Dyslexia in Local Government: Understanding Strengths, Supporting Success

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects reading, writing, spelling, and information processing. It is estimated to affect 1 in 10 people in the UK, making it one of the most common neurodivergent profiles in the workforce. Despite its prevalence, dyslexia is often misunderstood or overlooked in professional settings particularly in sectors like local government, where written communication and policy documentation are central to daily operations.

Yet dyslexia is not a barrier to success. With the right support, dyslexic individuals can thrive in roles that require strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. In fact, many of the traits associated with dyslexia such as visual thinking, innovation, and holistic reasoning align closely with the skills needed to navigate complex public sector challenges.

Local government teams are increasingly expected to deliver services that are agile, inclusive, and community-led. To meet these demands, councils must harness diverse cognitive strengths including those offered by dyslexic employees. Understanding dyslexia is not just about compliance with the Equality Act 2010; it’s about building high-performing, resilient teams that reflect the communities they serve.

Strengths of Dyslexic Employees

Dyslexic individuals often possess unique cognitive strengths that can be powerful assets in the workplace:

1. Spatial Reasoning and Visual Thinking

Dyslexic thinkers often excel at visualising complex systems, spatial layouts, and abstract concepts. This makes them well-suited to roles in planning, design, and strategy whether mapping out regeneration projects or visualising service delivery models.

“Dyslexic thinking skills like visualising, imagining, and reasoning are exactly what employers say they need right now.” Made By Dyslexia Report

2. Creativity and Innovation

Dyslexic people frequently approach problems from unconventional angles, generating fresh ideas and novel solutions. Their ability to “think outside the box” is especially valuable in transformation programmes, community engagement, and digital innovation.

“We need people who are brilliant at problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. That’s dyslexic talent.” Karen Blackett OBE, WPP UK Country Manager

3. Problem-Solving and Big Picture Thinking

Dyslexic individuals often excel at identifying patterns, connecting ideas, and seeing the broader implications of decisions. These skills are vital in policy development, strategic planning, and service improvement.

“There are many things I’m good at: seeing the bigger picture, offering creative solutions, and connecting with people.” Ross Duncan, Civil Servant

Challenges Faced by Dyslexic Staff

While dyslexia brings strengths, it also presents challenges that require thoughtful support:

• Reading, spelling, and writing difficulties: Tasks involving dense text or formal writing can be stressful and time-consuming.

• Word recognition and processing speed: Slow reading and difficulty recognising words can affect comprehension and confidence, especially in fast-paced environments.

• Memory and organisation: Short-term memory issues can impact task tracking, meeting deadlines, and recalling verbal instructions.

“Dyslexia isn’t a disability it’s a distinction.” Matt Hancock, Former Health Secretary

These challenges are not insurmountable. With the right adjustments, dyslexic staff can perform at their best and contribute meaningfully to their teams.

Assistive Technology for Dyslexic Employees

Assistive technology can be transformative for dyslexic employees, helping to reduce barriers and unlock their full potential in the workplace. These tools are not just helpful they’re empowering. They enable dyslexic staff to work more independently, confidently, and efficiently, especially in environments like local government where written communication and information processing are central.

1. Text-to-Speech Tools

These tools convert written text into spoken words, helping dyslexic users process information more easily and reduce reading fatigue.

• Read&Write by Texthelp: Offers reading aloud, word prediction, and dictionary support.

• Voice Dream Reader: A mobile app that reads documents, PDFs, and web pages aloud.

• Microsoft Immersive Reader: Built into Office 365, it reads text aloud and offers line focus, syllable breakdown, and font customisation.

2. Speech-to-Text Software

These tools allow users to speak instead of type, which is particularly useful for those who struggle with spelling or written expression.

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Industry-leading voice recognition software for dictation and command control.

• Otter.ai: Transcribes meetings and spoken notes in real time, useful for capturing ideas quickly.

3. Grammar and Spelling Support

These tools help users write more confidently by offering real-time corrections and suggestions.

• Grammarly: Provides grammar, spelling, and tone suggestions.

• Ginger Software: Offers grammar checks, sentence rephrasing, and translation features.

4. Mind-Mapping Tools

Mind maps help dyslexic thinkers organise ideas visually, which can be more intuitive than linear note-taking.

• MindMeister: A collaborative online mind-mapping tool.

• Inspiration Maps: Designed for education and workplace use, ideal for planning reports or presentations.

