Workplace needs assessments for adults

Wherever you live, a workplace needs assessment might be just what you need if:

  • you've been in a job for at least 6 weeks and you're finding some aspects of the job challenging

  • you have or think you have a form of neurodiversity such as dyslexia, ADHD or autism

  • you'd like to explore practical reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act that can help, such as human-based and IT-based support

  • you're an employer (including HR or occupational health) with a staff member who would benefit from having this type of assessment

A workplace needs assessment won't conclude whether someone has a form of neurodiversity as that can be concluded only through a full diagnostic assessment, such as when exploring dyslexia with me.

There can be a misconception that neurodiversity affects only children and young people in their education. Working adults may find that certain work tasks are impacted by dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, etc., such as reading information-dense documents, writing emails/reports, processing information in meetings, focusing on tasks and meeting deadlines. However, neurodiversity can also bring many positives which can include the ability to generate new ideas and 'think out of the box' regarding business solutions, spot patterns or errors in data, see the wider picture, bring energy to starting up projects, have a strong work ethic due to always having had to work hard, show resilience....

What's the process?

A workplace needs assessment usually involves the following:

  1. A booking pack is sent to either the employer or employee (depending on who contacts me).

  2. The employer is asked to complete a questionnaire (unless self-employed) such as the line manager, HR and/or occupational health. This includes a payment agreement.

  3. The employee also completes a questionnaire which includes basic screenings.

  4. A job description reflecting the current demands of the job and, where available, diagnostic reports are shared with the questionnaires.

  5. The employer is contacted to arrange an online meeting which might be the line manager, HR and/or occupational health.

  6. The employee is contacted to arrange a longer and much more detailed online meeting.

  7. A report is sent to the employer and the employee which outlines the main responsibilities of the job, brief background information about the employee's diagnosed or potential neurodiversity, how their neurodiversity specifically affects the job and targeted recommendations which, depending on the nature of the job, may include human and/or IT-based support along with costings where available, books/websites, signposting, etc.

The meetings (steps 5 and 6) are ideally conducted within 2 weeks of each other and take place over Zoom.

Is this the same as an Access to Work workplace needs assessment?

This provides an alternative route to Access to Work bearing in mind that the wait time for an assessment with Access to Work is currently 6-9 months. It also means that the assessment is being conducted by a very experienced specialist in the field of neurodiversity. However, the report written afterwards can nonetheless be shared if wishing to apply for Access to Work.

Do I already need to have a diagnosis to access this service?

No, you don't. If you've already had a diagnostic assessment, it helps to see the report so that I understand your needs more.

The pre-assessment questionnaire completed by the employee may identify 'signs' of (further) neurodiversity and information will be shared about how to pursue assessments.

However, you may wish to book a full diagnostic assessment first if you'd like clarity about your needs before talking about your job. If there is genuine urgency, such as going through grievance or disciplinary procedures and you may have a need such as dyslexia, please contact Sarah regarding the cost of a priority full diagnostic assessment.

When's your next availability and how do I book?

Either the employer or employee can email [email protected], use the contact form on this website or call on 01342 714065 providing some brief informaton such as the employee's/your job role and the situation at work. You'll then be sent the booking pack and once both questionnaires have been returned with a current job description, you'll be contacted to book the meetings which will aim to take place in the following 3 weeks.

How much is the assessment and when do I pay?

The cost of a workplace needs assessment is £475 which is payable by the employer and requested within 30 days after the second meeting (i.e., the meeting with the employee). A small discount is offered where the employer has already paid for a full diagnostic assessment with me for this particular employee.

Other relevant information

Whilst being a specialist assessor for almost 25 years, I've also achieved the OCN Level 4 Workplace Assessor Programme qualification. I'm always striving to develop my knowledge to support clients and I've undertaken training to complete DSE (display screen equipment) assessments as well as a wide variety of RoSPA/City and Guilds-assured CPD courses relevant to the workplace including Conflict Management, Stress in the Workplace and Principles of Lone Working. I'll start my training to become an accredited ADHD coach in January 2026.