Businesses Invited to a Ground-Breaking Event

Employers can find out about the benefits of hiring people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at a ground-breaking event in Lincoln in March.

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Careers Hub is to stage its first ever SEND-focused event for employers during Neurodiversity Week on Wednesday 19^th March 2025 at the EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground.

Innovate and Include: Harnessing SEND Talent aims to help business owners to understand the benefits of recruiting people with special educational needs and disabilities and how targeted recruitment can help fill skills gaps and drive innovation.

This event is being supported by Talentino Careers and will appeal to business owners and managers, HR professionals, educators and school administrators, and anyone interested in inclusive recruitment practices.

Among the highlights will be:

• Understanding the different types of disabilities needs and how they can be strengths in the workplace

• Gain practical tips and strategies for working with schools and confidently supporting neurodiverse students, including those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

• Success stories: hear from local employers who have successfully integrated SEND talent into their workforce

• Networking opportunities: connect with other business owners, educators and professionals committed to inclusive recruitment

“By attending the event employers will not only enhance their recruitment strategies but also learn how to effectively collaborate with schools, including those that support pupils with additional needs and disabilities,” said Alex Nightingale, Operational Hub Lead at the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

“This can help businesses build a diverse talent pipeline, foster community relations and demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility. Investing in an inclusive approach to recruitment and educational support is a powerful way to drive innovation and create a more equitable workplace.”

Kirstie Payne from energy business Sureserve said: “Our collaborative work with SEND schools has enabled us to carve out a model that suits our business needs and helps individual pupils flourish in the world of work.

“Quite aside from the overwhelming feel-good factor, each activity we’ve engaged with has helped fulfil our talent pipeline, support our corporate social responsibility ambitions and further educate our teams on matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“Our company is incredibly proud to be part of such an inclusive and supportive partnership model.”

Amanda Cheney from Talentino Careers said: “Talentino is thrilled to participate in the Innovate and Include event, offering a fully funded, customised workshop designed to support local employers embrace a more inclusive approach to SEND recruitment, retention and career development.

“The workshop will provide insights into the valuable skills and talents of young people with special educational needs.”

You can book your free ticket via the Eventbrite page.