Eversheds Sutherland: Improving workplace inclusion

Industry: Legal Services

Eversheds Sutherland created the “Thinking Differently” network to support neurodivergent colleagues through peer support, awareness campaigns, and practical workplace improvements.

Global law firm Eversheds Sutherland joined Business Disability Forum in 1996. Recently, the firm has taken steps to support its neurodivergent colleagues, and their families, with the creation of its Thinking Differently support group, the neurodiversity arm of its Ability Network.

The Thinking Differently support group, which has grown to 260 colleagues, provides a structured but flexible space for advice, support, and engagement on all aspects of neurodiversity.

  • I have seen firsthand how much support and value people get from the Thinking Differently group, very rarely does anyone join a call and then not come back for future calls which must be a good sign! As a neurodiverse person with neurodiverse children, I always pick up something useful from the discussions, and it is nice to be able to share my experiences in a safe environment.
    Patrick Davis,
    Partner – Eversheds Sutherland

The initiative addresses the challenge many neurodivergent employees face in large, fast-paced professional environments. The Thinking Differently group provides bi-monthly support calls, allowing colleagues to raise issues, ask for assistance, and share feedback openly. Over the course of the year, the group runs awareness-raising campaigns, provides content for bite-sized neurodiversity training for all colleagues, and contributes to the development of policies, such as workplace adjustments ensuring systems are practical and effective. The group also offers presentations to summer placement students and new trainees, helping them feel supported and confident. Through surveys and continuous dialogue, the group identifies areas for improvement and attends Business Disability Forum’s Neurodiversity Network.

Examples of practical improvements include the formation of a buddy system connecting less experienced neurodiverse neurodivergent colleagues with other colleagues and providing feedback on relevant workplace policies. The group also has access to a sensory grab bag initiative rolled out across offices containing loop earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, and fidget tools.

The group also supports colleagues during office moves, trials of new systems and day-to-day challenges, ensuring changes are informed by real experiences.

  • I became a member of the Thinking Differently group to help others, as I have received so much support from the firm over the years, particularly since I was diagnosed with dyslexia 15 years ago. The firm helped me to obtain an assessment and provided the necessary tools to assist me to undertake my role. Being part of the group allows me to raise awareness of Neurodiversity and to signpost staff to the support which is available.
    Suzanne Gutcher,
    Supplier Category Manager, Eversheds Sutherland and Co-Chair of the Thinking Differently support group

Looking ahead, the group aims to enhance the buddy scheme and strengthen collaboration with other employee networks across the firm.

Access our Neurodiversity Toolkit (Members and Partners only, with a selection of resources open to the public)

Neurodiversity Toolkit Toolkit | Business Disability Forum

If you require this content in a different format, contact [email protected].

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