• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust recognised for neuroinclusion work
• Highly commended at HPMA Excellence in People Awards 2025
• Neurodiversity support includes neurodiversity group, workplace toolkit and training

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has been highly commended at the HPMA Excellence in People Awards 2025, after being shortlisted for its work to support neurodivergent colleagues.

The Trust’s approach to celebrating diversity in the workplace includes:

• A monthly Neurodiversity Support Group, providing a safe space, resources, and sensory aids.
• A widely adopted “Neurodiversity in Our Workplace” toolkit, which is now used by other NHS Trusts and local organisations.
• Neurodiversity Awareness Training, which has been co-delivered with lived experiences experts and specialists, reaching more than 200 colleagues across the Trust and partner organisations.

These initiatives have driven culture change in line with the Trust’s values, improved employee engagement, and influenced organisational processes including a Reasonable Adjustments process and digital accessibility.

Staff survey results have shown improved scores in areas like “We are Compassionate and Inclusive” and “We each have a voice that counts”, evidencing real impact across the workforce along the our staff experience and engagement work.

James Mawrey, Chief People Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

It’s fantastic to be recognised nationally for our commitment to neuroinclusion and the impact it’s having on staff health and wellbeing.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our Neurodiversity Support Group leads and the passion we have as a Trust to create a place where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey as this celebration belongs to you all.

The Browne Jacobson Award for Excellence in Employee Engagement award celebrates initiatives that improve staff engagement, morale, and connection to organisational values, and our neuroinclusion work stood out amongst hundreds of entries.

Jody Petersen, Practice Development Lead Nurse and Neurodiversity Support Group Co-Lead, said:

It was wonderful to be honoured with a commendation amongst so many wonderful people and teams who have been involved in such great projects. We were also lucky to meet another team from the other end of the country, in Devon, who are working hard towards Neuroinclusion at their Trust. We are hoping to share our work and learning and have plans to meet virtually soon.

The Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) is the professional body for HR and people professionals working in health and care across the UK. Their annual Excellence in People Awards recognise outstanding achievements in workforce innovation, inclusion, and engagement. This year’s awards attracted over 250 entries nationwide, making shortlisting a significant achievement.