We want to know what support you would like to see within schools, how you could or would have been helped and what can be done now to make sure children with dyslexia have access to the education they need and deserve.

Therefore if you (or anyone you know) would be happy to share your experiences then please complete the survey below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DyslexiaAction

We would also like our beneficiaries and learners to complete the survey so if you work within a regional centre or have access to Dyslexia Action service users please share the survey with them. The information gathered from this survey will support our campaign... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:21:28 GMTGleny Heap, Head of Educational Development (Services), and Project Lead for Empowering Parents and Carers project writes:

'Dyslexia Action, the BDA, Springboard for Children and Helen Arkell have been working on a collaborative project, funded by the DfE and run through the Dyslexia SpLD Trust, to provide a wider reach to parents and carers of children and young people with dyslexia. In the first year the project has:

• Provided a series of evening drop-in surgeries in a variety of locations and venues, for parents and carers to speak in confidence to trained specialist teachers, helpline supporters, volunteers who support parents and other parents of children and young people with dyslexia.
• Delivered a number of Saturday awareness sessions and discussion workshops in the different locations and venues, for parents and carers to gain useful dyslexia related information and knowledge, and to be able to discuss issues wi... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 13:31:09 GMT If you do, please see below for the training courses and events on offer. There is plenty going on, so do please spread the word! 

Continuing Professional Development Courses
The training dept is running several short, online courses which are ideal for teachers and teaching assistants. Courses cover topics such as multisensory teaching, study skills, spelling, reading and writing as well as maths and an introduction to dyslexia. Start dates are in May and June and full details can be found at http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/cpdunitsandpackages  We will also be running an online ‘Summer School’ of CPD courses. More details to follow!

Exams Access Arrangements Course
The next online Exams Access Arrangements course for dyslexia specialists starts on Wed 18 April. Follow

Stephanie Anderson joins the Research Development and Policy team and writes:

 'Since joining Dyslexia Action as Policy Research Officer last month (March) I have begun to realise the enormity of what I am now involved with.
My first week included meeting some of the team at Park House which was essential for me to appreciate what a truly sincere and dedicated team I am fortunate to be part of.
After familiarising myself with the hub at Park House, I then found myself in a committee room at the House of Commons listening to dyslexia experts voicing their concerns, mainly in relation to the need for all teachers to be fully trained and to ensure children are diagnosed as early as possible so sufficient provision is made. That same w... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 14:45:26 GMTResearch Development and Policy by Dr John Rack.

This department is linking the three key areas of activity that its name suggests.  At the heart remains the knowledge and expertise about our subject area, which requires constant updating through research from both first and second hand sources.  We are strengthening what we do in this area through more active pursuit of research projects an... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:40:26 GMTTo find out more about our new Sticks & Stones campaign please click here for a detailed questions and answers document. 

Click here to view the artwork or here to read Kevin Geeson's letter.

  ]]>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:27:12 GMTDyslexia Action has teamed up with Each One Counts Charity Fundraising Recycling Scheme to help raise money by recycling inkjet/laser cartridges and mobile phones.

For each cartridge collected Dyslexia Action will receive £1. For mobile phones this will vary.

Recycling boxes are provided around Park House. Please feel free to collect and recycle any items you may also have home. Why not collect items from friends and family too. The more we recycle, the more money we raise.

Please note that it is entirely your responsibility to remove all personal data, SIM cards and memory cards from your mobile phone before placing in the box. We do not hold any responsibility for personal data left on mobile phones nor do we hold any responsibility for the security, protection, confidentiality or use of such data.

In the next couple of weeks we will have recycling boxes delivered to all our Centres so they can get involved too.


Tue, 15 May 2012 12:22:30 GMTA preferential rate of £70 for the Dyslexia Guild Summer Conference 2012 is being offered to staff.

The Conference, entitled Improving Achievement for Learners with Dyslexia, takes place on Thursday 28 June 2012 at Nottingham University, Jubilee Campus.

