Disability and Neurodiversity at Thales

At Thales, we are serious about our responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. It is also important to us to create an environment and a culture where people of all abilities are not only able to work here but to do so easily with the right infrastructure and support in place and feel included.

When we talk about disability we are referring to anyone with a longstanding physical or mental condition, this could be in terms of neurodiversity such as Autism or dyslexia, a physical disability or serious illness or mental health challenges.

Thales UK is recognised as a Disability Confident Employer with the Department of Work and Pensions. We are also members of Business Disability Forum (BDF), which helps us with our commitment to become a disability-smart organisation.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the concept that describes the ‘variability of human cognition and the uniqueness of each human mind’. Although it has its origins in the autistic community, the neurodiversity paradigm includes other neurological variations such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Whilst not everyone with these conditions would consider themselves disabled, they are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and at Thales it is our aim to provide support and enablement in the same way. We don’t want any employee to have to work harder to fit a norm.

Mental Health

Some long-term mental health conditions are also classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. At Thales, we have been and continue to be committed to the wellbeing of our staff and aim to create a culture where mental health is discussed openly and employees are supported.  

Workplace Adjustments Policy

What impact does it have / how does it help Thales employees: We want everyone to feel that they can fully participate and perform to the best of their abilities at work. Our Workplace Adjustments Policy gives guidance on how we can make adjustments within the workplace and how we can remove barriers that our employees may face as a result of a disability or long-term condition. Adjustments are changes to your workplace arrangements, which can make it easier to do your job. Their purpose is to give everyone an equal opportunity to be their best at work. Making adjustments is part of how we are working to create a fair and accessible workplace, and you don’t have to have a disability or medical diagnosis to apply. Adjustments aren’t a one size fits all, and individuals may need a combination of different adjustments, and they can be agreed on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on your needs.

Who does it help: It helps all employees who feel they can benefit from a workplace adjustment that would support them to perform at their best while working for Thales.