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Promotional graphic for an Association of Apprentices Skills Workshop titled “Exploring Neurodiversity – A Walk in Neurodivergent Shoes”. The design features a workshop layout with AoA branding. Event details show Friday 20 November, 12:00 to 1:30pm GMT, online. The graphic includes visual elements representing perspective-taking and a headshot of the host, with text stating the session is led by Mark Soady, Head of Learner Services at QA.
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Exploring Neurodiversity: A Walk in Neurodivergent Shoes Workshop

20/11/2026 – Online (Livestream)

Join the Association of Apprentices, in partnership with QA, for this interactive Skills Workshop: Exploring Neurodiversity – A Walk in Neurodivergent Shoes — an immersive session designed to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace.
 
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll take part in a unique learning experience that goes beyond theory. Through ethically designed simulations and guided reflection, you’ll gain insight into how workplace environments and expectations can impact neurodivergent individuals, particularly when appropriate support or adjustments are not in place.
 
During the session, you will:
  • Develop a better understanding of neurodiversity, including both strengths and challenges
  • Take part in short, impactful simulations to experience different perspectives
  • Reflect on how workplace environments can support or hinder individuals
  • Learn practical strategies and reasonable adjustments to support neurodivergent colleagues
  • Build awareness of how to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive workplace
You will also have the opportunity to reflect, share insights and learn alongside apprentices from across the UK in a supportive and engaging environment.
 
Meet your host: Mark Soady, Head of Learner Services at QA, is a neurodiversity and safeguarding specialist with over 17 years of experience across education and early careers. His work focuses on designing and implementing initiatives that support wellbeing, inclusion and learner success.
 
This session supports the development of key Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), including inclusion, self-awareness, communication and professional conduct. It can also contribute towards your off-the-job training or continuing professional development.
 
Reserve your place today and take a meaningful step towards building a more inclusive workplace.

Jan Richardson-Wilde

CEO, Occupational Awards Limited

Jan is the CEO of Occupational Awards Limited, a Director of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink and an FE College Governor. She has over 35 years’ experience in the education sector in strategic and operational management of training programmes with colleges, private training providers, local authorities the voluntary sector and not for profit organisations. Jan has previously been a board member of the Learning and Skills Council, chair of the North Yorkshire Training Provider network and Vice-Chair of Yorkshire Coast College and a Governor of the Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education. She has extensive experience of education policy, apprenticeships, qualification, and curriculum development as well as business improvement.

Jan joined OAL in 2019, a leading non-profit industry-focused Awarding and End-Point Assessment Organisation, supporting a wide range of employers and of key stakeholders to succeed and surpass expectations. Jan is committed to continuous improvement and enthusiastic about improving the effectiveness, impact and quality of apprenticeships, education, and training in the UK and internationally. She has a wide range of experience of working in a collaborative context with employers and training providers to develop End Point Assessment, apprenticeships, and a wide range of vocational programmes.