EEAST becomes first organisation in the UK to achieve Gold Dyslexia Friendly Workplace award
Date: 16 July 2026The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has become the first organisation in the UK to be awarded the British Dyslexia Association's Gold Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Quality Mark.
The prestigious award recognises EEAST's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where neurodivergent staff and volunteers are supported to thrive and achieve their full potential.
The achievement marks the latest milestone in the Trust's commitment to supporting staff with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions. EEAST was awarded the Bronze Quality Mark in 2023, the Silver Quality Mark in 2024 and the Inclusive Employer Award later the same year before progressing to the Gold standard.
More than 600 neurodivergent staff and volunteers have received specialist support through the Trust's dedicated service, led by Specialist Lecturer Practitioners Justin Honey-Jones and Emily Watton.
EEAST supports staff with a wide range of neurodivergent conditions, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette's syndrome and visual stress.
EEAST’s pioneering work in supporting neurodivergent staff has been widely shared across the NHS and emergency services, helping to shape best practice nationally.
The Gold Quality Mark was presented at EEAST's headquarters in Melbourn by Liz Green OBE MStJ DL on behalf of His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.
Marika Stephenson, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief People Officer at EEAST, said:
"We are incredibly proud to be the first organisation in the UK to achieve the British Dyslexia Association's Gold Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Quality Mark.
"Supporting our neurodivergent staff is not just the right thing to do – it helps us create a stronger, more inclusive organisation where people can thrive and perform at their best. By investing in specialist support and removing barriers, we are enabling colleagues to reach their full potential.
"This award reflects our long-term commitment to inclusion and recognises the dedication of everyone who has helped make EEAST a workplace where neurodivergent staff and volunteers feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver outstanding care to our patients and communities.
“This recognition marks an important milestone, but we know there is more to do, and we are committed to building on this progress to create an even more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.”
Justin Honey-Jones, EEAST Dyslexia Champion and Specialist Lecturer Practitioner, said:
"Achieving the Gold Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Quality Mark is a landmark moment for EEAST and the culmination of a three-and-a-half-year journey made possible by the Trust's commitment to inclusion and innovation.
"When I commenced this brand-new role in 2023, I was given the opportunity to build something truly meaningful and used the power of dyslexic leadership to shape our journey. Since then, we have developed a comprehensive support service for neurodivergent staff and volunteers, helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for people to succeed.
"I am incredibly proud that EEAST is the first organisation in the UK to receive this award. Most importantly, it reflects the real difference this work is making to colleagues' lives. By helping people better understand their strengths and access the support they need, we are enabling them to flourish both personally and professionally, while bringing valuable benefits to the Trust and the patients we serve."
Ellen Broome, Chief Executive of the British Dyslexia Association, said:
"Huge congratulations to the East of England Ambulance Service for achieving the Gold Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Quality Mark. This is the result of three and a half years of hard work embedding dyslexia-friendly practices across the organisation, including having the UK's first dual-registered paramedic and specialist dyslexia teacher.
"This award demonstrates a real commitment to inclusion, helping employees reach their full potential. One in ten people are dyslexic, yet dyslexia is still widely misunderstood. By increasing awareness and adapting workplace practices, EEAST has created an environment where dyslexic employees can succeed and thrive."
The British Dyslexia Association's external assessment highlighted a range of initiatives that have helped make EEAST a leader in supporting neurodivergent staff, including:
- Implemented an in-house neurodivergent screening service to speed up access to support and reasonable adjustments
- Have a dyslexia champion who is a dual registered paramedic and specialist dyslexia teacher with British Dyslexia Association ATS status
- Dedicated specialist lecturer practitioner's, lecturer practitioners and apprenticeship outreach roles
- The development of an empowerment resource for all neurodivergent conditions- accessed by over 3,000 people since its creation in 2023
- Trained Workplace Needs Assessors and Visual Stress Assessors
- One-to-one support and tailored advice for staff
- Guidance on reasonable adjustments in recruitment, education and career development
- Specialist support for managers, trainers and educators
- A Disability Support Network
- Supporting access to assistive technology and the Access to Work scheme
- Support for staff wellbeing and inclusion
The award further strengthens EEAST's reputation as a leading inclusive employer and highlights its commitment to ensuring every member of staff can succeed, develop and deliver the very best care for patients across the East of England.
