01
BuildForce & Neurodiversity in Mind
Building Neurodiverse Inclusive Futures in Construction
We are proud to announce a transformative collaboration between Neurodiversity in Mind and BuildForce, uniting two organisations committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking workplaces in the UK Construction sector.
This collaboration aims to champion neurodiversity across the construction industry—recognising and celebrating the unique strengths of individuals with conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and more.
By fostering environments that embrace cognitive differences, we unlock innovation, resilience, and creativity—qualities that are essential to the future of construction.
Who are BuildForce?
BuildForce is a community interest company (CIC) offering a unique wraparound career service, supported by hundreds of UK-wide employers across the construction, engineering and wider built environment collaborating together to support the ex-military community and their family, into professional and trade careers in the Construction industry.
The Statistics & Research
-
2,893 serving UK Armed Forces personnel had a recorded diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, or Dyspraxia.
-
Also, military veterans are 2-3 times more likely to have ADHD than the rest of the population.
-
However, they are much less likely to seek a diagnosis or disclose that they are neurodiverse.
-
Neurodiverse veterans face challenges like unemployment, mental health issues, and isolation after leaving the military.
-
Around 1 in 4 (25%) of construction workers are neurodiverse (compared to 1 in 7 in the general population).
Source: UK MOD, FOI2023-09704 (July 2023)
The Challenges Veterans Face
Transitioning to civilian life can often lead to:
-
Unemployment.
-
Mental health issues.
-
Substance misuse.
-
Relationship breakdowns.
-
Homelessness.
-
Increased risk of suicide.
Our Aim
Together, Neurodiversity in Mind and BuildForce will aim to:
-
Raise awareness of neurodiversity and its value in construction.
-
Support veterans and new entrants into the industry with tailored guidance and mentoring.
-
Promote inclusive hiring and onboarding practices.
-
Deliver training and workshops to help teams understand and support neurodivergent colleagues.
By embracing neurodiverse talent, the construction industry can address its skills shortage, improve team performance, and become a global leader in inclusive innovation. This partnership is not just about changing policies—it's about changing lives.
Let’s build a future where every mind is valued, and every difference is a strength!
