approximately 100 variously sized transport organisations operating in the UK (TSSA n.d.). The Neurodiversity project began in 2011. However, it is predated by a TSSA project based on dyslexia called (TSSA 2011). Lost for Words was Lost for Words funded by the final round of the UMF that focused on vulnerable employees, with the TSSA receiving a grant of £30,000 to set up and run the project (Stuart and Martínez Lucio 2014). The impetus for this project came from anecdotal reports of members not taking up learning, development and promotion opportunities, as well as difficulties arising from undiagnosed, unsupported impairments. Stuart and Martínez Lucio's research highlighted how the UMF allowed the TSSA to develop a full time equality officer, embed equality issues within TSSA's wider structures, as well as change employer practice towards dyslexic employees. The TSSA Neurodiversity project began in late 2011. Since 2011 approximately 40 Neurodiversity Champions have been trained by the TSSA, with around 20 Neurodiversity Champions active as of June 2014. Neurodiversity Champions are trained by two part-time employed NOs. Beyond training required of a Union Learning Representative, becoming a Neurodiversity Champion involves three days of training about neurological impairments, including general hidden disabilities screening training. A further training day is set aside for applying this specialist knowledge in the workplace, in a trade union context. The Neurodiversity project was set up by one of the current NOs and the TSSA's EDO. Then on, the two NOs, both with pre-existing knowledge and experience of neurological impairments, have managed the Neurodiversity project, with periodic input from the EDO and one RO.
approximately 100 variously sized transport organisations operating in the UK (TSSA n.d.). The Neurodiversity project began in 2011. However, it is predated by a TSSA project based on dyslexia called Lost for Words (TSSA 2011). Lost for Words was funded by the final round of the UMF that focused on vulnerable employees, with the TSSA receiving a grant of £30,000 to set up and run the project (Stuart and Martínez Lucio 2014). The impetus for this project came from anecdotal reports of members not taking up learning, development and promotion opportunities, as well as difficulties arising from undiagnosed, unsupported impairments. Stuart and Martínez Lucio's research highlighted how the UMF allowed the TSSA to develop a full time equality officer, embed equality issues within TSSA's wider structures, as well as change employer practice towards dyslexic employees. The TSSA Neurodiversity project began in late 2011. Since 2011 approximately 40 Neurodiversity Champions have been trained by the TSSA, with around 20 Neurodiversity Champions active as of June 2014. Neurodiversity Champions are trained by two part-time employed NOs. Beyond training required of a Union Learning Representative, becoming a Neurodiversity Champion involves three days of training about neurological impairments, including general hidden disabilities screening training. A further training day is set aside for applying this specialist knowledge in the workplace, in a trade union context. The Neurodiversity project was set up by one of the current NOs and the TSSA's EDO. Then on, the two NOs, both with pre-existing knowledge and experience of neurological impairments, have managed the Neurodiversity project, with periodic input from the EDO and one RO.