Darlington Building Society aims to go beyond gold for autism acceptance

Darlington Building Society is showing its support for World Autism Acceptance Week by launching a new education campaign amongst staff.

The Society was officially presented with the Gold Standard award for autism acceptance by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) a year ago.

The award recognised the Society’s “outstanding” commitment to supporting autistic and neurodivergent employees and customers following a year-long training partnership.

Now, the building society is going further by creating a bespoke e-learning module, which is being developed by DBS Digital Learning Partner, Mike Davies, with support from NEAS Family Development Manager, Kerrie Highcock.

NEAS has also produced a series of myth-busting facts about autism and neurodiversity, and these are being shared daily with staff through the building society’s intranet during World Autism Acceptance Week.

The facts are also being displayed on big screens throughout the DBS branch network.

Helen Easton, Chief People Officer at Darlington Building Society, said:

“We are committed to continuous improvement in all areas of the business, so our partnership with NEAS is only just beginning.”

Grace Pidgeon, manager of the building society’s flagship Darlington branch, added: “Supporting our vulnerable customers is is hugely important to us, so the expert guidance provided by the North East Autism Society is of huge value to us in being able to provide the best possible support to neurodiverse members.”