A Workplace Needs Assessment is a 1:1 session designed to help disabled and neurodivergent business owners identify the barriers they’re facing in their day-to-day work – and figure out what support would actually help.
It’s not about medical labels or diagnosis. It’s about real-life challenges in your work setup – and finding practical solutions that make life easier.
That might include:
You’ll get a written report with personalised recommendations, supplier quotes, and ideas you can take to Access to Work (or just use for yourself).
Important note:
This isn’t an official Access to Work assessment. They might not give it the same weighting as their own reports — but it can still help you self-advocate, prepare for your application, or make a case for support.
Being self-employed doesn’t mean you should go without support. But if you’ve ever tried (or in the process of) applying for Access to Work, you’ll know it can be… a lot.
– Long wait times
– Confusing forms
– No clue what you’re even allowed to ask for
This assessment gives you a clear understanding of:
– What’s getting in the way of your work
– What kind of support would actually help
– How to frame those needs in a way that makes sense to AtW
It’s useful if:
– You’re applying for Access to – Work and don’t know where to start
– You’ve been waiting months for an assessment (and need help now)
– You’ve been knocked back before and want to go in more prepared
– You want to understand what you’re entitled to — whether or not you apply
You’ll walk away with a formal report you can use to back up funding requests or simply to make informed decisions for yourself. Including options that are free, built-in, or low-cost if needed.
Sycamore Disability & Business Workplace Needs Assessments are designed to give disabled and neurodivergent business owners practical, actionable recommendations — whether you’re preparing for Access to Work, or just want to better understand the support that could help.
As an independent Access to Work adviser, I have a solid understanding of what AtW typically funds and how best to present your case. Here’s how the process works:
We start with a simple questionnaire to help me understand your role, day-to-day tasks, current challenges, and any relevant history (e.g., past reports, diagnoses, or existing adjustments).
This helps us make the most of our time together and ensures I tailor the assessment to you.
Before we speak, I’ll:
We’ll meet for a remote 1:1 session lasting 1.5 to 3 hours – which may be spread across two separate sessions if I need time to carry out specific research or reflect on the best recommendations for you.
We’ll explore:
Optional in-person assessments are available for an additional fee.
Within 10 working days, you’ll receive:
Note: While this isn’t an official AtW assessment, it’s written with their process and criteria in mind.
Perfect for self-employed people looking for clear recommendations.
Cost for the whole package: £350
Nope. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access support. This assessment focuses on the barriers you face in your working life — whether they’re physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional — and how to reduce or remove them.
Yes — if you’re the only person in the business (i.e. no employees), this assessment is designed for you.
If you have one or more employees, then it would fall under the employer Workplace Needs Assessment, as support recommendations may also need to consider your responsibilities as an employer.
Not sure which applies? Get in touch and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Yes — while it’s not an official Access to Work assessment, the report is written in a way that aligns with their criteria. You can use it to back up an application, understand what to request, or clarify your needs if you’ve already applied.
In these cases, I’ll refer you to a specialist assessor who has the right expertise to support those needs. I want you to get the best possible guidance, even if that’s not from me.
The assessment fee covers the full process and report. If you decide to implement any recommendations (e.g. software, equipment, coaching), there may be additional costs — but many of these can be covered by Access to Work, if eligible.
Absolutely. I regularly work with clients who are autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or navigating other forms of neurodivergence. You don’t need to tick a specific diagnostic box. If something’s making work harder than it needs to be, we’ll look at how to change that.
That’s totally fine. This assessment is still useful if you just want to understand your own access needs and make changes that support your wellbeing, productivity, and sustainability in business.
I do work with associates, Mel & Stacey, who support me with advice sessions & packages. They have been handpicked and trained by me and will always be supervised. When selecting an appointment you will be able to view my availability and also Stacey’s or Mel’s availability – so you have the choice who to work with. It will never be a surprise that you are working with an associate and I will always take responsibility for the output of the work, if you are unhappy with anything I will look at it myself.