Westmorland and Furness Council has signed the Dyslexia Friendly Workplaces Pledge, demonstrating its commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for employees, residents, customers, suppliers and partners.
The pledge recognises that approximately 15% of the population has dyslexia and/or another specific learning difference. By becoming a more dyslexia-friendly organisation, the council aims to ensure that people are supported to fully participate, contribute and succeed.
As part of the pledge, the council has committed to increasing understanding and awareness of dyslexia, reviewing processes and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement and further strengthening inclusive working practices.
This builds on a range of measures already in place to support colleagues with dyslexia and other specific learning differences, including workplace adjustment support, access to assistive technology and digital tools, dedicated learning and development opportunities and staff networks that help raise awareness and promote inclusion across the organisation.
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:
"By signing the Dyslexia Friendly Workplaces Pledge, we're making a clear commitment to creating an environment where people feel understood, supported and valued. We recognise that dyslexia and other specific learning differences affect individuals in different ways and we are committed to learning, listening and adapting our practices so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This is about more than improving workplace accessibility; it's about building a culture of inclusion and belonging for all.”
The initiative reflects the council's commitment to removing barriers and ensuring that everyone can access opportunities, services and support.