Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency, has entered a partnership with the Edinburgh-based company Adarma to unveil a neurodiversity strategy to make the cybersecurity industry more accessible. 

Data from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed that 19% of respondents in the UK cybersecurity industry identified as neurodivergent, significantly higher than the estimated 10% prevalence in the broader population. 

Despite this, another study shows that employment rates among neurodiverse individuals remain disproportionately low, with only 16% of autistic adults in the UK engaged in full-time employment.  

Through the collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, Adarma intends to embark on a neuro-inclusion journey aimed at effecting lasting organisational change, starting from the early stages of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, and onboarding.

“It’s been great to work with Adarma on developing its inclusive recruitment and retention practices. The company clearly recognises the value of embracing neurodiversity to boost the inclusivity and productivity of its workforce,” added Clare Alexander, head of workplace innovation at Scottish Enterprise.

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“Our research shows that diversity of thought is a key driver of business innovation and success – and companies that convert this knowledge into action are more likely to thrive and grow.”

To spearhead the implementation of its neurodiversity strategy, Adarma has enlisted the expertise of neurodiversity consultant Rachel Morgan-Trimmer. Rachel and her team will collaborate closely with Adarma to enhance understanding and awareness of neurodiversity considerations throughout the organisation.

“My team and I are excited to be working with Adarma on their neurodiversity strategy. We have a lot of scope to make a positive impact not just on their employees, but on the wider cybersecurity community,” said Morgan-Trimmer.