The Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN) has appointed Sir Robert Buckland MP as honorary president.
Sir Robert (pictured) is Conservative MP for Swindon South and also chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Autism.
The organisation said he will play a pivotal role in helping GAIN achieve its industry-wide vision to deliver innovative solutions for today’s business problems through the talent, skills and abilities of neurodivergent individuals.
As chair of the APPG, Sir Robert recently launched The Buckland Review of Autism Employment, in partnership with Autistica which bids to enable pathways to boost the employment prospects of autistic people by spreading opportunity and closing the employment gap, with the aim of growing the economy.
In a joint statement GAIN co-chairmen Barbara Schonhofer and Laurie Edmans said: “It is a real testament to the success of our start-up journey to be able to welcome Sir Robert.
“As our industry enters the next stage in the journey of proactively seeking to employ the skills of autistic and all neurodivergent talent, Sir Robert’s interest and involvement will accelerate the establishment of a thriving eco-system.”
Sir Robert said: “Following my work last year with GAIN and Zurich, who are based here in my constituency of South Swindon, I am delighted to have become honorary president of GAIN, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of this welcome initiative.”
Johnny Timpson added: “In my former Cabinet Office Disability and Access Ambassador role for the Insurance and Banking sectors, it was very apparent that neurodivergent colleagues faced barriers in accessing reasonable adjustments and progressing their careers.
“This was largely due to employers lacking awareness of the support needs of colleagues or understanding the value of both a neuroinclusive and cognitively diverse workforce.
“With our industry being the provider of occupational benefits to UK business, we must take the opportunity to play a leading role in supporting government policy to improve workplace participation and support Sir Robert’s Review to aid business attract, support, develop and retain talented neuroinclusive people.”