IP Inclusive SW Event: Join us in Bristol
Neurodiversity at Work – Panel & Networking
Tuesday 24 June 2025
12.30 – 2.00 pm
We’re delighted to invite you to an engaging and thought-provoking lunchtime event in Bristol, hosted by IP Inclusive South West. This in-person session will bring together professionals from across the IP community to explore the topic of Neurodiversity at Work. We’ll be joined by a panel of experts and lived-experience advocates who will share their insights on creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces for neurodivergent colleagues.
Before the panel discussion, there will be time for informal networking over light refreshments – a great opportunity to connect with others in the region who are passionate about inclusivity and positive change.
Whether you’re new to the topic or already championing neurodiversity in your workplace, this session will offer valuable perspectives and practical ideas. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a lively and inspiring event.
Location
We are kindly hosted by Mewburn Ellis at Aurora Building, Bristol, BS1 6BX.
🎤 Our Panellists
- Leah Steele – Founder of Searching for Serenity
- Eleanor Jones – Co-chair of the IPO’s iThink network
- Lucy Smith – Founder of Inclusive Change
Leah Steele, Founder of Searching for Serenity, Coach, Trainer & Career Sustainability Specialist
Leah Steele is an executive coach, trainer and consultant and the founder of Searching for Serenity. Her work is focused on helping individuals and organisations manage issues including burnout, stress, resilience and imposter syndrome, with a special expertise in working with neurodivergent professionals. Leah is a former lawyer who practised for more than a decade and she was diagnosed with ADHD in her late 30s; consequently she has a special interest in helping lawyers and law firms understand and support neurodivergent staff so they may thrive!
Eleanor Jones, Co-chair of the IPO’s iThink network
Ellie Jones is co-chair of iThink, the neurodiversity staff network at the Intellectual Property Office, where she works as a Patent Examiner specialising in medical and physiological measurement technologies. Ellie was diagnosed as Autistic in 2020 and is on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment. She joined the iThink network in 2019 whilst awaiting her autism assessment and took over as co-chair at the start of 2024. In this role, she leads peer support meetings, Outside of work, Ellie enjoys running, playing netball and baking, and has a very fluffy black and white cat.
Lucy Smith, Founder and Director
Lucy Smith is an award-winning consultant, speaker, and social entrepreneur specialising in neuroinclusive workplace culture. With a career spanning 35 years, Lucy has led transformative change across sectors, helping organisations move beyond surface-level inclusion to embed meaningful, systemic support for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.
She is the founder of Inclusive Change and Inclusive Change At Work CIC, two initiatives focused on equipping employers to attract, retain, and empower neurodivergent talent. Her signature ND Audit enables organisations to identify hidden barriers and implement measurable, strategic action.
Lucy’s work is deeply informed by both professional expertise and lived experience as part of a proudly neurodivergent family. Recognised by the Prime Minister and BBC for her impact, she is also a trusted voice in the media on neurodiversity and digital wellbeing.
Lucy is known for her honest, engaging style and for helping leaders turn good intentions into lasting change. She works with organisations across the public, private, and legal sectors, making her ideally placed to contribute to conversations about building inclusive practices in the intellectual property profession.
Registration
💡 Spaces are limited, so please register soon to secure your spot.
This event is free. So are all our resources.
That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you are able, please consider contributing via our Just Giving page. For more information, visit the IP Inclusive fundraising page.
If you have any access requirements, please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we’ll do what we can to help.