Train operator reviews recruitment process to better support candidates with ADHD

Recruiting managers are also being given clearer guidance on how to get the best from neurodivergent candidates.

The review of recruitment practices is 1 of a number of initiatives instigated by Northern's neurodivergent employee advisory panel, which it created in 2023.

Once these measures and others are up and running, Northern hopes to gain Neurodiversity Smart accreditation; a scheme designed to help organisations become neuro-inclusive across their employee lifecycle and customer experience; by the end of 2025.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said:- "Around 15% of the UK population is neurodivergent, meaning their brain functions, learns and processes information differently to the other 85% of the country. Our neurodivergent employee advisory panel has done a great job these past 12 months; identifying ways we can support that 15% as they look to develop their career within the rail industry. There are some quick wins as well as some bold ambitions which I look forward to working with them on as we continue to attract the best and brightest into the sector."

The work of Northern's neurodivergent employee advisory panel supports its equality, diversity and inclusion policy which outlines the train operator's commitment to developing an inclusive working environment and being truly representative of the communities it serves.

In 2023, Northern was highly commended in the:- 'Best In Inclusion' category of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Awards for its commitment to equality, fair pay and giving employees a say in how their workplace is run.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 Stations across the North of England.
 

Liverpool set to establish taskforce to get tough on littering

• 4,367 requests for street cleansing; 100% are responded to within next scheduled cleanse.

• 17,000 enquiries requesting the removal of fly tipping.

• 3,000 reports of dumped black refuse bags.

• 1,700 items of furniture.

• 539 shopping trollies.

• 1,200 fridge freezers.

Did You Know?

• More than 300,000 bins are emptied every week in Liverpool by LSSL.

• Just 0.03 per cent of these are reported as a missed collection.

• Domestic waste currently accounts for 2% of the City's carbon emissions (51,751 tonnes CO2 equivalent).

Note: The Environmental Offences Fixed Penalties Regulations 2023 amended the upper limit for the offences of littering, doing graffiti, fly posting, fly-tipping and breaching the household duty of care.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:- "This report sets out a comprehensive plan to tackle those who litter and flytip; with a clear message::- 'we're coming after you.' There's no excuse for this lazy and selfish behaviour. It has such a detrimental impact on our neighbourhoods, everyone's quality of life and on the public purse. We've listened to residents and businesses and we're taking action to create a more streamlined approach to enforcement. This new taskforce will be backed with more officers on the ground, supported by an external company, applying the highest possible fines under current legislation. Everyone who loves this City wants to keep Liverpool tidy. But for the minority who choose not to, then their behaviour will not be tolerated."