The National Neurodivergence Team marks an important moment of transition as we say a heartfelt thank you to Kirsty Jones on her retirement, and warmly welcome Julie Fox as our new Senior Policy Officer.
Kirsty’s career has been defined by a steady and passionate commitment to improving understanding of autism and neurodivergence across Wales. Beginning as a primary school teacher in both Wales and England, she brought a strong interest in autism into every stage of her professional journey.
Her path later took her to a Steiner college supporting adults with additional learning needs, before completing a master’s degree in autism in 2013, connecting her with the (then) National Autism Team through attending the consultation event for the refreshed Autism Strategic Action Plan.
Kirsty also made a significant impact in Carmarthenshire as both Autism Outreach Project Officer and later Autism Development Officer, where in 2020 she established an early help team within the disability service.
Kirsty eventually achieved her long‑held ambition of joining the National Autism Team – now the National Neurodivergence Team – first as a National Development Officer and later as Senior Policy Officer.
Her legacy includes several national achievements that have strengthened Wales’ approach to neurodivergence:
- Leading and co‑producing national e‑learning modules and working tirelessly with workforce leads to ensure they were uploaded onto Local Authority and Health Board platforms across Wales.
- Extensive partnership working with many health and social care services including NHS Wales Shared Services, Information, Advice & Assistance Services, and Families First to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence.
- Collaboration with organisations such as Tourette’s Action, facilitating the translation of their specialist e-learning to be available in Welsh.
- Supporting Welsh Government in rolling out the Autism Code of Practice alongside its recent evaluation through close collaboration with local and regional partners.
- Supporting Welsh Government with consultation and groundwork for a forthcoming Neurodivergence Code of Practice.
As we celebrate Kirsty’s achievements, we are equally delighted to welcome Julie Fox into the role of Senior Policy Officer.
Julie joins the national team after three successful years as Autism Lead for Caerphilly Council, a role held by every local authority in Wales. Through this work, she has collaborated closely with the National Neurodivergence Team and brings with her a deep understanding of both the national neurodivergence landscape and the team’s priorities.
Her professional background spans social work, person‑centred approaches, transitional planning, and experience with the National Autistic Society – all rooted in a long‑standing commitment to supporting individuals and families.
Julie describes being drawn to the role by the opportunity to work more directly with a team “passionate about neuroinclusion,” and is particularly excited to contribute to the development of the new Neurodivergence Code of Practice.
She is proud of the progress made in Caerphilly in raising awareness and understanding of neurodivergence across organisations and looks forward to expanding this work nationally.
As the National Neurodivergence Team continues its work, we extend our warmest thanks to Kirsty for her dedication, leadership and the thoughtful, committed way she has helped shape the national landscape. We also warmly welcome Julie as she brings her experience, insight and passion into this next chapter.