Neuroinclusion Capability Framework (NICF)™  

By Jayne Gurton, NeuroInclusive Collective, and Callie Elward-Barrett, Executive Functioning Leadership

The Neuroinclusion Capability Framework (NICF)™ is the first evidence-based professional framework designed to define, measure, and develop neuroinclusive leadership and organisational neuroinclusion.

Co-created by Jayne Gurton (NeuroInclusive Collective), and Callie Elward-Barrett (Executive Functioning), the NICF combines lived experience, rigorous capability design, and deep expertise in leadership, education, and organisational systems.

Unlike awareness training or ad-hoc initiatives, the NICF establishes a competency-based pathway that organisations can embed into existing capability systems. It aligns with major frameworks across:

• Australian Government leadership and capability standards
• Global HR competency models
• Teacher capability and professional development standards
• Cross-sector professional capability frameworks

This mapping ensures that neuroinclusion is not an add-on, but a recognised, transferable professional skillset.

Framework Structure

The NICF defines three levels of structure:

• 6 Domains: the essential pillars of neuroinclusive leadership
• 14 Competencies: extending and contextualising practice across diverse workplaces
• 61 Underpinning Skills: observable behaviours that can be learned, assessed, and embedded

The 6 Domains

1.  Communication and Relational: Using clarity, transparency, and inclusive language.
2.  Performance and Development: Creating sustainable workloads and recognising cognitive demands.
   – Enterprise programs demonstrably return time and value (EY US$650M+ ROI).” EY
3.  Adaptive Leadership & Inclusion: Modelling inclusive behaviours and values-driven leadership.
   – Market leaders in disability inclusion outperform financially; this is a growth lever.” Accenture Newsroom
4.  Environment & Systems Design: Removing barriers in physical, digital, and policy environments.
   – Global evidence identifies accessibility as a core productivity barrier—not a niche issue.” Deloitte
5.  Emotional Intelligence & Intersectionality: Responding with empathy and recognising intersecting identities.
6.  Collaboration & Participation: Ensuring diverse voices are heard in decision-making.

Application

The NICF provides organisations with:

• Benchmarking tools to assess current capability.
• Professional development pathways to build neuroinclusive leadership over time.
• Alignment with existing standards, ensuring investment in inclusion strengthens compliance, reputation, and leadership pipelines.

The NICF is not theoretical. It is evidence-based, practical, and measurable. It gives organisations the tools to move beyond awareness into systemic, sustainable inclusion.

Relationship to the 5Cs

The 5Cs Model for Neuroinclusion™ provides a human-centred lens: Clarity, Capacity, Culture, Conditions, and Compassion. The NICF situates these principles within a rigorous competency structure, giving organisations both the heart and the system needed for meaningful change.

About the Authors

Callie Elward-Barrett is the creator of the 5Cs Model for Neuroinclusion™  and co-creator of The Neuroinclusion Capability Framework™. She is the founder of Executive Functioning Leadership and a neuroinclusive leadership consultant. Drawing on lived experience as an AuDHD, queer, disabled leader and professional expertise across government, design, behaviour, change and education, Callie partners with organisations to embed neuroinclusion into leadership capability, systems, and culture.

Jayne Gurton is the founder of the NeuroInclusive Collective, and co-creator of the Neuroinclusion Capability Framework™ . With deep expertise in professional learning design, organisational capability frameworks, and inclusive practice, Jayne brings rigour and practical insight to building environments where neurodivergent talent can thrive.

Together, Callie and Jayne are pioneering the integration of lived experience, evidence-based research, and professional capability systems to transform how organisations understand and deliver neuroinclusive leadership. Their collaboration ensures that the NICF is both human-centred and structurally rigorous. A groundbreaking framework designed to reshape workplaces for the future of work.