Helpline volunteer training: Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace
Wednesday 12 October 2022
By Kath Lambert, Helpline Manager
At the British Dyslexia Association, we are aware that without the support of our Helpline volunteers the service we provide to hundreds of callers, emailers and social media users would be vastly reduced.
To ensure we offer the best possible advice, support and signposting, we regularly invite our volunteers to training sessions on a range of subjects.
In September we were delighted to share our training session with volunteers from many Local Dyslexia Associations who are always on hand to support those with Specific Learning Difficulties across the country.
Our training session was led by a discrimination barrister Charlotte Hadfield from 3PB Barristers. Charlotte kindly donated her time to share her expertise on supporting dyslexia in the workplace.
The presentation explored The Equality Act 2010 and the definition of dyslexia under this as well as the duty of the employer to provide support and “reasonable adjustments” to an employee who has additional needs relating to their disability.
We learned that clear and ongoing communication between the employee and employer is essential in order to ensure that the expectations and needs of both can be mutually agreed and that agreements are reached when discussing potential adjustments and support.
We would like to thank Charlotte for sharing her knowledge on this complex subject. This expert training helps us maintain a high standard of knowledge to share with our callers.
The many calls, emails and messages we receive on Helpline show that there are instances where employees feel that they have been mis-understood or not supported in a range of workplace situations.
At times grievances or disciplinary procedures become a reality. Again, when discussing suitable reasonable adjustments, communication plus the implementation of clear policies is essential to finding a resolution in workplace situations.
Employees should be given clear guidance as to the procedures they need to follow and have access to union representation or other support. Employees can apply for a workplace needs assessment to have their needs identified and supported plus they will be given guidance as to a range of reasonable adjustments for the workplace.
Access to Work also provide funding for equipment, specialist software, training and workplace strategies coaching.
On the BDA Helpline we are not qualified to give legal advice. However, on the BDA website there are advice sections for both adults in the workplace and for employers as to support and dyslexia-friendly practices:
Adults in the workplace
Additional links for legal guidance regarding workplace support for employees with dyslexia
- ACAS
- Access to Work Scheme
- AdviceNow
- Advocate formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit – free advice from trainee barristers
- Citizen’s Advice Bureau
- Free Representation Unit free representation for social security and employment hearings
- Home Insurance (ask the caller if they have home insurance and if so, whether they also have Legal Expenses Insurance as part of that; it may cover them for advice and representation in respect of an employment tribunal claim)
- LawWorks free advice from volunteer lawyers
- University law clinics
For further support visit our Helpline Page