Bentley is a relatively small company with its own unique brand and culture, but they are also part of one of the world’s biggest automotive businesses. They pride themselves as business built on people who celebrate diversity. Their people bring ideas, technological innovations, and exceptional products. 

They know that living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can also be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the challenges they face which is why they have the joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has one simple purpose - for someone to choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, badge or wristband, when it suits them, to let people know that you, or someone with you, has a hidden disability and may need extra help, understanding, or just more time.

As an equal opportunities employer, it's important that Bentley continue to promote the use and recognition of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

Anne Hoerner – Head of D&I at Bentley said;

“We're proud to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme, helping to create awareness of hidden disabilities and providing a visual cue when our colleagues or guests might need some additional support.  In doing this we're also encouraging the continuing conversations that our Health and Wellbeing employee network, BeAccessible, have started around removing barriers and challenges that those with disabilities face each day; challenging perceptions and educating our colleagues on disabilities in the workplace.”

Emma Humphries – Co Chair of BeAccessible Health & Wellbeing Network said;

“Since launching the network in October 2021 we have been working together with colleagues across the business identifying how we can support each other and the business in our Beyond 100 strategy enhancing colleagues experiences whilst at work.  Joining the Hidden Disability Sunflower proposal came from our Neurodiversity workstream, which was set up to create a safe, open space, free of judgement for colleagues who are undergoing a diagnosis or have received a diagnosis for a neuro-diverse condition, including anyone who would like to support the group as an ally in helping to inform, include and improve the neurodivergent experience in the workplace.  Our mission is to create a working environment where people with different neurological profiles are welcome and respected.  Since joining the scheme we have received wonderful positive feedback from colleagues sharing what the Sunflower has meant to them for example “I feel I can bring my true, authentic self to work and have been able to seek reasonable adjustments so that I can thrive in my role and build on my strengths for success”

Learn more about Bentley 

Is your organisation a member of the Sunflower network?

Is your place of work Sunflower friendly? If not, why not suggest they look into becoming members of the Sunflower? We provide training and assistance to help businesses recognise the Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities and become confident in providing them with additional help or assistance.

Join an impressive network of organisations so our Sunflower wearers can find you as they plan their days out:

  • add your location to the Sunflower location map
  • provide details useful for Sunflower-friendly visits
  • demonstrate how accessible you are
  • tell your story through articles
  • and even reveal your Sunflower-friendly events

Become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.