We are very pleased to announce our keynote speakers, Dr Joni Holmes from Cambridge University who will be presenting a paper on Working Memory and Learning Difficulties.

We are also delighted that Dr Lindsay Peer CBE, Educational and Chartered Psychologist, will be speaking on “The Role and Influence of the Dyslexia Specialist in the Mainstream Classroom” and is recognised as an expert in the range of specific learning difficulties, SEN and was appointed CBE for services to Education and Dyslexia. She published the first groundbreaking book linki... ]]>Tue, 01 May 2012 12:37:25 GMTNew Employee should be initiated by the line manager of the employee that is commencing employment. When the line manager has completed SECTION 1 the checklist should be  emailed to:   starters&leavers@dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

When an employee is due to leave employment, the managers checklist for an Employee leaver should be initiated by the line manager of the employee that is commencing employment. When the line manager has completed SECTION 1 the checklist should be  emailed to:   starters&leavers@dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:49:04 GMT
if you have a query regarding the assessment procedure please discuss it initially with your line manager.
If you still have a query please contact the Assessment Services Operations Manager via bmillington@dyslexiaaction.org.uk

Click on any of the following titles to access the document that you need.   
  
Enquiry booking form

Terms and conditions (short version)

Terms and conditions (full version) 

Hello Everyone

I suspect that 2012 will be a very busy year for us all – it has certainly started with a bang! I can't remember the number of people I have spoken to who say that they have been really busy during the last few months, I guess that’s been true of us all. So what have I been up to? I have been working on a number of things some of which are: 

• I have spent time working on the new JCQ regulations for access to extra time in exams for dyslexic students. This year the JCQ have amended the regulations which could disadvantage bright dyslexic students. As you will guess we're not very happy about this! Nor are many parents who have spoken to us. 
  
   
• So we've been working to try and change their mind during December and January. This has me... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 18:33:45 GMTHello Everyone, 
  
  Kevin, Jane and I thought it would be great to share some of our work with you. As a rather diverge organisation it is difficult to get to grips with what everyone is doing but it is really important that we try to bridge this. Therefore i'd like to share what i've been up to with you.
  
  One of the things that I value most about my role at Dyslexia Action is that I meet so many people who are dedicated to improving the lives of others, not only directly through teaching and assessing in the Centres but also through projects, delivering technology, training and providing tools for learners and teachers.
  
  Last week I worked at Park House for two days, largely looking at how we will measure our impact and how we might better ‘tell our story’, but also with Phil Worml... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 21:30:27 GMT
  Line managers will invite departing employees to complete an Exit questionnaire before they complete their final day of employment.
  The departing employee will be given the option to either return the completed questionnaire to their line manager, or instead, they may send the completed questionnaire to the Human Resources Manager. ]]>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:49:20 GMTOur Postgraduate Course structure has changed and we are now offering the Postgraduate Courses in a ‘modular’ format starting April 2012.

  For further details see http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/Postgrad

  Any enquiries should be directed to pgmail@dyslexiaaction.org.uk or 01784-222304

   

  ]]>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:11:00 GMT
  Dyslexia Action is pleased to announce it is working with ITV’s Breakfast show Daybreak to support its Get Britain Reading Campaign. The campaign which will was launched today (Monday 27th February) during the live show will include a week of television promotional features and will provide a platform for the year- long campaign.  You can watch the launch of the week by clicking here! 
  
  The television promotion will feature a programme on dyslexia including live filming at one of Dyslexia Action’s Partnership for Literacy schools and interviews with Nottingham centre’s Judi Carruthers and one of her students. This will be aired on Tuesday 2... ]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:39:28 GMTThe Executive team, supported by the Board of Trustees believe that the new logo reflects the new strategic direction of the organisation and communicates more clearly that we are a charity that takes action to change the lives of people with dyslexia. Phil Wormley, Head of Fundraising, and Kerry Bennett, Marketing and Communications Manager plan to talk about the change to our brand when they meet with staff at regional staff meetings in the coming weeks and months. 
  
