Advocates are calling for more support for neurodiverse employees in the Victorian public service. 

The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has launched a new initiative to encourage government agencies to support and create positive workplace experiences for their neurodiverse employees. 

In a recent statement, VPSC announced the Neurodiverse Confidence Services, designed to provide training and counselling to help neurodiverse employees thrive in the workplace. 

The term ‘neurodiversity’ refers to the normal variations in how different people think and interact in their daily life, which can include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, schizophrenia, dyslexia, and other conditions.

VPSC has selected five service providers to support employers in the public sector with these new services. 

These services are intended to help develop neurodiverse-confident managers and teams, and to support neurodiverse employees to have a positive experience at work. The services are available to all public sector employees, including those employed on a fixed-term contract, secondment, or casual basis.

VPSC-approved service providers offer tailored training for people managers, neurodiverse employees, and their teams to build understanding and confidence around neurodiversity. This includes inclusive recruitment, manager and team readiness training, autism and anxiety at work, and mentoring opportunities. 

Additionally, counselling is available to help neurodiverse employees navigate challenging workplace situations, day-to-day work activities, communication of reasonable workplace adjustment requirements, career development opportunities, and recruitment processes.

The VPSC notes that these services are funded by employers, and that financial approval processes will be managed by a manager or Diversity and Inclusion representative. 

Counselling sessions and workplace enablement training are available online or on-site across the State. VPSC also said that the panel of service providers is approved for use now, through Buying for Victoria.

More details are accessible here.