A free toolkit to help construction managers create neurodiverse teams has been launched.
The Neurodiversity in Construction: A Manager’s Toolkit has been developed by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), in partnership with contractor Interclass, the Construction Industry Training Board, and training company Genius Within.
The launch of the toolkit follows the development of a neurodiversity in construction training programme. Launched earlier this year, the programme offers e-learning modules, training workshops, and a webinar aimed at raising awareness.
The subsequent toolkit has been developed with insight from industry experts and provides guidance, checklists, and practical tools.
Sara Barnes, pre-construction and marketing manager at Interclass, said: “We created this toolkit to give managers in construction something practical they can use every day. The training has already helped raise awareness of neurodiversity, and this toolkit is now about helping managers put that learning into action.
“Every manager in construction has a role to play in supporting their team in the best way, and the toolkit will help them do just that. It is full of practical tools and guidance to help managers create neuroinclusive teams and support the performance and wellbeing of neurodivergent employees.”
Research published by NFB in 2023 revealed that 25% of construction workers identify as neurodiverse, but almost 40% have not told their employer about their condition.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of NFB, commented: “Our research showed that despite one in four construction workers considering themselves to be neurodiverse, stigma and barriers remain.
“This resource gives managers the confidence and ability to change that. We encourage every employer to use it – not just to comply with best practice – but because neuroinclusivity unlocks talent, boosts innovation, and makes our industry stronger.”
