About this event
A lived-experience session on meaningful conversations, exploring challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their parents.
This event is hybrid whereby you can join online (via MS Teams) or in-person, please select the appropriate ticket type when registering.
Join the CIPD Branch in Thames Valley for an open and practical session exploring neurodiversity at work — through lived experience. This isn’t theory. This is about what it actually feels like, what actually helps, and what workplaces often miss. Hosted by Sherry White, Co-Chair of CIPD Branch in Thames Valley this session brings together honest conversation, practical insight, and real-world experience.
What we’ll cover
- how to open conversations in a human, comfortable way
- creating spaces where people feel safe to speak
- what to think about (and what often gets overlooked)
- the reality for parents of neurodivergent children
- the impact this has on work, energy, and wellbeing
- what employers can do that genuinely helps
- practical tools you can take back into your workplace
Both speakers will share their lived experience alongside actionable ideas you can use straight away.
Timings - In person
11:30-12:10 - Arrival, registration, refreshments and networking
12:10 - Presentation begins
12:10-13:30 - Speaker sessions (approx. 30 mins each) with a 20-minute Q&A
13:30- Presentation ends
13:30-14:00 - Attendees are welcome to stay after the session to continue conversations.
Timings - Online
12:10 - Presentation begins
12:10-13:30 - Speaker sessions (approx. 30 mins each) with a 20-minute Q&A
13:30 - Presentation ends
Who should attend
Open to CIPD members and non-members. Ideal for people professionals, leaders, and anyone wanting to better understand neurodiversity in the workplace — in a way that is real, practical, and human.
About the speakers
Jamie Douglas – Associate Director of Response Youth, Response
Jamie Douglas is Associate Director of Response Youth, where he leads work focused on preventing mental ill health in young people and supporting communities through early intervention.
Jamie Douglas is Associate Director of Response Youth at Response, where he leads work focused on preventing mental ill health in young people and supporting communities through early intervention.
With a background in education and pastoral support, Jamie brings practical insight into the realities faced by young people and families. He is also a strong advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, informed by his own lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, as well as his experience as a parent.
Olga Zilberberg – Founder of The Missing Link
Olga Zilberberg is the founder of The Missing Link, working with organisations to improve understanding of mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace.
Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Olga focuses on practical, neuro-affirming approaches that support individuals and teams. Her perspective is shaped by her own experience as a neurodivergent individual, alongside her experience as a parent of neurodivergent child/children.
Your host
Sherry White
Sherry White is Co-Chair of the CIPD Thames Valley Branch and Director of Oxford People Solutions, where she works across HR, safety and operations to support organisations in building practical, people-centred workplaces.
With a background spanning HR and health and safety, Sherry focuses on making systems clear, usable and grounded in how people actually work. Her perspective is shaped by her own lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, alongside her experience as a parent of neurodivergent children.
Important information (please read)
All in-person attendees must:
- Bring valid photo ID for site access
- Register at reception on arrival
- Once registered you will be directed to the visitor car park
- Access to site will not be permitted without ID.
- On site parking is available at no charge.
The venue is accessible. Please contact us with any needs in advance and we can arrange them.
Please note
- Reminder emails (containing the online joining link) will be sent to you one day before the event, with a further reminder on the morning of the event.
- The session may be recorded and shared with people afterwards. Please bear this in mind and have your camera off if you do not wish for your image to be shared.
- Photography and video production may take place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
- By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
- The chat function will be used for participants to engage with the webinar, so just be mindful of the login name you use and ensure you are happy for other people to see this.
- For security reasons, it is requested that participants join the live session 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and with the same name as registered on Eventbrite - not doing so may cause a delay or non-admittance to the event.
- If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.