5. Task Management and Organisation Tools

These apps help with executive functioning, time management, and task tracking.

• Trello: Uses visual boards and cards to organise tasks and projects.

• Todoist: A simple, intuitive task manager with reminders and priority settings.

• Notion: Combines notes, databases, and calendars in one workspace.

6. Decluttering and Reading Support Tools

These tools simplify digital content and reduce visual distractions.

• Mercury Reader: A browser extension that removes ads and clutter from web pages.

• BeeLine Reader: Uses colour gradients to guide the eye across text, improving reading speed and focus.

“I use mind maps, speech-to-text, and micro-breaks. These simple adjustments turned my career around.” Ross Duncan, Civil Servant

7. Built-In Accessibility Features

Many operating systems and office tools now include dyslexia-friendly features:

• Windows and macOS: Offer dictation, screen readers, and customisable display settings.

• Microsoft Word: Includes Editor, Immersive Reader, and Dictate.

• Google Docs: Supports voice typing and integrates with Read&Write.

Case Studies of Dyslexia Inclusion

1. Wellacre Academy, Trafford

Wellacre Academy, a mainstream secondary school in Greater Manchester, achieved the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark by embedding inclusive practices across leadership, teaching, and student support. Their approach included:

• A whole-school audit of dyslexia support.

• Staff training in multisensory teaching and assistive technology.

• Use of coloured overlays, visual timetables, and quiet zones.

• Student access to mind maps, audio recording, and writing frames.

“Students reported feeling more confident, better understood, and more able to access learning.” British Dyslexia Association Case Study

2. Blackpool Sixth Form College

This FE college implemented a dyslexia-friendly strategy that included:

• Peer mentoring and study skills workshops.

• Use of assistive tech like Read&Write and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

• Flexible assessment formats and visual learning tools.

• Staff development sessions on neurodiversity.

“We saw improved retention and progression among dyslexic students, and staff reported greater confidence in supporting them.” College Inclusion Lead

3. Civil Service Dyslexia Network

Ross Duncan, a dyslexic civil servant, shared his journey from undiagnosed challenges to thriving in a supportive environment. After receiving a diagnosis later in life, he accessed tools like mind maps, flexible working, and mentoring.

“There are many things I’m good at: seeing the bigger picture, offering creative solutions, and connecting with people.” Ross Duncan, Civil Service

The Civil Service Dyslexia Network now provides peer support, training, and policy input across departments.

4. Dyslexia Action in Local Authorities

Dyslexia Action works with councils to deliver accredited training for staff, helping them identify and support dyslexic employees and service users. Their online modules and literacy programmes are used by HR teams and education departments across the UK .

“We help councils move from awareness to action embedding dyslexia support into everyday practice.” Dyslexia Action Programme Lead

Call to Action for Councils

Local authorities are uniquely positioned to lead the way in dyslexia inclusion not only as employers but as champions of equity and innovation in public service. With dyslexia affecting approximately 10% of the UK population, councils must ensure their workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Dyslexia inclusion is not just a matter of compliance with the Equality Act 2010 it’s a strategic opportunity to unlock talent, improve retention, and foster creative problem-solving across departments. We encourage councils to take the following steps:

1. Review HR Policies and Recruitment Practices

• Ensure job descriptions are written in plain English and avoid jargon.

• Offer alternative formats for applications and assessments.

• Include dyslexia awareness in onboarding and induction materials.

• Use strengths-based language to attract neurodiverse candidates.

2. Offer Dyslexia-Specific Manager Training

• Train managers to recognise dyslexic strengths and challenges.

• Provide practical guidance on reasonable adjustments and communication strategies.

• Include lived experience case studies and scenario-based learning.

• Encourage reflective practice and inclusive leadership.

3. Promote Neurodiversity Networks and Peer Support

• Establish or support employee resource groups for neurodivergent staff.

• Create safe spaces for sharing experiences and accessing mentoring.

• Involve dyslexic employees in policy reviews and service design.

4. Celebrate Dyslexic Strengths in Internal Communications

• Share success stories and testimonials from dyslexic staff.

• Highlight dyslexia-friendly tools and practices during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

• Recognise inclusive managers and teams through awards or spotlight features.

“Dyslexia is not a problem to fix it’s a perspective to embrace.”   Matt Hancock

By embedding dyslexia awareness into every layer of organisational culture from recruitment to leadership councils can build workplaces where neurodiverse staff don’t just survive, but thrive.