  In the meantime please visit our website to view the new logo and do start to use it, forwarding it on to any third parties that may wish to use it in place of the old version.
  The new logo will be used online and our offline materials will gradually be changed as and when we reprint our headed letter paper and other publications, so as to reduce cost and limit waste, so please continue to use current literature, letterheads and/or business cards.
  
  
  

   

  ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:19 GMTWe have appointed a Head of HR to work with Carmel Collins in providing HR support. On the recruitment panel Jane Crumpton-Taylor was joined by Paul Keenleyside and Jo Mahler. They unanimously and enthusiastically chose Matthew Wilkie who will start on 28^th February.
  
  Matthew has 25 years of HR experience, more recently working for medium sized commercial organisations with comparable numbers of employees to us. Like us those people have been spread over a wide area. His most recent role was with an airline and his
  experience of working with pilots will be valuable when it comes to working with teachers- two different sorts of highly skilled professionals.
  
  The HR team will be taking over responsibility for Internal Communications from Fundraising and Marketing. There will be a short handover period but now is a good time to thank Phil and team and particularly Becky Endacott for covering th... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 21:17:02 GMT
  
  Finance documents:
  
  Reports and Financial Statements 2011  
  
  Financial information and FAQS 2012  
  
  
  Governing documents:
  
  Artciles of Association 
  
  Certificates of Incorporation
  
  Memorandum an... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 10:46:03 GMTThis request is being made due to the end of tax year work commitment.
   
   
  ]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:31:56 GMTDyslexia Action is committed to integrating environmental best practice into all its business activities. Dyslexia Action accepts its environmental responsibilities and recognises its obligation to reduce the impact of business activities on the environment.
  We will achieve this through a policy of continual improvement in environmental performance.
  
  Click here to view and/or downl... ]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:38:20 GMT
  You can contact the team by email or by visiting the helpdesk.
  
  Tim Donne IT Manager
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Wasim Khan IT Support Engineer
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Email
  Website
  Internet
  Security
  Data protection
  Hardware purchase and usag... ]]>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:34:57 GMTOverview and objectives.
  
  This policy is in place to define the time off in lieu system and to set down guidelines for its implementation.
  'Time off in lieu' is time off that is taken instead of overtime pay by employees working beyond their contractual hours.

  Dyslexia Action recognises that it is not always possible for employees to work only their contractual hours. However, Dyslexia Action also has a duty to protect the health and safety of its employees by ensuring that they do not work too many hours and that they are recompensed if it is necessary for them to work extra hours.
  Where possible, Dyslexia Action encourages its employees to take time off in lieu for overtime worked. However, employees will be allowed to take overtime pay unless stated otherwise in their terms and conditions of employment. Overtime will be paid to employees if they have obtained the prior agreement of their line manager.
  
  Accrual of t... ]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:26:16 GMTA time off in lieu  policy has been established with effect from 1st February 2012. 
  You can find it under Staff Stuff on DAVE. Do take the opportunity to read the policy. It's introduction supports the need to  to balance the operational needs of Dyslexia Action with the health and safety of it's most important asset.....YOU!
  In addition, it provides clear guidelines regarding the accrual and redemption of time off in lieu (TOIL)... ]]>Tue, 01 May 2012 12:58:42 GMTOrganisation and Arrangements for Safety

  
  General
  
  1.  In accordance with our Health and Safety Policy dated Jan 12, Dyslexia Action recognises its legal responsibility to provide and maintain working conditions that are safe and healthy and comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice issued by the Health and Safety Inspectorate.  The primary management tool to ensure this is achieved is by conducting regular risk assessments of the working environment, identifying hazards and regularly reviewing this process.  

  
  2. The Centre General Risk Assessments have been reviewed for 2012 and are held collaboratively in a shared Risk Assessment folder using the Dropbox application.

