Theo Paphitis Appointed Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association
Thursday 30 April 2026
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is proud to announce that Theo Paphitis has been appointed as its new Vice President, building on a powerful and evolving partnership that has already delivered meaningful change.
Since becoming the BDA’s Empowerment Patron in 2024, Theo has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting individuals with dyslexia. Working on a fully pro bono basis, he has contributed through advocacy, fundraising, public engagement and direct work with young people, educators and employers.
At the heart of his impact is a shared commitment to community. Through Ryman and the wider Theo Paphitis Retail Group, more than £75,000 has been raised to support the BDA’s work. This funding has helped drive life-changing initiatives, including the 2025 research report Set Up for Somebody Else, which delivered recommendations to create a fairer education system for everyone and launched “Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Assessment Bursary”, which has provided over 85 young people aged 12–21 from low-income households with access to full diagnostic assessments. For many families, this has made support possible where it would otherwise have been out of reach.
Ryman teams have also embraced hands-on fundraising and awareness activity, taking part in a wide range of challenges and events - from hikes and marathons to imaginative in-store initiatives - helping to bring communities together while raising vital funds and awareness.
Looking ahead, Theo and the Ryman team are committed to continuing and expanding their fundraising efforts. Future plans include extending support to reach more families through both dyslexia screening and tutoring, as well as increasing focus on young adults in the workplace. This will include supporting further research and recommendations to strengthen the understanding of dyslexia and improve inclusion across employment.
Theo Paphitis, Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association, said:
“Since 2024, I have witnessed firsthand how the work of the British Dyslexia Association helps to reshape lives, enabling entirely new possibilities for the dyslexic community. That is why I am very proud to be a bigger part of that and step into my new role as Vice President. Working together to deliver the right support at the right time, we will continue to raise awareness and build a future where every dyslexic individual has the toolkit to thrive.”
Beyond fundraising, Theo has led by example in the workplace. Ryman has become a dyslexia-friendly employer, completing BDA training and embedding inclusive practices across the business. This approach recognises and celebrates the strengths of dyslexic thinking - from creativity and innovation to problem-solving and resilience.
Theo has also used his platform to influence change at a national level. In 2025, he wrote the foreword to the BDA report ‘Set Up for Somebody Else’, which explores the experiences of young people with dyslexia and sets out recommendations to strengthen support in education. He also delivered the opening address at a parliamentary event linked to the report, supporting constructive dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders.
His commitment extends to direct engagement with young people and educators. During a primary school visit in Croydon alongside the BDA, he worked with pupils to demonstrate reading techniques, encouraging confidence and participation among children who found reading challenging.
As a successful entrepreneur who speaks openly about his own dyslexia, Theo continues to challenge stigma and champion the value of neurodiversity. Through media, public speaking, national campaigns and personal outreach - including writing to over 300 teachers who completed BDA-accredited training - he has helped to build understanding and inspire change.
Theo Paphitis’s appointment as Vice President reflects not only his sustained personal commitment, but also the breadth of his contribution across education, employment and public life. His work continues to advance the BDA’s mission to create a more inclusive society where people with dyslexia can thrive.