Hybrid: Embracing Neurodiversity and the Future of Project Teams

Lydia Adigun

Matthew Bellringer

Nicola Martin

Neurodiversity reflects natural differences in how people think, communicate and approach problem-solving.

In project and programme environments, recognising and supporting these differences is essential for ethical practice, talent development and effective team performance.

This highly relevant event will examine what is neurodiversity and why it is important to understand (including ethical considerations).

We will examine:

• How to identify neurodiversity in people (especially young people)
• How to harness neurodiversity including any techniques/professional experience
• How to make a project team function inclusively and effectively with neurodiverse members (including use of emotional intelligence).

Our speaker will explain why research is important and the relevance of other diversities (e.g. cultural/ethnic). This will be followed by an interactive panel session bringing together research, project practice and HR/training perspectives, drawing on work linked to the Association for Project Management (APM).

Panellists will discuss how neurodiversity may present in the workplace, particularly among students, graduates and early-career professionals and how it can be identified in a respectful, non-diagnostic way.

Through discussion and professional examples, the panel will explore practical techniques for harnessing neurodiverse strengths, including inclusive task design, communication approaches and leadership behaviours.

The session will also examine how project teams can function more inclusively and effectively, highlighting the role of emotionally intelligent leadership and the contribution of HR and learning and development professionals in creating supportive, psychologically safe project environments.

This session is relevant for early-career project professionals, practitioners, and those involved in people development and team leadership.

Lydia Adigun is the Course Director for Programme and Project Management and an Assistant Professor at Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick. With a background in mechanical engineering, she brings extensive experience from her roles in project and general management before transitioning to academia.

Throughout her career, Lydia has championed advancements in research, teaching and learning, leading a curriculum that reflects industry standards. She also serves as the Professional Engagement Lead of the British Academy of Management Project Management Special Interest Group.

Matthew Bellringer MBCS MBPsS is a neurodiversity and innovation specialist. They work with neurodivergent professionals, executives and business owners to develop working practices tailored to their strengths. They also provide consultancy and training to organisations which want to better support neurodiverse innovation, and organisations delivering innovative services to a neurodiverse audience. Alongside their private practice, Matthew is Chair and Co-founder of NeurodiverseIT, a group for neurodivergent IT professionals within BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT, and the organiser and founder of the Curious Being community.

Nicola Martin FBCS is the Founder of NMC&C, Chair of BCS SIGiST, and Early Careers Advocate for NeurodiverseIT. With over 20 years in technology and software quality leadership, she advises professionals and speaks on careers in tech, neurodiversity, inclusive pathways into the profession and responsible approaches to AI.

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.

This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.

BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society.

If you are attending in person, please familiarise yourself with the Visitor Instructions for the BCS London Office.

Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via [email protected], and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

This event is brought to you by: Project Management SG (PROMS-G)

Supported by NeurodiverseIT SG

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Host or Publisher BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT