Professional services firm Marsh McLennan has raised £1m for its charity partner Ambitious about Autism.

The milestone has been announced as the firm’s four-year collaboration with the charity concludes.

Through the link up the firm has created 22 paid work experience placements for autistic young people, half of whom have become permanent staff members.

Also, last year it became the first UK employer to receive the charity’s Autism Confidence status in recognition of its inclusive practices across recruitment, human resources and employee engagement and training.

It has also made improvements to its offices to support neurodivergent colleagues.
Despite the partnership coming to an end the firm has pledged to continue its commitment to hiring neurodiverse people.

“I am very proud of our partnership with Ambitious about Autism and the work we are doing together to improve the employment outcomes for autistic young people,” said Marsh McLennan chief executive Chris Lay.

“The programme has enabled us to both support individuals enter the world of work, and ensure our business is tapping into the widest pool of talent possible, which is vital to drive our future growth.

“I am very committed to building a workplace which recognises and supports the different needs of our colleagues and helps everyone thrive at work.”

Ambitious about Autism chief executive Jolanta Lasota added: “Reaching the £1 million fundraising milestone is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the commitment and determination of Marsh McLennan colleagues, whose incredible efforts have raised funds and awareness, helped shape recruitment practices and developed a workplace culture that both welcomes and celebrates autistic people.

“Our partnership will have a lasting legacy and we’re hugely grateful to Marsh McLennan and extremely proud of all the work we have achieved together.”

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