RSK-sponsored quiet space inspires lasting change at events venue
RSK sponsored a quiet space at this year’s Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) Flood & Coast 2026, designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind.
Research-led approach creates inclusive quiet space at Flood & Coast
Co-Chair of the RSK Neurodiversity Network and Senior Nature-Based Solutions Manager Emily Clarke created the space after carrying out extensive research. The space was open to anyone needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the conference.
She said: “I wanted to understand what best practice looks like for quiet spaces. From that, I discovered that there are two main types. The first are natural-light-filled spaces, which are quiet and peaceful. The second are dimly lit and calming with sensory-friendly lighting such as lava lamps.
“As the Flood & Coast 2026 event venue was ideally situated on the beautiful Liverpool docks, there was already an opportunity for people who prefer to recharge in natural light to sit outside or go for a walk. Our focus was on creating a space with comfy sofas, dimmed lighting, sensory toys and a relaxing video of nature scenes to enjoy along with soothing background music.”
Value of quiet space reflected through positive feedback
CIWEM’s Director of Learning and Organisational Development Darren Eckford described the space as a valuable and increasingly vital addition to the conference.
Darren added: “It’s important we recognise and address the barriers people face that might prevent them from attending or engaging fully with our events. The quiet zone at Flood & Coast was set up to provide a calm, low-sensory environment where delegates could step away, recharge and return to the event feeling more able to engage.
“We want to say a huge thank you to Emily and RSK for championing this space and making it possible.”
Dr Alice Johnson, a principal project engineer at Binnies UK, used the space during the event. She said: “Having a calm space to go to with no demands and that wasn’t the toilets was amazing. I particularly enjoyed the nature video, which was perfect for restoring energy.”
Designing events with neurodivergent attendees in mind
RSK Group Director of HR and RSK Neurodiversity Network Executive Sponsor Zoe Brunswick has heard first-hand from members and colleagues more broadly that attending external events can be rewarding but also incredibly demanding.
Zoe said: “Large crowds, noise and interaction can be overwhelming for some people. With that in mind and knowing that many people from the wider RSK family would be attending, it was important to us to make sure that thought had been given to neurodivergent attendees and how we could improve their experience. Working directly with the event organisers, we were able to design a space that we were proud to put our name to and showcase to other employers what can be achieved.
“Our hope was that it would give those using the space an opportunity to enjoy some quiet calm between the hustle and bustle of the event. For many people, simply stepping away from the noise can be a welcome relief, enabling them to reset and fully engage once again.
“Often, it’s the small things, and the acknowledgement given to other people’s needs, that can have the biggest impact.”
The quiet room was such a success that the venue plans on making it a regular offering for future clients.
The RSK Neurodiversity Network is hopeful that spaces like these will become a standard part of event packages across the UK, and it will continue to work with RSK to look at how these spaces can be incorporated into the design of workplaces too.