About us
We were founded to solve a simple yet deeply rooted problem: a maritime industry that not only lacks neurodivergent representation, but often excludes it.
Our story
Our vision is a future where NeurodiversAtSea no longer needs to exist, because inclusion has become the standard, not the exception.
Until then, we are committed to sparking open and honest conversations about neurodiversity at sea, helping the industry understand the value neurodivergent people bring, creating clearer pathways into maritime careers, and making sure those who enter the industry have the support they need to succeed and stay.
What drives us
- Purpose
- To make the maritime industry more inclusive by making sure neurodivergent people have the opportunity, support and recognition they need to succeed.
- Vision
- A neurodiverse marine workforce, where talent and differences are recognised, accepted and nurtured for the betterment of all.
- Mission
- A marine industry where neurodivergence is not only acknowledged but accepted, and where neurodivergent people can be themselves without fear of reprisal or mistreatment.
Our values
- Acceptance
- Every mind belongs.
- Understanding
- We replace assumptions with knowledge.
- Opportunity
- Talent deserves access.
- Belonging
- People thrive when they can be themselves.
- Progress
- We create lasting change for the maritime industry.
Our team
Daniel Smith
Chairperson & founder
Daniel founded NeurodiversAtSea in 2022 to tackle a problem he saw first-hand: a maritime industry that lacked, and too often excluded, neurodivergent people. As Chairperson he leads the charity’s strategy and its work with industry partners, and coined its rallying idea of “the neurodivergent advantage”.
James Stockbridge
General secretary & co-founder
James co-founded NeurodiversAtSea and serves as its General Secretary and a trustee. He believes neurodiversity means embracing the full spectrum of talent at work, and that measuring it is the first step to realising the neurodivergent advantage for seafarers and employers alike.
Anya Haydon-Guppy
Treasurer & co-founder
Anya is a co-founder of NeurodiversAtSea and its Treasurer, responsible for the charity’s finances and governance as it grows its programmes and reach.
Ebunoluwa Ojo-ami
Public relations & outreach
Ebunoluwa leads public relations and outreach, helping the charity reach seafarers, employers and partners across the maritime industry.
This could be you
Volunteers and trustees
We are always keen to hear from people who want to help: seafarers with lived experience, maritime professionals, and people with charity, HR, legal, research or communications skills.
Governance
We are a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1208735, regulated by the Charity Commission.
Our trustees are responsible for how the charity is run and for making sure its resources are used only for its charitable purposes. Our registration, trustees and annual accounts are public on the Charity Commission register.
If you have a concern about our work or how we have treated you, email hello@neurodiversatsea.org. For a safeguarding concern, follow our safeguarding policy.
Our policies
- Safeguarding policyHow we keep people safe, and how to raise a concern.
- Privacy policyWhat we collect, why, and your rights over your data.
- Accessibility statementHow we make this site work for every kind of mind.
- Terms of useThe terms for using this website and its tools.
- CookiesWhich cookies we use, and why.