Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Series: Neurodiversity Reception

Mel Francis, Chartered FCIPD, is a leading authority in neuroinclusive HR, serving as the Director of Neurodiversity at Work for Do-IT Solutions Ltd. With over 25 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Mel is uniquely equipped to help organisations transform their people practices to fully embrace neurodiverse talent throughout the entire employee lifecycle. 

A sought-after speaker, trainer, and podcast contributor, Mel’s insights and expertise are widely recognised and respected. Her engaging content on LinkedIn is followed by professionals seeking to create more inclusive work environments. 

Mel’s work is a powerful blend of her deep HR expertise and unwavering commitment to neurodiversity, making her an invaluable partner for organisations aiming to lead in inclusivity. 

Natalie Whiley is the BVCA’s Head of Industry Development focusing on Learning and Development for the membership and wider industry. Prior to joining the BVCA, Natalie worked in Continuing Professional Development at the British Medical Association and Royal College of Anaesthetists, focusing on CPD Approval, and implementing new training programmes and technologies. She is an Associate Member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with a specialism in Learning and Development. She is passionate about D,E & I and Chairs the internal employee working group.

Tom Smith led the consumer vertical within the Venture & Growth team at HSBC Innovation Banking (formally SIlicon Valley Bank), where he underwrote Venture Debt and Working Capital facilities alongside providing banking services to ~160 VC-backed series A+ consumer businesses.   

Tom previously was an EIS and SEIS seed investor at London based Ascension VC. He was COO of a consumer edtech company, delivering production from HongKong and Shenzhen. He co-founded AdminaHealth, a SaaS platform to manage self-funded healthcare programs in the USA after starting his career at Guggenheim as an M&A and capital markets analyst in New York City. 

Tom is a CFA charterholder, holds an MBA with summa cum laude honors from Trinity College in Dublin and earned a BA from Columbia University in New York City. Much of his education was financed through a small business he started as a teenager. Tom played for the England U18s Schoollboys football team.  

Tom Vodden is a Consulting Business Psychologist within the Psychological Consultancy Division at Lexxic. He holds master’s level degrees in Occupational Psychology and Psychology of Education. Tom partners with employers across the UK and internationally, providing psychologically informed training and consultancy services to help create more neuro-inclusive workplaces. 

Tom trained as a Business Psychologist following an extensive career within the Education Sector. He started out as a teacher, has run education projects for young offenders and went on to become founding director of an educational software company.  

Tom has worked as a speaker, consultant and trainer across the UK and overseas with organisations in the Education and Children’s Services sectors, leading organisational change and development. Tom is passionate about breaking down the barriers neurodivergent individuals can experience at work and draws on both his professional and lived experience to inform his practice.