  
  Dyslexia Action Centres
  
  3.  Centre Managers and their staff have access to their risk assessment which is a live document and must be kept up to date and be relevant t... ]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:25:53 GMT 
  Employers have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees as far as is reasonably practicable, which includes providing safe systems, a safe place of work and suitable arrangements for employees' welfare.
  This policy outlines Dyslexia Action’s rules on lone working and the procedure to be followed to reduce the health and safety risks associated with working alone.
  
  A lone worker is a person who is required to work alone or unsupervised for significant periods of time.
  Dyslexia Action will avoid the need for employees to work alone where reasonably practicable.
  Where lone working is necessary, Dyslexia Action will take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of employees working alone.
   Dyslexia Action will ensure that a risk assessment is conducted and that arrangements are in place prior to employees working alone.
  
  ... ]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:43:09 GMTFrom mid-November to the end of December the staff teams in the four East Midlands Centres (Derby, Nottingham, Stone and Leicester) took part in a re-structuring process to create the Operations pilot area. The idea had been presented at the Training events held in October 2011and the cluster pilot forms part of the new Development Plan. 
  
  The first thing to say is that everyone involved has been incredibly helpful despite the process being very challenging at times. As with all new things there has been a lot of learning and a lot of constructive suggestions were made throughout that will improve future processes. 
  
  The current landscape
  
  Jo Mahler has bee... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 12:12:32 GMTHappy New year everyone! As some of you may know, the Fundraising and Marketing departments have recently undergone a restructure. This is an overview of what has happened and what this may mean for you, your department and the charity.
  
  A re-structure took place before Christmas, which involved bringing two existing teams together and ensuring that the department reflects the new direction of travel for the organisation.
  
  At the beginning of 2011 both departments had a combined head count of 11 people and after the restructure the department has a head count of 12 people of which 8 are in post. 
  
  This new department is called the Fundraising and Marketing Department and is being headed up by Phil Wormley. Some jobs ceased to ... ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:11:57 GMTWhat is Load2Learn? 
  
  Load2Learn is a web based resource which provides access to key curriculum materials that can be downloaded in different formats to suit the personal reading needs of learners. Load2Learn is a ground breaking two year project funded by the Department for Education and led by Dyslexia Action and partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
  
  Dyslexia Action is managing the project and is also developing the training materials and providing the specialist marketing experience needed to drive the project. We have recently received notice that having met all the performance criteria for the first year we will receive the second set of grant – over half a million pounds – to complete the project and make it self-sustaining f... ]]>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:43:26 GMTDyslexia Action now has a department dedicated to the development of Units of Sound (UofS). The UofS Development team will be managed by Margaret Rooms who is now Head of the UofS Developement team formed by Scott, Lesley, Fiona and Karl. 
  
  This progression means that the team can concentrate on development and training for the programme and not be side-tracked into working on other projects or areas of Dyslexia Action’s multi-faceted work. As with new developments there are some exciting projects planned for the team and the organisation over the next few years: 
  
  

  • UofS in the cloud is already underway and will transform the way students access the programme. Instead of loading it on school networks it will be hos... ]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:18:05 GMT
    Beryl's letter
    
    I have been a volunteer at the Wilmslow Centre, one morning a week for the last 4 terms.  My focus is to raise awareness of Dyslexia Action and the centre locally.As you will already know, being successful takes a lot of time and hard graft.  So, if you need to save time and be as effective as po... ]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:54:30 GMTMon, 09 Jan 2012 15:58:53 GMT
    dave@dyslexiaaction.org.uk  
    
    Your questions will be answered as soon as possible. 
    
      ]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:05:58 GMTFree Resources for Specialist Teachers

    Digit Memory Test
    Click here for the Digit Memory Test revised by Martin Turner and Jacky Ridsdale 6 Oct 2004

    The Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (2004)
    Click here for the WRAT4 Regression Table, revised by Dr Barry Johnson 6 Dec 2011. This can be used across pairs of tests with different correlation coefficients

    These test are both now available for free on the Training website from the Dyslexia Guild page http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/guild

    ]]>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:25:08 GMTKenny Logan and hosted by his wife, sports presenter Gabby Logan. The event was extremely successful and raised £150k in funding. It also recognised the achievements of those affected by dyslexia, as well as thanking those who have made a real difference to those with dyslexia.  
    
