Last week I submitted Unmasked Studio’s bid to the DWP Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, a central government fund backing new ways to help disabled and neurodivergent people into work and stay there.

Our bid, Both Sides of the Hire, works with candidates and employers at the same time:

• Candidates get career direction coaching, a strengths-based profile and a documented adjustments record that follows them into the job.
• Employers get a neuroinclusive workplace assessment and support to make common adjustments (like sharing interview questions a day ahead) the default for everyone, so nobody has to disclose to get a fair shot.
• In-work support continues after the start, with check-ins for both the new starter and their manager.

The team supporting Unmasked Studio 🤝

• Hannah Logan and Stuart Morrison of The Neuroinclusive Workplace @stu @Hannah , who will run the workplace assessment with each employer.
• TryMosaic, our tech partner, whose platform holds and manages each person’s adjustments record.
• Polar Bookkeeping, an accountant I met through the FSB, who will keep the programme’s finances tight and transparent.
• A delivery team of associate coaches, plus peer-led coaching from people with lived experience, because the best support comes from people who’ve been there.
• Two of our first candidates. If funded, I plan to employ two Unmasked Studio candidates on 12-month contracts, one in cyber security and one in coaching and admin. We’ll practise what we preach from day one.

The shortlist is expected in November, with the pilot starting in February 2027. I’m looking for employers to join the cohort. If funded, the pilot is free to take part in, and expressing interest now is non-binding.

Unmasked Studio also works closely with DWP contacts, so if you’re an SME interested in funding to help you hire or run apprenticeships, I’m happy to point you in the right direction. Kurt Moxham @kurtmoxham at Hampshire Growth Hub is also a great person to speak to about wider business support.

And the favour: if you have 2 minutes, I’d really value your honest first impression of our employer page. The form is short and anonymous: Unmasked Studio Employer Website Feedback – Fill out form

Website: http://www.unmaskedstudio.co.uk | Emma.Beattie@unmaskedstudio.co.uk