Neurodiversity Employment Service Neurodiversity Employment Service is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with South Tyneside Council as the lead authority. Removing barriers to create a fair, inclusive and accessible community. Home Get support Support for employers About us About NES Meet the team Our impact FAQs Contact us Meet the team At the Neurodiversity Employment Service we are passionate about effecting real change in the lives of the adults we work alongside. Each member of our team brings a wealth of knowledge, personal experience and expertise to the role, meaning they’re well equipped to support both individuals and employers, with the goal of achieving long-term success for all involved. John Facchini Employment Specialist I have worked within the Employment Futures department since 2017. I have experience of creating relationships with employers, which in this role will hopefully enable our neurodivergent participants gain and sustain employment. I particularly enjoy helping our participants break down their barriers. Whether it be mental or physical health signposting, looking at benefits, helping someone find their next training or educational course to moving someone closer to the job market to in-work support, it all makes a massive difference not only to themselves but their families' lives, forever. Email John Ian Harland Employment Specialist My employment background is predominantly in the decorating industry; however, I have worked for several years in the social care environment supporting people with a diverse range of needs such as HM Prison Service, mental health, challenging behaviour, drug and alcohol dependencies and homeless. I have acquired a diverse range of knowledge and experience that I am able to bring to NEAS that will help me to support the people I work with. I have personal experience of the challenges and rewards of supporting family members diagnosed as autistic as children and into their adult life. I feel I am now in the very privileged position of being able to support people to enjoy and achieve and making a real difference to people’s lives. Email Ian Micah Pond Employment Specialist I started working with NEAS in 2020, and I worked for the maintenance team, my position was head gardener and my contract was later moved to site ranger at New Warlands Farm for rewilding and land maintenance projects. I joined the Employment Futures department as my lived experience as an autistic person was recognised as a skill I could use to help others who are experiencing barriers into work. My dream with NES is to help people who are furthest from the job market, and use my experience of being in a similar position to help them achieve their goals and have a healthy, prosperous future. Email Micah Manage Cookie Preferences