    For more information on the Awards Dinner including pictures and informaton on all honourees please click here. 
    
    ]]>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:28:35 GMTThis years Young Persons Award went to Bath centres It's ME! Learning Fund student Kimberley Ward who is 16, and has been attending tuition with the centres Teresa Steele and Emma Downes for 2 years. 
    
    Teresa Steele, who was Kimberley’s first Dyslexia Action teacher, comments: “Kimberley was reserved and quiet when she started; she had low self-esteem and was desperate for help, although hardly believing that she could be helped. Kim never made excuses and was a very rewarding student to work with. She sets high standards for herself and is prepared to put in the effort needed to achieve them. She absolutely deserves to have her efforts recogised and I am very proud of her.”
    
    Kimberley was chosen for her determina... ]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:17:48 GMTBritish Dyslexia Association (BDA) has recently initiated a petition to make dyslexia/SpLD training mandatory to Initial Teacher Training (ITT). The petition comes as a result of findings of the 2009 Rose Review in which Sir Jim Rose recommended that ITT should include mandatory dyslexia/SpLD training.
    
    Dyslexia Action supports this petition and welcomes the introduction of mandatory dyslexia/SpLD training during ITT. Accurate training would provide teachers with the necessary skills and resources to provide those with dyslexia with the skills, confidence and learning they need to take them through life. 
    
    In order for it to be raised in the House of Commons, the petition has to be signed by 100,000 people by October 2012. Th... ]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:17:04 GMT
    It is difficult to predict how long this stock will last so we rely on your feedback to know how many you need! If you need more please contact Park House Reception before your stock gets too low.
    
    Where possible please save on priniting and postage by sending the digital datasheets which can be found here.  ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 12:16:15 GMTIt is imperative that all staff are aware of possible dangers to the health and safety of all persons which exist in the workplace and that every effort is made to prevent accidentsThe purpose of the Health and Safety Policy is to ensure Dyslexia Action meets its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

    Any reference to the Centre Principal or Manager applies equally to other senior staff in charge of places of work. Any reference to a Centre is intended to apply to any place of work under the control of Dyslexia Action. This policy also applies to all places where Dyslexia Action Staff may work.

     

    Doubts about interpretation of these arrangements should be raised to the Facilities Manager who has responsibility for the management for health and safety within Dyslexia Action.
    
    
    Click here to view and/or download the curret Health and Safet... ]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:27:57 GMT
    Annual Leave forms are not available on DAVE because they are individually calculated. Apologies for any communication suggesting otherwise.
    
    You should already have an up to date annual leave form however if you have any queries about this please contact your line manager. 
    
    
      ]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:39:14 GMTAll expense claims should be made promptly and should be sent to arrive in Finance by the 20th of each month. Claims should be made on one of the following expense claim forms and should be authorised by the relevant line manager. 
    
    

    •        Expense Claim Form. 
    •        Training Expense Claim Form. (Training department employees only)
    •        External Personnel Expense Claim Form.
    ]]>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:27:12 GMTIntroduction
    
    
    1. It is imperative that all staff are aware of possible dangers to the health and safety of all persons which exist in the workplace and that every effort is made to prevent accidents.
    2. The purpose of the Health and Safety Policy is to ensure Dyslexia Action meets its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all
    3. Any reference to the Centre Principal or Manager applies equally to other senior staff in charge of places of work. Any reference to a Centre is intended to apply to any place of work under the control of Dyslexia Action. This policy also applies to all places where Dyslexia Action Staff may work.
    4. Doubts about interpretation of these arrangements should be raised to the Facilities Manager who has responsibility for the management for health and safety within Dyslexia Action.
    
