EY is set to open its first Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Manchester.
The NCoE is designed to create a supportive working environment for individuals with cognitive differences – such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD – that will help them to apply their strengths and meet clients’ business needs in emerging technologies, such as: artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation, blockchain and cyber.
EY admits it is continuing to learn from the contributions of its current neurodivergent employees, but believes its centre will fuel innovation in technology, bring a new dimension of creativity, and drive greater diversity and inclusion in the UK workplace.
Globally, EY already has six NCoEs in the US, three in Canada, one in India, one in Poland and one in Spain, with further expansion plans into Europe, South America and Asia Pacific.
Alison Kay, EY’s Managing Partner for Client Service in the UK & Ireland, says: “Just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of employment in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Yet, neurodivergent individuals are typically highly proficient in some of the ‘in-demand’ skills of right now, and in the future. EY’s UK Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence will help harness some of these skills, boosting innovation for our clients and our own business.”
