Disability

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone – regardless of disability, long-term health conditions, or neurodivergence can thrive and contribute their unique talents. Our approach focuses on the individual, ensuring our practices are people-centred rather than disability-centred.

In 2025, we embarked on an exercise to assess our inclusion programme through a number of third party and external accreditation, assessments, and benchmarks.

In January 2025, our UK business achieved Disability Confident Employer Status (Level 2). The Disability Confident scheme is a voluntary UK Government scheme to support employers in becoming more disability inclusive. Achieving Employer status reflects our proactive efforts to implement accessible recruitment practices, provide tailored workplace adjustments, and foster an environment where all employees can thrive. It signals to current and potential employees our ongoing commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Supporting accessibility needs

Universal accessibility

This is at the core of our strategy, benefiting everyone and particularly those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodivergence. In May 2023, we launched a comprehensive accessibility programme aligned with current best practices. By July 2024, we had introduced a range of enhancements informed by accessibility audits and employee feedback, including updates to our policies, office environments, resources, and learning opportunities. In 2025, we continued these efforts, with new and improved policies to support those returning to work after long periods of ill health through phased return.

Enhanced workplace adjustments

Our reasonable adjustments and accommodations process offers a universal person-centred experience aimed at not only meeting but exceeding our obligations under local equality legislation in all locations. This ensures that all our people can participate fully and effectively in all elements of their day-to-day work.

Tailored Adjustments Plans (TAPs)

We’ve introduced these living documents that outline agreed adjustments, providing a consistent framework to facilitate conversations and meet individual needs. These dynamic records ensure our people can have easier conversations with those around them on their health condition or disability and normalise the process of adjustments across the organisation.

Neurodiversity diagnosis pathway

To address long waiting times for assessments, we offer a limited diagnosis pathway through our providers. While a diagnosis is not required for adjustments, access to formal assessments and treatment can help alleviate barriers for neurodiverse employees.

Incorporating accessibility in our performance process

We now incorporate accessibility into the performance process by providing training and comprehensive guidance for line managers and performance appraisal panels, increasing awareness of neurodiversity and its impact on workplace practices. This ensures that we foster fair and inclusive performance appraisals that value neurodiverse talents.

Creating accessible workspaces

Office environments

We continue to make improvements to our office environments to better meet diverse needs, including physical improvements to some of our larger workspaces to provide respite and wellness facilities for those who may need them. We have also improved the availability of ergonomic workstation equipment to ensure our physical spaces meet diverse mobility needs. Accessibility in the built environment is now considered a core component for any new office locations, with local champions involved in discussions on accessibility from day one.

Neurodiverse aware working practices

We have incorporated sensory-friendly office spaces with options such as quiet zones and adjustable lighting to better accommodate neurodiverse individuals. We provide holistic support for neurodiverse employees, offering line manager training, awareness raising sessions, personal coaching, and specialised software, whilst putting the individual in control of how they manage their adjustments at work.

Accessibility support badges

We offer PA-branded discreet pin badges to people to wear at work as a voluntary way for employees to signal they may need extra support, understanding, or patience due to a disability, condition, or neurodiversity.

Digital accessibility

We’ve upgraded digital infrastructure with AI-enabled tools and adaptable software to enhance flexibility. We’ve delivered training and awareness on usage of inbuilt digital accessibility tools to encourage uptake and usage across our workforce. As we continue to scale our use of AI in the workplace and with clients, digital accessibility remains one of our core guiding principles.

Partnering for success

Memberships

We collaborate with leading organisations to ensure best practices and cutting-edge support. Memberships with the Business Disability Forum and Neurodiversity in Business provide expert resources and guidance.

Providing support

Our UK partnership with Health Partners delivers improved occupational health services, including neurodiversity support and line manager coaching, to help employees maintain wellbeing and navigate health challenges. In the Nordics, we work with our insurers and local government to provide support where it matters.

Platforming employee voices

Our Accessibility, Neurodiversity & Disability (AND) Network

Our AND Network is an employee-led group that champions inclusion. The network exists to build understanding, appreciation, and support for – and among – those who consider themselves to have a disability or identify as neurodiverse and provides space for members to connect and share their experiences.

Challenging stereotypes

The AND Network delivers campaigns focused on driving leadership action to improve workplace policies. It tackles stereotypes on disability and neurodiversity to ensure colleagues are valued for their unique contributions, can embrace their characteristics, and can play to their strengths.

Educating with impact

The AND Network has created an Accessibility Escape Room, a hands-on, immersive learning experience designed to go beyond traditional training. Every element of the Escape Room - puzzles, clues, and design choices has been intentionally created with diverse needs and perspectives in mind, making it a powerful way to learn through doing. In 2025, over 100 PA people and clients completed the Escape Room.