Epilepsy Action has helped UK hospitality company BaxterStorey train up 24 of its mangers as Epilepsy Champions through epilepsy awareness training.
The company is aiming to train up at least another 12 managers in early 2026, saying it hopes this will encourage more of their employees to open up about their epilepsy so they can receive the support they need.
Jo Gater is a chef manager at BaxterStorey and has had epilepsy since early childhood. She has experienced stigma around her epilepsy and has even been turned away from jobs because of it.
While she says she “takes pride in keeping up with the pace” of what she calls a “high-, fast-paced environment”, knowing that her health and safety is properly considered is really important to her.
Jo said: “I’ve been in workplaces where health and safety support wasn’t properly in place. I challenged it, because anything can happen to anyone, epilepsy or not. People aren’t always born with it, and workplaces need to be prepared.”
Following BaxterStorey introducing Epilepsy Champions, Jo said: “It makes a huge difference to know you can talk openly, without judgement. Epilepsy can be overwhelming, but when your company recognises that and offers support, it helps you keep going.”
The training from Epilepsy Action includes first-aid information, as well as how epilepsy affects daily life and people in the workplace. Epilepsy Champions receive unique training that enables them to support their colleagues with epilepsy.
Supported to thrive
Simon Privett, learning and training lead at Epilepsy Action said: “At Epilepsy Action, we believe that people with epilepsy should be supported to live a life without limits – and that includes in the workplace.
“With employment rates for people with epilepsy still worryingly low, it’s inspiring to see BaxterStorey taking such a proactive and meaningful approach.
“From the moment they reached out to us, it was clear that BaxterStorey was committed to developing a robust training programme to upskill their teams, empower their managers, and establish Epilepsy Champions to provide dedicated support for colleagues with epilepsy.
“Being in the workplace can be extremely daunting for people with epilepsy, especially if adequate adjustments and training are not in place.
“An Epilepsy Action survey (2023) revealed that 60% of respondents with epilepsy had faced some form of discrimination or unfair treatment in the workplace, and 42% of employers admitted they would be inclined not to hire someone with epilepsy because of the potential challenges.
“These statistics are shocking, but, unfortunately, we do hear many anecdotal stories from our supporters highlighting that this is still a big concern.
“This partnership is a strong example of how organisations can lead the way in creating inclusive workplaces where people with epilepsy are supported to thrive.”
Lyndsey Oliver, head of equity, diversity and inclusion at BaxterStorey, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way for the hospitality industry with our partnership with Epilepsy Action.
“Our people are the heart of our business, and creating an environment where everyone feels seen and supported is non-negotiable.
“Our 24 Epilepsy Champions will play a vital role in helping us embed inclusivity into our everyday culture.”
You can find out more about Epilepsy Action’s training and e-learning courses on the Epilepsy Action website.
Epilepsy training
Training options for businesses, charities and organisations to help support people with epilepsy in professional environments.