Case Study

When Mike joined Ingeus in 2023, he was looking for a fresh start. After a period of unemployment due to a health condition and years spent working long hours in hospitality, he wanted a role that offered greater stability, consistency and the opportunity to make a difference. 
 

Today, Mike works as an Inclusion Champion with InclusionWorks, helping employers across the North East develop more inclusive workplaces by sharing guidance on disability, wellbeing and employability. 

Shortly after starting at Ingeus, Mike received an autism diagnosis. As he learned more about himself and his preferred ways of working, he was able to receive support to enable him to reach his full potential. 

One of the adjustments that has had the greatest impact is receiving important information by email, allowing Mike to revisit information, check his understanding and keep key details organised. In his current role, colour-coded spreadsheets also help him process information visually and prioritise tasks effectively. Alongside these practical adjustments, regular check-ins, one-to-ones and flexible ways of working have enabled Mike to work confidently and successfully. 

"My appropriate reasonable adjustments are constantly developing as I do, but I'm able to discuss these openly where needed with my manager." 

For Mike, the culture at Ingeus has been just as important as the adjustments themselves. He describes his teams as supportive, respectful and open, making it easy to have honest conversations about his needs. 

"My teams have been very positive and receptive to anything I want to discuss. There is a great culture of respect and support in the company." 

That support has allowed Mike to settle comfortably into his roles, use his creativity and develop his own approaches to solving challenges. It has also had a positive impact beyond work, helping him maintain a healthier work-life balance and protect his wellbeing. 

"Having colleagues and managers who respect my time out of hours makes a massive difference to my ability to unwind and protect my mental health." 

As a member of the Ingeus Disability Network, Mike also contributes to discussions around policies and support for colleagues across the organisation, helping to ensure that inclusion remains a shared responsibility. 

For Mike, inclusion is simple: recognising that everyone is different and that what helps one person may not help another. 

 

"Inclusion to me is accepting that we are all individual and what supports one person can be detrimental to another." 

Ready to join an organisation that puts people first? Take a look at careers with Ingeus.