    Responsibilities
    
    Wed, 16 May 2012 14:55:47 GMT20% discount on ALL our training courses! http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/ will take you to the Training home page and where you will find links to all the courses we run. If you would like to book on a course, please contact trainingcourses@dyslexiaaction.org.uk or call 01784 222 304 as it is not possible for you to book online. ]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:07:52 GMTDyslexia Awareness Week (DAW)! 
    
    
    This week is a chance for us to raise even more awareness of dyslexia and really focus on generating understanding of our cause. It is also a chance for us to reach more people. Therefore this year our 26 support centres are hosting a variety of events from open days to WRAT testing sessions!
    
    This week is a chance for you to find out more about dyslexia, maybe you think you or someone you know has dyslexia? It doesn't matter what the reason is, we want to hear from you! During DAW we will keep you updated with information, so be sure to check this site and our Facebook and The Bribery Act 2010 came into force from 1 July 2011.

    
    Definition

    Bribery is the accepting of gifts, money, hospitality or other favours in return for providing something of value to the briber. The purpose of this policy is to set out the rules that must be followed in Dyslexia Action to ensure that no bribery occurs.

    
    For the purposes of this policy the reference to an ‘individual’ means an employee (including a Chief Executive), a volunteer, shareholding member, a Board member, or Chair of Board of Dyslexia Action. 

    
    Reporting lines

    Employee or volunteer: Immediate line manager.
    Chief Executive: Board member.
    Board or shareholding member: Chair of the Board.
    Chair of Board: Treasurer of the Board.

    
    Unacceptable behaviour

    The following behaviour is unacceptable, and must not occur in Dyslexia Action:

    • acc... ]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:26:58 GMTThe great thing about it is that the chosen charity effectively gets more than the employee gives it because the donation is paid before salary is taxed. This means that if an employee gives, say, £10 to a charity, and that employee is on the lowest tax band, only £8 will be deducted from the employee's take-home pay. If the employee is a higher rate taxpayer, the incentives are even greater.

    Charities can claim back the tax later through Gift Aid on ordinary donations, but this costs them time and money, resources that could otherwise be put towards furthering their aims. Also, charities can only claim back at the lowest tax band, so if an employee is a high earner, GAYE is more tax efficient.

    Giving regularly through GAYE, rather ... ]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:25:17 GMT
    Amendments to the policy, its procedures and expense levels should only be made by the Head of Finance & Corporate Operations. 
    
    The objectives of the policy are to:
    
    

    •  provide regular reimbursements to employees
    • control costs
    • prevent fraud
    • ensure that the Dyslexia Action complies with its tax and legal obligations
    
    Employees will be reimbursed through the monthly payroll for all reasonable expenses  incurred on authorised business in... ]]>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:37:33 GMT
    If you require access please contact IT Support.
    
    For instructions on how to update the site you can download a copy of the instruction manual here.
    
    The video below contains further instruction on using the read more function within posts.
    
    
    
    
    You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYGUgznV1_s
    
    ]]>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:44:32 GMT
    
    ]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:06:32 GMTDyslexia Action is looking for volunteers to assist on the Help a Capital Child Learning Room Project, which aims to support young people aged 12-16 years, who want to improve their reading and spelling.  The literacy support sessions will take place after school hours at our Dyslexia Action London centre, based in Judd Street, King's Cross.
    
    For full details click here.
    ]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:06:44 GMTOn Sunday 6 November, for one night only, eight internationally renowned modern drummers will take their turn to perform classic big band arrangements with the 15 piece Pete Cater Big Band.
    
    The profits will go to Dyslexia Action and the Teenage Cancer Trust charities.  Click here for full details.
    ]]>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:28:07 GMT
    The challenge to row 26 marathons in 36 days certainly proved to be both a physical and mental test, far greater than I imagined. On many levels this tested me to the fullest, however, confident in the many hours of training I’d put in, I knew if I remained focussed and just kept rowing I would make it to the end. The end was in fact 1,097,070 metres, 681 miles or the equivalent of rowing from London to Oslo!
    
