Isabelle’s success story.

The employer welcomed Get Set UK’s input, and with Mia’s support, they implemented changes that played to Isabelle’s strengths while addressing challenges such as punctuality, task clarity, and communication. These adjustments included: 

✅ A day with no meetings to focus on research and creativity 

✅ Timers to help with time management 

✅ Written instructions with examples for new tasks 

✅ A skills analysis to ensure her talents were used effectively 

✅ A buddy system for workplace social guidance 

✅ Regular one-to-one check-ins for progress updates 

  These small but meaningful changes made a huge impact. Isabelle’s managers saw significant improvement in her work, communication, and punctuality. Isabelle felt more understood and able to deliver high-quality work using her exceptional research and creativity skills. 

After the extended probation, Isabelle was offered a permanent position. Her managers described her as “an asset to the company” who brings unique creativity and perspectives to the team. As a Peer Support Worker for people with autism, Isabelle is now a lived-experience role model, showing how small workplace adjustments can make a big difference. 

Isabelle’s Manager commented: “Things are going really well, thank you, Get Set UK, for all your support to both Isabelle and us as an organisation. It’s highlighted to us the time needed to get things in place and identify employees’ needs, a learning that we will share in our programme and highlight to other organisations.” 

Isabelle is now preparing a presentation for autistic adults on their strengths; a project perfectly aligned with her passion for advocating for autism and disability inclusion. 

Isabelle commented, “Working with Mia has helped me in a variety of ways. She helped with the practical aspects of understanding what reasonable adjustments I could ask for and worked with me and my employer to establish some that suited both our needs. She also helped me with something that will have a far longer-lasting impact on my future and has the potential to facilitate a long-term improvement in my employment aspects. She helped me identify a disconnect between my named disabilities and how I present to others at different times. The identification of this helped to develop methods of articulating this to others and to be better able to explain its impact and effect on my needs in a way that changed my employer’s attitude to supporting me effectively. This support has had a wider-reaching impact on my non-working life as well and will be a valuable tool moving forward. Without Mia’s support, I may not have been able to identify and develop this skill.” 

Mia Furner, Employee Consultant, commented: “Isabelle’s intelligence, creativity, and determination are truly inspiring. She has worked hard to adapt to changes, enhance her performance, and confidently advocate for herself, ensuring her employer recognises the value she brings. Isabelle’s journey proves that even small, reasonable adjustments can make a huge impact, and it’s a powerful reminder of why diverse, inclusive workplaces matter.” 

The Get Set for Work programme, delivered by Get Set UK on behalf of Essex County Council, supports adults with a learning disability and/or neurodiverse needs, who are facing barriers to employment, providing one-to-one guidance to build skills, boost confidence and create real opportunities. 

Find out more about the Get Set for Work programme here