Learning from Research Seminar- Neurodivergence in Social Work

This research seminar is open to members of the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership. Please see below our Partner organisations.

Join us for a research seminar led by Lisa Richey, a practitioner-researcher from East Sussex County Council, exploring the experiences of neurodivergent professionals within the social work sector. Drawing on qualitative research conducted between 2023 and 2025, Lisa will share emerging findings from interviews with current and former social workers, as well as managers, to better understand how neurodivergence is experienced and supported in the workplace.

The seminar will cover key themes identified through the research, including:

• Training and professional development

• Use of technology

• Organisational culture

• Recruitment and job survey processes

Lisa’s research is grounded in lived experience, with a steering group that included neurodivergent individuals, academics, and her research supervisor. While the study focuses on adult services, its findings are relevant across disciplines and practice areas.

What to Expect:

• An overview of the research aims, methodology, and ethical considerations

• Insights into the lived experiences of neurodivergent social workers

• A discussion on how social work practice can become more inclusive and supportive

• Practical reflections on applying a person-centred approach to workplace diversity

• An introduction to using NVivo for qualitative data analysis

Why Attend?

This seminar is ideal for social work practitioners, managers, educators, and students interested in:

• Enhancing their understanding of neurodivergence in professional settings

• Reflecting on inclusive practice and workplace culture

• Learning about research processes and ethical considerations in qualitative studies

Whether you're involved in frontline practice, workforce development, or research, this session offers valuable insights into how we can better support neurodivergent colleagues and foster a more inclusive profession.

Deadline to register: Monday 11th of August

Partner organisations:

Birmingham Children's Trust

Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City University

Cheshire East Council

City of Stoke-on-Trent Council

City of Wolverhampton Council

Coventry City Council

Coventry University

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Keele University

Sandwell Children's Trust

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Shropshire Council

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Staffordshire County Council

Staffordshire University

Telford & Wrekin Council

University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

University of Wolverhampton

University of Worcester

Walsall Council

Warwickshire County Council

Worcestershire County Council