Students learn from ‘transformative’ summit looking at improving opportunities for inclusivity in the workplace
A summit to explore how having a diverse team is a strength for an organisation was attended by students and staff from Careers and Employability at the University of Chester.
Organised by Petty Pool, a specialist college based in Sandiway, providing education and employability training for young people with learning disabilities and difficulties. The Neuro-Inclusion Summit 2025 was held to empower workplaces to embrace neurodiversity.
The day, held at Chester Racecourse, featured keynote speakers with insights from neurodiversity champions and industry leaders; expert panels holding discussions on hiring, retention and workplace adjustments; interactive workshops offering practical strategies for inclusive leadership and culture as well as networking opportunities for attendees.
Five students from the University were funded through a University Futures Employability Fund to attend and were hosted by Head of Careers and Employability, Angie Standish.
Dr Kaleka Nuka-Nwikpasi, who is studying MA Public Health and is also a Race Advocate at the University described the day as ‘transformative’.
She said: “As a public health professional, mental health advocate, and someone building solutions for inclusive wellbeing, this really hits home. Inclusion must go beyond policy, it must show up in practice, in hiring, in education and in everyday respect. I was particularly inspired by Katie Lewis and the amazing job her team is doing at The Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall, employing and empowering neurodivergent young people, giving them the experience they need to get their foot in the door in this world of work.
This summit wasn’t just informative. It was transformative. I'm super grateful to Angela Standish and very grateful for the opportunity to be one of the students fully sponsored to attend the summit.”
Angie Standish, Deputy Director of DASA (Directorate, Access, Skills and Apprenticeships) and Head of Careers and Employability said: “It was a pleasure to be able to enable the students to attend this day which offered an insightful and positive experience of how to be more inclusive in the workplace. Our thanks to Petty Pool for such a powerful event and the speakers including Dan Bird from Season three of The Traitors, Katie Lewis from The Ice Cream Farm and Alex Partridge, founder of UNILAD and host of ADHD Chatter Podcast for sharing their own lived experiences.”
Sally Garratt, CEO of Petty Pool, said: “Following the success of last year’s award-winning event, it has been incredible to see our Neuro-Inclusion Summit grow in ambition and impact. The barriers faced by neurodivergent young people are significant, but we are seeing that with collaboration and commitment, meaningful change is possible. We are determined to keep pushing for a neuroinclusive future where every young person can thrive.”