Barclay's in Scotland wants autistic employees

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A financial powerhouse is set to offer increased support to employees with autism.

Scottish Autism has announced a two year partnership project with Barclays to develop an inclusive and accessible environment for autistic employees at its new site in the heart of Glasgow.

The charity, Scotland’s largest provider of autism-specific services and a leading authority and advocate for good autism practice, was invited by Barclays to support their aims of promoting diversity at the new Glasgow campus. The bank’s investment will create up to 2,500 new jobs.

Scottish Autism’s practice development manager Joanna Panese, an experienced practitioner and leader, has been appointed as Scottish Autism’s lead consultant on the project. She has over 12 years’ experience within the third sector through direct practice, service development and management roles.

Panese and her team of specialist autism advisors will be on hand throughout the project providing advice and support on best practice when creating accessible environments for autistic people. The team is currently supporting the project team at the design and development stage of the build. This included advising on practical matters such as the type of flooring and materials that support an inclusive environment. She will be working closely with the autism focus group at Barclays to ensure that the voice of autistic employees is heard throughout the project so they are able to inform the development of an inclusive and accessible working environment.

“Led by Joanna and her team, autistic people will be at the very heart of this project. We have developed our training and consultancy service to support other businesses committed to being inclusive employers.”