From Masking to Belonging: Tackling Shame in Neurodivergent FE Culture
FE News
November 03, 2025
This article explores how perfectionism in Further and Higher Education is often misread as professionalism or commitment, when for many neurodivergent staff, it’s a shield against shame. Drawing on research by Curran and Hill (2019) and Brené Brown’s insights into perfectionism and vulnerability, it argues that what looks like diligence can mask deeper cultural issues affecting wellbeing and retention. The piece introduces the CARE model—Clarity, Access, Recognition, Empathy—as a framework for building psychological safety and inclusive cultures. Practical examples from colleges and universities illustrate how small cultural shifts can reduce masking, improve engagement, and create conditions where authenticity and innovation thrive.
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Tags: Coaching, CSR, Diversity and Inclusion
Coaching or Compromise? Why Cutting Corners on ADHD Support Risks More Than Just Performance
FE News
October 25, 2025
Coaching or Compromise? Why Cutting Corners on ADHD Support Risks More Than Just Performance
As neurodiversity awareness grows across the UK’s Further Education sector, demand for ADHD and neurodivergent coaching is rising—but regulation hasn’t kept pace. Nathan Whitbread, The Neurodivergent Coach, highlights how unqualified providers and poor standards risk harm to clients and damage to the credibility of inclusive practice. He calls for evidence-informed, person-centred coaching built on trust, collaboration and genuine skill reminding leaders that quality support isn’t a luxury, it’s a safeguard for people and performance alike.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Get the value from neurodiversity in your workplace
The Neurodivergent Coach
October 13, 2025
This article reframes neurodiversity inclusion as a strategic, integrated change process rather than a complex overhaul. It argues that organisations already hold much of the wisdom they need—and that real progress comes from combining existing knowledge with fresh insights on neurodiversity.
The piece introduces a three-phase model for building a neuro-inclusive workplace:
1 Establishing foundational knowledge,
2 Understanding cultural and practical implications, and
3 Applying aligned, sustainable support strategies.
A central theme is the “integration gap”—the common failure to connect learning with practice. To close this gap, the article highlights the use of Action Learning Sets, a group-coaching approach that creates collaborative learning spaces, accelerates skill-sharing, and builds internal capability.
Finally, it outlines practical steps for organisations to embed neurodiversity inclusion sustainably by piloting learning groups, increasing confidence over time, and developing in-house expertise. The article concludes with a call to action for organisations seeking structured, collaborative support to transform their workplace culture.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
What does the ideal work environment look like?
The Neurodivergent Coach
September 22, 2025
An inclusive workplace isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about designing environments that enable people to thrive now and in the future. In this piece, Nathan Whitbread, The Neurodivergent Coach, explains how Workplace Needs Assessments help organisations look beyond immediate adjustments to create sustainable conditions for growth. From lighting and tech to culture and career development, he highlights how shared ownership, psychological safety and forward planning can transform “getting by” into genuine progression.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Time mastery for neurodivergent executives
The Neurodivergent Coach
September 08, 2025
Traditional time management often fails neurodivergent leaders whose strengths lie in creativity and innovation rather than routine. In this post, Nathan Whitbread, The Neurodivergent Coach, explores practical strategies for achieving time mastery—from identifying peak performance periods and using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to creating healthy boundaries and fostering neuroinclusive teams. The message is clear: by aligning time management with how our brains actually work, neurodivergent executives can lead with greater focus, balance, and impact.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Beyond the Noise: Tackling Sensory Overload through Inclusive Leadership in FE
FE News
September 02, 2025
This article explores how sensory overload impacts staff in Further Education, particularly those with neurodivergent traits. Drawing on real-world examples, research, and case studies, it highlights the hidden costs of poorly designed environments and proposes systemic, leadership-driven solutions. Using the CARE model (Clarity, Access, Recognition, Empathy) and a 10-point action plan, it shows how inclusive leadership can transform FE workplaces into environments that reduce stress, unlock performance, and foster genuine belonging.
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Tags: Design, Diversity and Inclusion, HR
Sensory overload neurodivergent travel
The Neurodivergent Coach
August 11, 2025
Travel, especially commuting via public transport can be a major source of sensory overload for neurodivergent individuals. The noise, crowds and unpredictable nature of public transport can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, stress and difficulty focusing.
