HSBC has linked up with the charity Epilepsy Action to raise awareness of the impact for workers with photosensitive epilepsy.

The partnership includes producing a research report into the condition, where seizures of those with epilepsy are triggered by flashing lights and other visual stimuli.

The condition impacts around 3 to 5% of the 630,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy.

The banking group’s partnership is being led by its senior digital governance manager Emma Haslam, who has a personal connection to epilepsy.

“As a parent to someone with epilepsy, I know that if I was confident every member of the public knew what to do if someone has a seizure in front of them, I would be much more relaxed,” she said.

The bank and charity’s research report offers advice for employers on creating safe physical and digital spaces for employees with the condition.

Recommendations for businesses include avoiuding potential triggers, such as flashing lights, and providing clear warnings when these may be present.

Replacing flickering lightbulbs in offices is another recommendation made.

In addition, the bank is implementing training from the charity by rolling out its e-learning tools to its first aiders.

“I am extremely passionate about this new collaboration with Epilepsy Action, especially because of my close connection,” said Haslam.

“As a team, we support the bank to ensure the digital platforms and products we deliver to customers and colleagues are accessible, reinforcing HSBC’s ambition to be the most trusted bank globally by putting customers at the heart of everything we do, and supporting our aim to be the world’s most digitally accessible bank.

"This year, we’ve delivered three key pieces of work: increasing epilepsy awareness (including clear do’s and don’ts for supporting someone having a seizure), strengthening our first-aid response, and carrying out user research to validate that our guidance reflects real, lived experiences.

“Establishing training across the bank will ensure that people with epilepsy amongst our staff, and even members of the public coming into our branches, can feel fully supported and trust that there are people there to help them.”

‘Wide range of triggers’

Epilepsy Action chief executive Rebekah Smith added: “There are a wide range of triggers for people with photosensitive epilepsy, which is why we have provided a range of guidance to help businesses and organisations create safer and more inclusive working environments.

“While it is not possible for any single set of guidance to address every potential trigger or individual circumstance, given the highly personal nature of epilepsy, we encourage employers to consider these recommendations carefully and take proactive steps to support the safety and wellbeing of employees with epilepsy in the workplace.

“We’re so pleased to see HSBC paving the way for safety and inclusion of all people with epilepsy in the workplace, and we hope other companies will be inspired to do the same.”

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