Neurodivergent councillors can face barriers in meetings, committee papers, technology, casework and council environments. Yet elected members are not employees, so workplace policies cannot simply be applied to them. Councils need a dedicated approach that combines accessible-by-default democratic services with confidential individual adjustments, clear governance and practical support enabling every member to participate fully and independently.

Local government needs talented people who think differently, yet autistic candidates and employees can still face unnecessary barriers. This practical guide explores how councils can attract, recruit, retain and support autistic talent through inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, better management and workplace cultures that enable people to thrive, develop and progress.

Neuro-inclusion is easy to endorse but difficult to measure. Research with councils across the UK and Gibraltar found no authority with a formal mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of its neuro-inclusion policy. This article proposes a practical, evidence-based framework to help councils move beyond activity measures and demonstrate reduced barriers, greater psychological safety, fairer access and better outcomes for neurodivergent employees and residents.

UK councils are under immense pressure, and overlooking neurodivergent talent is no longer an option. The Canary Code shows how participation, flexibility, and psychological safety can transform culture, strengthen decision‑making, and unlock the strengths of diverse thinkers. Neuro inclusion isn’t just compassionate, it’s essential for resilient, effective public services.

Discover how local councils can unlock innovation by embracing hidden neurodiversity. Drawing on insights from Dr Devon Price’s Unmasking Autism, this blog explores the impact of masking, why authenticity matters, and practical steps for inclusive recruitment, flexible working, and leadership training. Learn why unmasking isn’t charity, it’s strategy for resilient, creative public services.

Discover how inclusive governance can unlock the leadership potential of neurodivergent professionals in UK local government and LATCOs. Explore insights from executive coach Sara Harrup, practical strategies for board chairs and chief executives, and the legal and cultural shifts needed to support autistic, ADHD, dyslexic and other neurodivergent leaders. Learn how training, structure and psychological safety drive performance and retention.

Neurodivergent professionals are underrepresented in UK boardrooms despite comprising 15–20% of the population. Boards miss out on strategic thinkers with unique strengths in governance, risk, and innovation. Inclusive NED recruitment boosts performance diverse boards deliver better decisions, more innovation, and stronger oversight. Neurodiversity isn’t just inclusive it’s transformative. Discover how to unlock boardroom potential through inclusive practices.

What Is Slow Processing Speed? Slow Processing Speed (SPS) refers to the time it takes for a person to absorb, interpret, and respond to...

Stammering also known as stuttering is a neurological speech condition that affects the fluency, rhythm, and timing of spoken language....

Executive dysfunction is a term used to describe difficulties with the brain’s ability to manage and regulate itself. These challenges...

In today’s increasingly neurodiverse workforce, understanding lesser-known neurological traits like cortical hyperexcitability is...

Dysgraphia is a specific learning difference that affects an individual’s ability to write coherently and legibly. It can manifest in...

What Is Tourette Syndrome? Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements and...

Dyscalculia , often described as "dyslexia with numbers", is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand...

What is Misophonia? Misophonia literally “hatred of sound” is a neurological condition where specific everyday sounds trigger intense...

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) , is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the way the brain...

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects reading, writing, spelling, and information processing. It is estimated to affect...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world, communicate,...

What is ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates...

Introduction: Why Neurodiversity Matters in Local Government Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects neurological...