1. What does accessibility mean in the workplace?

Workplace accessibility ensures that every employee—regardless of disability, neurotype, or background—can fully participate and thrive. This includes physical spaces, digital tools, recruitment processes, and communication methods designed to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all.

2. How does Anglian Water promote accessibility throughout the employee experience?

Accessibility at Anglian Water begins before someone even joins the business. The company shares behavioural interview questions in advance to reduce anxiety, provides an Interview Preparation Guide for neurodiverse candidates, and continuously rethinks traditional hiring methods such as CV-based applications. Once employees join, accessibility remains a priority through assistive technology, inclusive e-learning design, and physical improvements across offices to support mobility and safety.

3. What is Anglian Water doing to support neurodiverse employees?

Anglian Water takes a forward-thinking approach by validating self-diagnosis and offering workplace adjustments without requiring formal documentation. The company also runs regular webinars and awareness sessions, helping colleagues and managers understand how to create a more inclusive environment. This openness builds trust and encourages employees to be their authentic selves at work.

4. How is digital accessibility managed at Anglian Water?

A dedicated Digital Accessibility Working Group collaborates with Inclusion and Ability networks to ensure all systems and content are usable by everyone. The team applies Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to internal learning platforms and provides access to assistive technologies for employees who need them.

5. What can other organisations learn from Anglian Water’s approach?

Anglian Water shows that accessibility isn’t a one-off project—it’s an evolving commitment. By embedding accessibility into everything from recruitment to technology, the company demonstrates that small, intentional actions can have a big impact. The key lesson: inclusion works best when it’s built into culture, not treated as compliance.

< Back

How Anglian Water champions accessibility: creating an inclusive environment for all

In this blog we look at what how Anglian Water how accessibility is embedded into their core values and how the company has built a culture of belonging.

3rd Nov 2025

• 5 minutes

Accessibility is no longer just a buzzword—it's a fundamental commitment to creating environments where everyone can thrive. At Anglian Water, this commitment runs deep, embedded in their core values of doing the right thing, always exploring, and building trust. Let's explore how this leading water company is breaking down barriers and setting new standards for workplace inclusion.

This blog will cover:

How Anglian Water embeds accessibility and inclusion into its core values
Practical steps the company has taken to make recruitment more accessible
The technology and physical adjustments supporting all employees
How Anglian Water champions neurodiversity and validates self-diagnosis
Lessons other organisations can learn from Anglian Water’s accessibility journey

Transforming the recruitment journey

Anglian Water's approach to accessibility begins at the very first touchpoint with potential employees. One of their most impactful initiatives has been sharing behavioral interview questions with candidates before interviews. This simple change has significantly reduced anxiety and allowed candidates to showcase their true capabilities.

The company has also introduced a comprehensive Interview Preparation Guide, developed collaboratively with internal colleagues and specifically designed to support neurodiverse individuals and those with different learning styles.

In a forward-thinking move, Anglian Water is even questioning traditional recruitment methods, actively exploring alternatives to the standard CV format to ensure all candidates can navigate the application process with ease.

Technology that works for everyone

Behind the scenes, Anglian Water's dedicated Digital Accessibility Working Group collaborates closely with Inclusion and Ability networks, focusing on technological solutions that deliver meaningful impact.

The company offers specialised assistive technology tailored to diverse needs and has integrated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) features into their e-learning platform, making training content accessible to all employees regardless of their individual requirements.

Creating physically accessible spaces

Physical accessibility hasn't been overlooked either. Anglian Water has made significant improvements to their corporate offices, installing automatic doors and upgrading entrance pathways to address issues with uneven surfaces and kerb heights.

Safety remains paramount, with several employees receiving training in the use of EVAC chairs to support colleagues with mobility needs during emergency evacuations.

Embracing neurodiversity

Anglian Water's approach to neurodiversity stands out as particularly progressive. The company validates self-diagnosis and provides accommodations without requiring formal documentation, a policy that removes significant barriers for many individuals.

Beyond accommodations, Anglian Water actively shares knowledge and lived experiences to support neurodiverse employees while educating the wider workforce. Regular webinars provide practical insights and tangible actions that managers and colleagues can take to create a more supportive and inclusive environment.

An ongoing Journey

What makes Anglian Water's approach to accessibility truly exemplary is their recognition that this work is never complete. While celebrating progress, they remain committed to continuous improvement, working collaboratively to create a workplace that genuinely works for everyone.

In a world where many organisations view accessibility as merely a compliance checkbox, Anglian Water demonstrates how championing inclusion can become part of a company's DNA. Their multifaceted approach addressing recruitment practices, digital technology, physical spaces, and neurodiversity showcases how comprehensive accessibility initiatives can create environments where all employees have the opportunity to succeed.

As other organisations look to enhance their own accessibility practices, Anglian Water's journey offers valuable inspiration and practical examples of how small changes can make a significant difference in creating truly inclusive workplaces.

Learn more about careers at Anglian Water

You can learn more about building a career at Anglian Water and the opportunities available, by visiting their profile and exploring open roles.

FAQs about accessibility and inclusion at work

1. What does accessibility mean in the workplace?
Workplace accessibility ensures that every employee—regardless of disability, neurotype, or background—can fully participate and thrive. This includes physical spaces, digital tools, recruitment processes, and communication methods designed to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all.
2. How does Anglian Water promote accessibility throughout the employee experience?
Accessibility at Anglian Water begins before someone even joins the business. The company shares behavioural interview questions in advance to reduce anxiety, provides an Interview Preparation Guide for neurodiverse candidates, and continuously rethinks traditional hiring methods such as CV-based applications. Once employees join, accessibility remains a priority through assistive technology, inclusive e-learning design, and physical improvements across offices to support mobility and safety.
3. What is Anglian Water doing to support neurodiverse employees?
Anglian Water takes a forward-thinking approach by validating self-diagnosis and offering workplace adjustments without requiring formal documentation. The company also runs regular webinars and awareness sessions, helping colleagues and managers understand how to create a more inclusive environment. This openness builds trust and encourages employees to be their authentic selves at work.
4. How is digital accessibility managed at Anglian Water?
A dedicated Digital Accessibility Working Group collaborates with Inclusion and Ability networks to ensure all systems and content are usable by everyone. The team applies Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to internal learning platforms and provides access to assistive technologies for employees who need them.
5. What can other organisations learn from Anglian Water’s approach?
Anglian Water shows that accessibility isn’t a one-off project—it’s an evolving commitment. By embedding accessibility into everything from recruitment to technology, the company demonstrates that small, intentional actions can have a big impact. The key lesson: inclusion works best when it’s built into culture, not treated as compliance.