Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has scooped another award after a thorough evaluation at the 2020 Dyslexia Awards, held virtually on Friday, 27 November.

The Service won the the ‘Supportive Employer’ title for the second time - previously awarded in 2017 – with judge and Founder Elizabeth Wilkinson saying: “It is most definitely an exceptionally well deserved win, I am so proud of all that you do and of all our finalists.”

“All too often the focus of dyslexia is negative, focusing on what dyslexics ‘can’t do’ or the things dyslexics ‘struggle’ with. I created the awards so that we can turn that on its head by focusing on its strengths, positives and achievements.”

The awards, founded in 2015, aim to raise awareness of dyslexia and autism and the many positive aspects the conditions can bring with nominations from across the West Midlands.

Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said: “We are obviously proud to have won this award and congratulations to all our staff that have worked so hard to achieve this.

“The real success of the award for me is watching the success of our colleagues with dyslexia as they develop and succeed at different stages of their careers. 

“The support we provide is part of our culture to be an inclusive and deliberately developmental organisation and ensure we are considering all our employee’s needs.”

The Service’s dyslexia programme began in 2007 and more than 70 employees have followed tailormade support programmes.

The Service dyslexia champion, Becci Dickens said: ""Its fantastic for the brigade to be recognised for the amazing work they do to help not only members of staff with dyslexia but all staff and how proud i am to be part of a wonderfully diverse brigade"

A variety of measures are in place from advice and guidance from a tutor, to attending support groups and information events along with specialist equipment to ensure people continue to achieve as their careers in the Service develop and progress. 

Dyslexia Awareness Training is also given to managers, trainers and the development team. This has bought about a positive cultural change where employees are more aware and confident to be assessed.

The Service also won the British Dyslexia Association ‘Organisation Award' in 2019 and continues to share best practice with other fire services, organisations and individuals while furthering its own networking and support networks.

For further information visit www.Shropshirefire.gov.uk