Scottish Autism has been named the Strategic Learning Impact Award (EMEA) winner in Absorb Software’s 2025 Absorbies Awards, which recognises visionary individuals and organisations that are reshaping learning and development through creativity, measurable impact, and inclusive excellence. 

The Absorbies received a record 122 nominations from 83 companies across 18 industries and six global regions. Winners were evaluated on boldness and innovation, learner engagement, measurable outcomes, and how effectively they embedded learning into organisational culture to deliver results — from cost savings and revenue impact to improved retention and faster onboarding. 

We were honoured for Participation and Voice, an initiative that places autistic people at the centre of designing and delivering staff learning. Using Absorb’s LMS tools, the people we support co-created bespoke training content tailored to their teams, ensuring learning was directly informed by lived experience.

Key outcomes include: 

• 96% of staff reporting Scottish Autism fosters a culture of continuous learning. 
• Significant reduction in staff turnover, saving costs on induction and retraining. 
• Improved efficiency by reducing reliance on live induction, freeing trainers for higher-value work. 
• Stronger engagement and commitment across teams, with staff feeling valued and supported through personalised, person-led learning.

The initiative has also strengthened our reputation as sector leaders in autism-informed practice, advancing our identity as both specialists and allies of the autistic community.

“The 2025 Absorbies Awards winners prove that learning, when designed with purpose and intelligence drives true business value,” said Kimberly Williams, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Absorb Software. “Their achievements show that learning is not just training — it’s a catalyst for culture, growth, and lasting measurable business impact.”

“Participation and Voice ensures autistic people shape the learning that guides our staff. This recognition affirms our commitment to creating services that are inclusive, person-led, and informed by lived experience.” — Dorry McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Autism.