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Tags: CSR, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Select Colleague Dynamics: The Good, The Bad and the Hidden Impact Colleague Dynamics: The Good, The Bad and the Hidden Impact
FE News
August 06, 2025
This article explores how workplace culture in Further Education (FE) can unintentionally exclude neurodivergent staff and others with less visible needs. Through real-world examples, it shows that challenges like sensory overload, cognitive fatigue, and miscommunication often stem from fast-paced, unstructured team environments, not individual deficits. The piece introduces the CARE model (Clarity, Access, Recognition, Empathy) as a practical guide for inclusive leadership and outlines low-cost cultural shifts like clearer meetings, multiple ways to contribute, and team charters to foster psychological safety. It argues that true inclusion isn’t just about individual adjustments, but redesigning the norms and rhythms of daily working life.
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Tags: Coaching, CSR, Leadership
Select A Deep Dive into Workplace Needs Assessments: What’s Happening Day to Day? A Deep Dive into Workplace Needs Assessments: What’s Happening Day to Day?
FE News
July 15, 2025
This article explores how Workplace Needs Assessments can improve the daily experience of staff in education by identifying and addressing subtle but persistent stressors. Using a real anonymised example, it highlights how poorly structured meetings, constant context switching, and ambiguous expectations can lead to burnout, especially for neurodivergent staff. Practical adjustments like task batching, clearer meeting formats, and better tool use are shown to reduce stress and enhance productivity. The piece encourages educational leaders to rethink how work is experienced, not just how much of it there is.
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Tags: CSR, Culture, Leadership
A Deep Dive into Workplace Needs Assessments: Understanding General Health and the Positive Impact on Staff
FE News
June 25, 2025
This article explores how workplace needs assessments can uncover hidden challenges faced by staff in the education sector. Through the anonymised example of Maya, it shows how a person-centred assessment led to practical adjustments that improved wellbeing, performance, and team dynamics. It argues for a broader, more inclusive approach to workplace support—one that considers general health and neurodiversity, not just formal diagnoses.
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Tags: Education, Leadership, Management
Certified Facilitator of the LEGO Serious Play Method
LSP Method
November 26, 2024
Achieving LEGO Serious Play Certification shows the recipient is highly skilled at designing and delivering a wide range of sessions using this world renowned, innovative and playful method.
They have dived deep into understanding the LSP method. From it's history and the science behind it, to the wide range of activities and the key outcomes they can achieve. They've developed new facilitation skills, run an LSP session, designed an LSP session and answered a series of activities all designed to show they reached a high level in delivering LEGO Serious Play.
Go to www.lspmethod.com to find out more.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) With ICF
The international coaching Federation (ICF)
June 30, 2023
The ACC credential is designed for coaches who are passionate about building a strong foundation in their practice. Whether you're early in your coaching career or are looking to integrate professional coaching into your existing career, the ACC demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills, and competence to make a difference.
Issued Jun, 2023 – Expires Jun, 2026
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Tags: Coaching
Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors (8589-21)
The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
June 29, 2022
Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors (8589-21)
Issued by ILM
This qualification is for professional coaches at an executive or senior level to gain further knowledge and skills. It is suitable for senior managers or Human Resources/Organisation Development professionals who wish to develop their expertise and credibility in the fields of Executive and Senior level coaching and mentoring, or to establish a coaching culture at an organisational level. (Ofqual Qualification Number: 603/3762/X and ILM Qualification Number 8589-21)
Issued Jun, 2022 – Expires Aug, 2030
Credential ID Ofqual Qualification Number: 603/3762/X and ILM Qualification Number 8589-21
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Tags: Coaching
Dyslexia champions accreditation
Right Resources
March 30, 2022
Approachable, Knowledgeable, Impartial
Understand the common traits and characteristics associated with a range of (commonly overlapping) neurodivergent conditions.
Recognise the types of challenges neurodivergent individuals may experience in the workplace – and the strengths they can also present.
Understand what support should be made available within the workplace - and be able to signpost colleagues.
Appreciate the importance of accurate awareness when providing foundation information…and the need to manage expectations as they are impartial ‘foot soldier’ - not specialists.
Appreciate the potential impact on wellbeing and mental health when there is a lack of appropriate support.
Understand how organisations can become ‘neuroinclusive’ and appreciate that workplace inclusion must include neuroinclusion.
Resulting in (Open College Network) OCN Level 2 Neurodiversity – Pathways to Support.
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Tags: Coaching, CSR, Diversity and Inclusion
Neuroinclusive Practice Level 3 Certification
Right Resources
December 21, 2021
Awareness of neurodiversity …what it is and what it isn’t.
Insight into the most common neurodivergent conditions – strengths and potential challenges.
Intersectionality and why a person-centred approach is both appropriate and most effective.
The neuroinclusive workplace and ways to promote a workplace culture that is inclusive for all.
