A new tailored learning programme designed specifically for the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors is set to help businesses across the North East build more inclusive, equitable and productive workplaces.
The seven-part programme has been developed through a partnership between the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), Ingeus and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA), building on the free support already available through Ingeus’ InclusionWorks service.
Funded through the Government’s Get Britain Working strategy and championed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, InclusionWorks provides employers across the region with specialist advice and support to help create more inclusive workplaces and unlock opportunities for a wider range of talent.
Following discussions within the NEAA’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group, partners identified an opportunity to create a bespoke programme tailored specifically to the workforce challenges, skills needs and recruitment priorities facing the automotive and wider manufacturing supply chain.
The result is a structured seven-part learning journey that will run between September and November 2026, providing manufacturing businesses with practical tools and insights to help attract, retain and support employees from all backgrounds.
Participants will explore a range of key workplace topics including inclusive leadership, neurodiversity, recruitment, disability inclusion, workplace adjustments, wellbeing, mental health, menopause, age inclusion, belonging and workplace culture.
The programme has been designed to give employers practical actions they can implement immediately, helping to strengthen workplace culture while supporting recruitment, retention and employee engagement.
Paul Butler, Chief Executive of the North East Automotive Alliance, said: “The automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors are facing significant workforce challenges, from attracting new talent into the industry to retaining experienced employees and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Through our EDI Working Group, members highlighted a need for practical, sector-relevant support, and we’re delighted to be working with Ingeus and the North East MSA to develop a programme tailored specifically to the needs of our automotive businesses.
“This is a fantastic example of partners working together to ensure existing support is aligned to industry needs and delivers maximum value for employers across the region.”
Stephen Ward, Project Manager for InclusionWorks at Ingeus, said: “Ingeus has delivered employment services in the North East for over 20 years, and we understand the value that diverse talent brings to organisations and communities.
“InclusionWorks reflects our commitment to helping local employers create workplaces where everyone can thrive. By supporting businesses to recruit inclusively, retain skilled employees and build cultures of belonging, we’re helping to strengthen workforces, improve productivity and create opportunities for more people across the North East.”
Mike Herbert, Inclusion Champion at North East MSA, said: “Through InclusionWorks, businesses across the North East can already access free support to become more inclusive and equitable employers. What makes this programme particularly exciting is the opportunity to deliver a structured series of workshops for the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors rather than adhoc sessions.”
“By working closely with the NEAA and its members, we’ve developed a learning programme that addresses the real-world workforce challenges employers are facing today. Our aim is to provide practical knowledge, tools and confidence that organisations can use to create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“The programme will be delivered by Mike Herbert, Inclusion Champion at Inclusion Works on behalf of North East MSA. NEAA members, HR professionals and EDI practitioners are being encouraged to take part and share the opportunity across their organisations.
With no cost to attend, the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between industry and regional partners can help manufacturers access tailored support while contributing to a more inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.
Notes to editors:
About Ingeus
Ingeus UK delivers services to help people improve their employment, skills, health, and wellbeing. Our mission is to enable better lives and we work with government and partners to drive social change and improve life chances.
We have been delivering trusted and tailored solutions for customers and communities since 1997 across the UK. Our 3,100 expert team members and hundreds of local partners work collaboratively to deliver a wide range of contracts including the Restart Scheme, Change 100, Connect to Work, Access to Work (Mental Health Support Service), Health Assessment Advisory Service, Employment Advisors in Talking Therapies, CFO Evolution, Commissioned Rehabilitative Services, Departure Lounge, Health Trainers, REFLECT, Out of Court Resolution, Positive Pathways, (Careers Information Advice and Guidance) and Jobs Guarantee.
Ingeus UK is part of APM Group, a global human services and healthcare organisation with a network of more than 16,000 people across 11 countries.
For more information visit www.ingeus.co.uk
