) or more commonly known as visual straining, with OCD tendencies, 4 years ago through my University (that was a mouthful).
I have also found there was certain things I was really bad at whilst other things I will learn once and never forget. I’m extremely clumsy and continuously lost and getting a diagnosis was really self-soothing for me. I had never heard of half the things I was diagnosed with, so it was really comforting that I received such great aftercare and explanations. This role was the first time I felt confident disclosing my diagnoses due to the accepting nature of the company. I have received fantastic assistance from People Services Executives (HR representatives) and we are moving in the right direction with acknowledgment from management. Falling into a technical role has been a godsent as it’s always been a strength of mine and now I am developing as a Trainer, using my diagnoses to think and train differently.
So grateful to have found a company that will work with my diagnoses and not brush it under the rug.
Joseph – Claims
I have been working for Admiral for just over a year and a half. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia or DCD when I was 5 years old and during my career at Admiral, I have had many struggles but through support and hard work I have managed to overcome most problems.
I work on the Third-Party Hire Team dealing with fault claims and liaising with representatives from Credit Hire, Accident Management companies, etc.
Since starting in Admiral, I have been supported by my Team Manager and had a Works Needs Assessment to help adapt the way I work. I now have Claro Read software that helps break down chunky letters, and my manager has made me lots of process guides to follow, which have been a great help.
I love that Admiral is such an inclusive workplace.
Charlotte – Customer Loyalty
My experience so far has been great - I have been open and honest about my neurodiversity since my application and within my first week had chats with our Workplace Support to see what support is available. Everyone has been understanding and accommodating - which is rare - a lot of neurodiverse people don't disclose that about themselves because it is often seen as a weakness or a hassle to deal with, or an excuse to get out of certain duties. Admiral have been wonderful, and I am only a couple of weeks into my journey.
