Dateline: Bradford UK – June 17 2025
Bradford-based software-company PatronBase UK, which provides ticketing and audience engagement tools for arts and cultural organisations, has been awarded the prestigious Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index (NDEI®) Silver Award for its commitment to neuroinclusive employment.
This recognition from Autistica, the UK's leading autism research and campaigning charity, underscores PatronBase UK's proactive and dedicated efforts to foster an environment where neurodiversity is not just accommodated, but truly valued and celebrated.
The prestigious NDEI® Silver Award acknowledges organisations that have made substantial progress in implementing effective neuroinclusion initiatives and policies.
Rob Walters, Global Software Architect and Director at PatronBase UK, has been a driving force in software development since age 15, blending his passion for technology with an early interest in the arts. After founding his own software company in 2008, he joined PatronBase UK in 2013, leading product development and innovation globally.
Rob said: "We are incredibly proud to receive the Autistica NDEI® Silver Award. Neuroinclusion is a topic incredibly close to our heart. We've always taken pride in how we work and who we work with, and to be recognised by an organisation of Autistica's merit and esteem is truly fantastic. It affirms our belief that supporting a diverse team, including neurodiversity, is absolutely essential for running an effective and innovative business.
“We’re thrilled Autistica have taken on the important work of developing the NDEI so that employers, and more importantly, their employees, can measure their inclusivity for a neurodiverse workforce. It’s been a pleasure to be involved in the inaugural cohort.”
The Autistica NDEI® is a leading benchmark for neuroinclusive employment, celebrating organisations that demonstrate excellence in supporting neurodivergent employees. PatronBase UK’s achievement highlights its comprehensive approach to neuroinclusion, which includes tailored recruitment processes, adaptive workplace environments, and supportive management strategies designed to ensure every team member feels supported and included.
As a result of his work on employment and autism, Rob was invited to give evidence before the House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee on June 9th. The crucial one-hour session, which was televised live on Parliament TV, underscores the growing national recognition of the vital role employers play in unlocking the potential of autistic individuals.
Rob added: "I was honoured to provide evidence to the House of Lords, sharing PatronBase's practical experience in neuroinclusive employment, alongside my personal insights as an autistic individual. My goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of best practices, challenges, and the potential of self-employment, ultimately helping to close the autism employment gap."
The House of Lords committee's inquiry into supporting autistic employees aims to gather evidence on best practices, challenges, and policy recommendations to bridge the autism employment gap. Rob's participation represents a powerful voice from the cultural tech sector.
PatronBase UK’s story, blending inclusive leadership, social responsibility, and innovation in the arts, offers a compelling model for what neuroinclusion can look like in practice.
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PatronBase provides software, innovation and expertise to manage and run events.We go beyond ticketing, providing a flexible and holistic range of software with the expertise to help you make the most of it, to help you build and sustain your audience. Our products can be found from event marketing and ticketing through membership and venue management to loyalty, fundraising and even public wifi. This range of features is available with a flexible pricing model that is highly competitive.
No two of our partner venues are the same – they use their inherent creativity to present a unique offering, reflecting the unique opportunities and challenges they face. The tools we provide embrace this individuality, with the flexibility and responsiveness to work with you to reflect your unique situation and creative vision. As well as theatres, arts centres and concert halls, our software is used to help schools, art galleries, sporting venues, universities and places of worship plan and manage their events.