Caitlin

Caitlin joined bp in 2019 and works in people, culture & communications. While building her career, she was also navigating ADHD – a neurodevelopmental condition that often goes unseen. In this conversation, she shares her journey to diagnosis, the support she received at bp and how inclusive adjustments have helped her to thrive.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey with bp

I joined bp in 2019 and have worked in people, culture & communications ever since, with my current role in the people relations team. I knew bp was the right place for me from the interview process as everything was clearly explained and well-structured, which helped me feel prepared and confident. During my pre‑interview research on the careers website, I was also struck by bp’s genuine commitment to inclusion and mental health. These values strongly align with my own, and it reassured me that bp would be a workplace where I could truly thrive.

What first prompted you to explore the possibility that you might have ADHD?

I had previously been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but I always had a feeling there was something more going on that I couldn’t quite identify. bp regularly hosts a range of awareness events on site, and I remember attending an ADHD session in 2023 where leaders from across the business spoke openly about their real-life experiences. Sitting there, listening to their stories, something really resonated with me and connected deeply with my own struggles. Then, when bp’s discretionary private healthcare offer in the UK was expanded to include neurodiversity assessments for employees and their dependants, I finally decided to explore things further, and through that process, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

How did bp’s policies or culture make you feel comfortable seeking support for your mental health?

The culture at bp has genuinely made me feel comfortable seeking support for my mental health, largely because of the work our employee-led business resource groups have done to reduce stigma and create real spaces for openness. bp created a ‘This Is Me’ video for World Mental Health Day and it featured real employees sharing their diverse experiences of dealing with mental health and this was the first moment I realised it was okay to talk about my experiences. Seeing real colleagues share their stories so vulnerably made it feel safe to acknowledge my own. Since then, events like the ADHD session, where leaders openly discussed their personal challenges, have had a huge impact. Hearing leaders model that level of honesty made me feel empowered to share my own struggles and to reach out for the support I needed.

What challenges have you learned to navigate, and how have you adapted?

Since learning more about ADHD and how it shows up for me, I’ve been able to make practical adjustments at work that help me perform at my best. One simple but effective change has been updating my email signature to ask colleagues to share what they need and by when, which makes it much easier for me to prioritise and manage expectations.

Copilot has also become a really valuable tool, especially when I’m starting a new task or project, as it helps me structure my thinking and break work into manageable steps. And having some meeting recordings available such as townhalls or webinars means I can revisit conversations to pick up details I may have missed in the moment, which removes a lot of pressure and helps me stay on top of actions with more confidence.

How has bp continued to support you since receiving your diagnosis?

The support I’ve received from bp since my diagnosis has been truly invaluable, especially during a time that felt quite overwhelming. My manager has been incredible by creating a safe space for open conversations about my challenges and what I need to succeed. I’m genuinely grateful for that level of understanding and partnership.

bp also has a fantastic neurodiversity support network. There are colleagues who are neurodivergent themselves or who have neurodivergent family members. We connect through a monthly call where we can talk about anything on our minds, from book recommendations to comparing the best noise‑cancelling headphones! It’s a really welcoming community.

For those who benefit from quieter spaces, our Sunbury office even has a dedicated ‘Study Room’. It’s a no‑calls space that helps you focus and get work done without distractions, which has been incredibly helpful for me.

What advice would you give to disabled students applying for graduate positions/navigating the recruitment process?

Honestly, the biggest piece of advice I can give is to be open and honest about your disability – if you feel comfortable – so the right adjustments can be put in place during the recruitment process. Starting your career is a big step, and you deserve to feel supported from day one.

Look for a company that genuinely values inclusion and is committed to providing the support you need to succeed. When you’re in an environment that embraces who you are and allows you to be your most authentic self, it makes a huge difference not just in how you work, but in how you grow.