    The aim of the challenge was to raise as much money as possible for Dyslexia Action. I am tremendously grateful to all those that gifted their money to support me and this generosity has raised an astonishing £11,445. A special thank you to all centre staff and volunteers who have given their time and imagination to helping raise su... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 10:48:00 GMT
    The scheme in a nutshell:
     
    Dyslexia Action will pay the equivalent of 3% of your salary into your plan within the scheme each month. You must match this with a personal contribution of a minimum of 3% from your gross monthly pay. 
    You, however, only pay 80% of this amount, with the other 20% being paid into your pension scheme via tax relief.
    
    For example, if a member has a salary of £20,000 then Dyslexia Action’s 3% contribution would be a monthly payment of £50.
    The member pays 3% from their pay, which would be £40. 
    With tax relief this is worth £50, so the full monthly investment in the plan is actually £100.
    You can choose to pay a higher percentage of personal contribution, or a fixed sum greater than the 3% of salary if you wish.  The cont... ]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:04:25 GMT
    A volunteer is a person who gives freely of his/her time, skills and experience without expectation of financial reward.
    
    Volunteering can take many forms. Some tasks require particular skills whereas others require none. Volunteering may be for a limited time to complete a particular project or may be on an ongoing basis.
    Dyslexia action recognises the immense benefits that volunteers bring to the organisation, and the bridges that they build between it and the local community. In return Dyslexia Action hopes to give its volunteers an opportunity to exercise their skills in a different environment and to undertake new experiences.
    Dyslexia Action tries to offer a range of volunteering opportunities and, in accordance with its equal opportunities policy, to ensure that the op... ]]>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:38:26 GMTDyslexia Action believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or vulnerable adult to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, or vulnerable adults by a commitment to a practice which protects them.
    Its safeguarding practices apply to both children, and vulnerable adults.
    
    

    Purpose of the policy
    To provide protection for the children and vulnerable adults who receive Dyslexia Action’s services.
    To provide its employees, workers, volunteers and trustees with guidance on the procedure they should follow in the event that they suspect a child or vulnerable adult may be experiencing or be at risk of harm.
    
    

    Definitions
    A child is defined as a person under the age of 18.
    A vulnerable adult is defined as a person aged eighteen or over, who has either a dependency upon others in the performance of, or a requirement for as... ]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:44:06 GMT
    It aims to ensure that all those working for or with Dyslexia Action, or who carry out or receive tuition, assessment, training, or who seek support or guidance, receive equal treatment regardless of gender, sexual orientation, perceived sexuality, age, marital status, ethnic origin, nationality, religious or political belief, colour, culture, disability or education, or membership or non-membership of a trade union.
    
    (A more detailed statement of Equal Opportunities related to employment with Dyslexia Action can be found in the Employment Handbook).
    
    The overall responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the ethos of this statement lies with the Chief Executive of Dyslexia Action, but it is the responsibility of each ind... ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:30:55 GMTBGL Group Limited, located just down the road from the Centre. 
    ]]>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:50:16 GMTThe Department for Education has announces new phonics check for six year olds. Results from the DfE’s summer trial suggest that a test of this style will provide early identification of those not making progress by this early stage.
    
    Click here to read Dyslexia Action's response.
    ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 18:29:38 GMTDr Max Blumberg, a a Chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society and Research Fellow at Goldsmiths University and Dyslexia Action are running focus groups across the country to find out your thoughts and opinions on dyslexia and services for dyslexia in the UK. For full detail click here.
    ]]>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:07:27 GMT
    Margaret Rooms will be cutting down her days for the remainder of 2011 but remain as Head of Educational Development (Units of Sound) and, of course, providing support and counsel to the Senior Team within the organisation.
    
