At IFGlobal, our fulfilment operations are built on efficiency, precision and process. Though behind every successful operation is something more important - people. Creating an environment where individuals can contribute, develop and thrive is fundamental to how we build our teams.
We are proud to partner with Autism Unlimited, a local Dorset-based charity whose mission is to create a world of unlimited possibilities for autistic people.
Autism Unlimited delivers a wide range of services including specialist education, supported living programmes, and employability pathways. A central part of their work focuses on helping learners build the confidence, independence, and practical skills needed to transition into meaningful employment.
For many neurodivergent individuals, gaining real-world workplace experience can be challenging. Autism Unlimited bridges this gap by partnering with businesses that can provide supportive environments where learners can experience the workplace in a structured and accessible way.
Through this partnership, learners from Autism Unlimited are welcomed into our fulfilment centre to experience how a live operational environment works.
These sessions provide guided exposure to a professional workplace, allowing learners to observe how teams operate, understand day-to-day routines, and participate in operational tasks. Activities such as box making offer hands-on experience that helps learners develop practical skills while becoming familiar with workplace processes and expectations.
The sessions are intentionally structured to be calm, supportive and adaptable to each learner’s pace. By working alongside members of the IFGlobal team, learners build familiarity with the environment, while gaining confidence in their abilities.
The partnership has created meaningful benefits for both learners and our team.
For Autism Unlimited learners, the opportunity to spend time within a real workplace helps build essential confidence and experience.
For IFGlobal, the collaboration reinforces our commitment to inclusion and community engagement. It also helps our teams better understand neurodiversity and the importance of creating supportive environments where individuals can succeed in different ways.
“This partnership brings our commitment to inclusion to life,” says Simon Barton, HR Manager at IFGlobal. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see learners grow in confidence and progress from placements into permanent roles. We’re proud to support initiatives that create accessible pathways into employment and look forward to continuing this partnership.”
Inclusive employment pathways are increasingly recognised as an important part of building diverse and resilient workforces. Partnerships like this demonstrate how organisations can play a practical role in opening doors to employment opportunities.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of this partnership has been seeing it lead directly to employment.
One participant, who initially joined IFGlobal for work experience, began by supporting operational tasks during their placement. Over time, they developed both the skills and confidence needed to take the next step. Following a successful 12-week contract during the busy Christmas period, they were offered a permanent, full-time role within the business.
What began as a short introduction to the workplace has since become a long-term employment opportunity, demonstrating how structured support and practical experience can create real pathways into work.
Angie Lawrence, Futures Tutor and Careers Leader at Autism Unlimited, said, "This opportunity began through a collaborative partnership with IFGlobal, where the learner started on a two-day-a-week work experience placement that we brokered. Seeing that placement develop into full-time employment with IFGlobal is a fantastic outcome and a great example of how collaborative working between education providers and employers can create meaningful opportunities.
"We are extremely proud of him and very grateful to IFGlobal for recognising his potential and supporting him on this journey. This success shows how, when organisations work together with understanding and a shared goal, collaborative working truly does pay off."
Our partnership with Autism Unlimited continues to develop, and we are proud of the role it plays in supporting inclusive employment within our local community.
By working alongside organisations that specialise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, businesses can help create meaningful opportunities that benefit both individuals and teams.
At IFGlobal, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive working environment where people are supported to grow, contribute and build lasting careers.