As part of our 2030 Goal to double the employment rate for autistic people, we are creating a gold standard measure of neuroinclusion for organisations. The NDEI®(Neurodiversity Employers Index) will enable organisations to measure themselves against best practice, with recommendations for improvement, and an annual awards programme.
Explaining the need for the project
Just three in 10 autistic people have a job. For those in work, many feel unsupported or are under-employed for their skills and abilities. Both organisations and autistic people are missing out.
To make change, we need to be able to measure what we are trying to change. That's why we are creating the Neurodiversity Employers Index (NDEI®). The NDEI® is the only gold-standard evidence-based neuroinclusion tool that captures every stage of the employment journey, and both diversity & inclusion.
Other diversity and inclusion measures like this already exist for gender and ethnicity. However, until now, nothing like this exists for neurodiversity.
The NDEI®provides organisations with a clear roadmap for change.
The process
We are using robust scientific methodology to develop and test the NDEI®. It is being co-developed with neurodivergent people and employers to ensure it addresses their needs and is practical and useful for organisations. The content is based on previous research with both groups.
April 2023: Pilot testing with neurodivergent and neurotypical people and organisations
September 2023: Validating the NDEI®
February 2024: Public launch of the NDEI®
How the NDEI® works
Participating organisations can complete the NDEI®online every year during the annual reporting period. The NDEI® will include questions on an organisation's current workforce, policies & procedures.
When completed, organisations will receive a personalised report, a score and recommendations for improvements, signposting to resources to help make those changes.
How this project is making a difference
By providing organisations with the tools they need to measure and improve their neuroinclusion year after year, we can change processes and attitudes and support more neurodivergent people to thrive at work.
We will also use the NDEI® to track common trends across organisations, which will help shape future research, policy, resources and campaigns.
How you can get involved
Register your interest to take part in the NDEI® using the link below.