We are delighted to welcome Michelle Dobson from This Is Me Agency, to the Do Business Network.
Based in Consett at the Derwentside Business Centre and serving the whole of the UK, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise and tailored support to our business community.
Championing Workplace Accessibility & Support
Every workplace should be accessible, but standard office setups and generic HR policies don’t always meet everyone's needs. Whether someone is self-employed, an employee, or an employer looking to support their team, thriving in a role while managing a disability, health condition, or neurodivergence often requires tailored practical support—such as specialist software, a job coach, or a workplace support worker.
That is where the UK government’s Access to Work scheme comes in, providing grants to help cover the costs of these adjustments. But securing the funding and figuring out how to implement it day-to-day can be a complex hurdle, particularly for self-employed individuals managing the process on their own or businesses figuring out how best to support their staff.
That is where Michelle and the team at This Is Me Agency step in, changing the narrative around workplace support and moving far beyond simple application paperwork to champion true empowerment and individualised care.
Beyond the Application: A Tailored Approach
Many people assume Access to Work is just a form to fill out. This Is Me Agency views the application as merely the starting point. Their comprehensive service guides individuals, businesses, and employers through every phase of the process, ensuring that awards translate into practical, day-to-day solutions.
Their core approach focuses on:
Deep Discovery: Taking the time to understand who their clients are, their specific roles, their working environments, and where barriers actually exist.
Specialist Insight: Recognising how differently disabilities and neurodiversity manifest for every person.
Advocacy: Using their expertise to advocate effectively for clients, helping them identify the support that will genuinely improve their working lives.
Making the Right Match: Evaluating how the individual works and what they need from their support network to ensure a harmonious and effective working match with a job coach, support worker, or specialist coach.
Connect with This Is Me Agency
Having specialists like Michelle in the network strengthens the knowledge pool for all our members, helping us build environments where neurodivergent and disabled professionals can truly thrive.
Please join us in giving Michelle a warm welcome to the network at our DBN meetings, and connect with her and This Is Me Agency on social media:
Facebook
Linkedin
Instagram
