GAIN Welcomes Government Report Calling for Greater Support for Neurodivergent People at Work

2 October 2026 – GAIN welcomes the publication of the Government’s Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity Final Report and Recommendations, which outlines practical steps for Government and employers to improve employment experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent people.

The independent panel, chaired by Professor Amanda Kirby, was established by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in January 2025 to examine how to improve employment experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent people.

The report highlights the value neurodivergent people bring to the workplace and finds that individuals can thrive when support reflects their particular strengths and challenges, rather than being determined by diagnosis alone.

Its recommendations include:

• Providing support based on individual need rather than diagnosis.

• Strengthening existing disability employment policy and awareness of best practice.

• Developing practical, evidence-based strategies to help neurodivergent employees succeed.

• Addressing gaps in the evidence base through further research.

• Increasing the adoption of Universal Design principles, creating workplace systems and environments that work for more people from the outset rather than relying solely on reactive individual adjustments.

Kathryn Stringer, CEO of GAIN, shares:

“This report is an important step in broadening the conversation around neurodiversity and recognising the wide range of experiences, strengths and challenges across the neurodivergent community."

“We particularly welcome the focus on supporting people according to their individual strengths and needs, rather than diagnosis. This strongly reflects our employer consultation, where much of the discussion focused on understanding ‘spiky profiles’ and recognising that every neurodivergent person is different."

“Across insurance and investment, there is already significant work underway to embed neuroinclusion and develop approaches that deliver meaningful change. GAIN has an important role in bringing that experience together and creating a bridge between industry and Government, ensuring that practical learning helps inform wider thinking and action. By sharing what is working, as well as where challenges remain, we can build on the progress within our sector and help accelerate neuroinclusion across other industries.”

Bringing industry and Government together

As part of the Government’s 16-week discovery period. that includes engagement with employers, GAIN and the DWP held an employer consultation on 1 October, bringing together GAIN corporate members, professional bodies and charities to share practical examples of neuroinclusion from across insurance, investment and financial services.

The session explored approaches to recruitment, workplace practices, progression, and retention, alongside what is working, the challenges that remain for employers and neurodivergent employees, and the lessons that can be shared more widely.

The consultation provided an opportunity to connect Government with the experience of organisations already putting neuroinclusion into practice, helping to identify where progress is being made and where further action and support are needed.

GAIN will continue to bring industry and Government together, working with its members to share evidence, experience, and practical approaches. By taking learning from initiatives already underway across insurance and investment and sharing it more widely, GAIN hopes this will encourage employers across other sectors to embed neuroinclusion and improve employment outcomes for neurodivergent people.

Read the full report at Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity: Final Report and Recommendations - GOV.UK

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Notes to editors

Link to the press release from DWP - New report backs government action to help neurodivergent people succeed at work - GOV.UK

About GAIN

GAIN is an industry-led organisation and community working to improve the employment prospects and workplace experiences of neurodivergent people across insurance, investment and related financial services.

GAIN brings employers and industry partners together to build understanding, share evidence and develop practical approaches to neuroinclusion, helping organisations unlock the potential of neurodivergent talent.

Media enquiries: Liselle Appleby, 07866718701, liselle@gaintogether.org