New Association aims to support dyslexic staff and promote the benefits of ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ in policing
Tuesday 20th February 2024 saw the launch of a new UK-wide network dedicated to supporting dyslexic police officers and staff.
The Police National Dyslexia Association (PNDA) was officially launched in a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, hosted by Lord Addington, President of the British Dyslexia Association. Guest speakers included Chief Constable Jason Hogg of Thames Valley Police, and Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell of Devon & Cornwall Police.
The launch event featured inspiring accounts of lived experience from dyslexic police officers and staff, and concluded with a presentation at New Scotland Yard by Kate Griggs, CEO and founder of dyslexia advocacy charity Made By Dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a neurodivergent condition that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. The condition is also associated with strong creative and problem-solving skills, and can be found throughout business, science and the arts – famous dyslexic people from past and present include Sir Richard Branson, Tom Cruise and Albert Einstein. The BDA estimates that 10% of the UK population are dyslexic to some degree.
The PDNA offers free membership to all police officers, staff and volunteers, and will work alongside the National Police Autism Association, ADHD Alliance and Disabled Police Association to promote neurodiversity in policing. For more information, visit the website at pnda.org.uk ∎