Adarma, in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, has unveiled its new neurodiversity strategy to further its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the cybersecurity sector. The aim of the strategy is to attract, support, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to address the existing skills shortage in the cybersecurity industry.
With a workforce of over 300 employees, Adarma believes that embracing diversity and fostering a sense of inclusion can enhance problem-solving, innovation, and diversity of thought, ultimately leading to better customer service. The company’s mission is centered around “protecting the promise of cyber resilience” while also contributing to a safer, fairer, and sustainable future for their customers and communities worldwide.
A report by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2021 revealed that 19% of respondents in the UK cybersecurity industry identified as neurodivergent, a significantly higher percentage than the estimated 10% in the general population. This indicates a potentially strong interest in cybersecurity careers among neurodivergent individuals. Despite this, employment rates for neurodiverse individuals, such as autistic adults, remain low, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and support within the industry.
In response to these findings and the growing percentage of neurodiverse individuals in the UK, Adarma is committed to addressing the digital skills gap by promoting diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity. The company is focused on supporting its employees, customers, and partners through initiatives aimed at improving mental and physical well-being.
Sarah Coleman, Chief People Officer at Adarma, expressed the company’s goal to better support neurodiverse individuals and to drive organizational change with the support of Scottish Enterprise. The partnership aims to implement lasting change throughout the employee lifecycle, from attracting and hiring to onboarding new employees.
Scottish Enterprise’s Head of Workplace Innovation, Clare Alexander, emphasized the value of embracing neurodiversity to enhance workforce inclusivity and productivity, echoing the company’s commitment to fostering diversity of thought for business innovation and success.
To drive the implementation of its neurodiversity strategy, Adarma has enlisted the expertise of neurodiversity consultant Rachel Morgan-Trimmer. Rachel and her team will work closely with Adarma to enhance the company’s understanding of neurodiversity and its implications for attracting, hiring, and onboarding new talent. The company is hoping to see the impact of this collaboration reflected in tangible improvements in various areas of the business, from language and visuals to a cultural shift that embraces diversity and inclusion.
CEO John Maynard emphasized the importance of championing diversity and inclusion at Adarma and expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with Scottish Enterprise to drive this forward. The new strategy will involve training programs across the organization to enhance awareness of neurodiversity and ensure that talent acquisition processes are inclusive of neurodivergent applicants.
Overall, Adarma’s neurodiversity strategy underscores its commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce while also addressing the skills shortage in the cybersecurity industry. By partnering with Scottish Enterprise and engaging with experts in the field, the company aims to drive meaningful and lasting change in the industry and contribute to a more equitable and accessible cybersecurity sector.