Neurodiversity and psychological safety –wellbeing, mental health and innovation.
What supportive, neuroinclusive practice looks like and why it is important.
Neurodiversity and legal obligations.
Neuroinclusive practice essentials for management and the delivery of learning.
Resulting in (Open College Network) OCN Level 3 – Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Management
Coaching a neurodiversity with Nathan Whitbread and Kim Witten
The Coach Inn
October 15, 2025
Podcast: Behind the Book with Nathan, Kim and Claire
In this interactive episode, Nathan joins Kim and Claire to discuss the journey of writing their new book on working effectively with neurodivergent individuals. With live audience participation, the conversation explores how to shape the book so it’s practical, inclusive and genuinely useful for readers. Early feedback on the first drafts has been positive, setting the stage for an insightful and engaging release.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Nathan Whitbread - Coaching, Clarity and Change
Neurodiversity with Theo Smith (Spotify)
July 18, 2025
Join us as we delve into the personal journeys of individuals navigating life with dyslexia and ADHD. In this episode, Nathan Whitbread, founder of The Neurodivergent Coach, shares his insights and experiences from coaching in the neurodiversity space. Discover how late diagnoses, workplace challenges, and personal growth intersect in the lives of those with neurodivergent traits. Nathan's candid discussion offers a unique perspective on the importance of a needs-led approach in education and the workplace. Tune in to explore how understanding and support can transform challenges into strengths.
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Tags: Coaching, CSR, Leadership
The neurodivergent coach with Nathan Whitbread
The Invisible Gift
July 27, 2022
The Invisible Gift Podcast: Nathan Whitbread on Why Neurodiversity Has Finally Become ‘Sexy’
In the season finale of The Invisible Gift, host Andrew meets Nathan Whitbread, The Neurodivergent Coach, to explore what neurodiversity really means in today’s workplaces. Nathan shares insights on the Medici Effect, why great leaders work for their people, and the power—and risk—of labels. His key message: we are unique humans first, each with individual traits and talents, who may also happen to be neurodivergent.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Neurodivergence and Intersectionality in Coaching with Nathan Whitbread
The Coach Inn
January 05, 2022
Claire Pedrick MCC talks with coach Nathan Whitbread about coaching, neurodiversity and intersectionality in the workplace. They discuss the importance of recognising and embracing different thinking styles and the needs of individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Nathan shares his personal journey of discovering his dyslexia diagnosis and how coaching and support have made a significant difference in his life. They explore the role of coaching in enabling individuals to recognize their own strengths and navigate their challenges. The conversation emphasizes the value of authenticity, noticing, and creating a safe space for individuals to explore and express themselves.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Coaching Modern Relationships: Navigating Patterns of Intimacy and Connection: Partnering with Couples Where Neurodiversity Turns Up with Nathan Whitbread
Animas Coaching
January 15, 2025
Partnering Well with Neurodivergent Couples
This session draws on Nathan Whitbread’s extensive experience working with couples where one or both partners have neurodivergent traits. It explores how to recognise individual differences, create space for meaningful dialogue, and support couples by treating each person as a human being first. With a focus on intentional coaching, the session demonstrates how doing less can often lead to deeper insight and more effective relationship dynamics.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Education
Neurodiversity in Coaching:: How to partner well with neurodivergent leaders in the coaching space with Nathan Whitbread
Animas Coaching
July 04, 2024
Coaching Neurodivergent Leaders: Navigating Self and Others
This session, part of the Animus coaching series, supported coaches in deepening their practice with neurodivergent leaders—both those who manage others and those navigating their own neurodivergent identity. Through live coaching demonstrations and practical tools, we explored how to contract effectively, build psychologically safe coaching spaces, and understand the unique dynamics neurodivergent leaders face. Key topics included power, mental health, communication, and how to support leaders in managing both team performance and personal sustainability in inclusive, empowering ways.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
Neurodiversity in Coaching:: How to partner with neurodivergent thinkers in the coaching space
Animas Coaching
June 06, 2024
This interactive talk explored what it truly means to build effective partnerships with neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Through live coaching demonstrations, practical frameworks, and real-world case studies, participants gained insight into core themes like boundaries, scaffolding, communication, and trust. The session unpacked key coaching principles—such as creating psychological safety, co-creating structure, and personalising approaches—while highlighting the lived experiences of neurodivergent professionals. From CEOs to frontline staff, the talk shed light on how to support and empower neurodivergent thinkers to thrive, not just survive, at work.
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Tags: Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership
The Neurodivergent Coach - Leadership Newsletter
Neurodiversity in consultancy