    I am pleased to confirm that Glenys Heap, currently Director of CPD, is to be the interim Head of Educational Development (Projects) from September 2011 to February 2012 working 0.8 in this role, and continuing her linkage into Training for the remaining day.  This will enable us to continue to deliver a range of exciting projects and initiatives. Glenys has a wealth of experience in Centre management, training and project delivery and brings a huge amount to the role. As Glenys says;
    
    ‘In this role I am looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with the Regions and Centres through the delivery of the P4L Packages, a... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:41:11 GMTAt the meeting Kevin Geeson, CEO, Paul Keenleyside, Director of Services and Jane Crumpton-Taylor, Director of Corporate Services outlined their vision for Dyslexia Action’s future. Their strategy will take us to 2016 with an immediate focus on an interim Business Plan for 2011-13. They have all spent their time since joining Dyslexia Action in listening to a wide range of people both inside and outside the charity about issues and barriers and this is the distillation of that process.
    
    The vision will involve change to position Dyslexia Action to have a greater impact with more beneficiaries. They all agree that we have great values and there is a lot of excellent work throughout the organisation. We now need to look at new ways of delivering our services. Key to this is a change in emphasis; we focus on finance... ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:12:56 GMTYou may be required to complete a monthly timesheet, so that the payroll team can cost your salary to the correct accounting area.
    This ensures that accurate financial reporting can take place and that expenditure can be carefully managed and monitored on a monthly basis.
     
    There are currently 4 timesheets in use.
    
    

    1. A Teaching and Service delivery timesheet.
    2. A Training department timesheet.
    3. A Psychology department timesheet.
    4. A general timesheet.
    
    If you are ... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 12:34:46 GMT
    The impressions made when someone starts working for Dyslexia Action have a lasting impact on how they see and understand the culture and ways of working of the organisation.
    
    Our managers take the responsibility of induction seriously and they undertake and complete inductions promptly.
    An investment of time made at the beginning of an individual's employment ensures that they become productive as swiftly as possible and prevents them from leaving within an unnacceptably short period of time.
    
    Dyslexia Action recognises that without an effective induction, individuals get off to a bad start and never really understand Dyslexia Action as an organisation, or their role in it.
    This can lead to poor integration into a team, a loss of productivit... ]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:01:55 GMTGiving references
    
    References appertaining to Dyslexia Action's current or former employees may be provided by:
    
    
    • Heads of Department.
    • Executive team.
    • Regional Managers
    • Human Resources Manager
    
    No other person in Dyslexia Action is permitted to provide a written reference about a current or former employee.
    The person providing a reference has a duty of care towards the subject of the reference and it is important therefore, that any requests for references must not state a personal opinion about the employee or former employee's performance or conduct.
    Before providing a reference, facts must be thoroughly checked and sources of information verified.
    If there is any doubt over the accuracy of a particular statement, it must not be included in a reference.
    The  inclusion of additional positive information is acceptable, provided it is objective and justifiable.
    Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:42:45 GMTEnsure that the individual provides original identification documents as soon as possible and complete an Identification for CRB Disclosure Check and email it to the Disclosure Administrator immediately
    Procedure
    
    • The individual provides original identification documents (photocopies will not be acceptable) to the manager.  (The document options can be found on the Identification for CRB Disclosure Check form).
    • If the individual cannot provide some or all of the identification documents required, the manager should seek further advice on alternative identification documents from the Disclosure Administrator in Head Office.
    Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:39 GMT
    The policy provides guidelines and establishes procedures for obtaining checks
    on persons representing or working with, or for, the organisation.
    Amendments to the policy or  procedure should only be made by the Human Resources Manager.
    
    The objectives of the policy are to:
    •    Protect children and vulnerable adults in the care of the organisation.
    •    Provide information and guidance to managers responsible for carrying out checks.
    •    Ensure that Dyslexia Action complies with its child/vulnerable adult protection obligations.
    
    The existence of the Disclosure Service checks is not regarded as a substitute for any of the full range of existing pre-appointment checks, including taking up references and enquiring into a person’s ... ]]>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:22:54 GMTEmployment Handbook is part of an employee's 'Terms of Employment'. It's purpose is to inform and help employees to understand the way in which Dyslexia Action works.
    
    The provision of the Employment Handbook may be altered by Dyslexia Action as occasion requires or as legislation demands. Such legislative changes as are mandatory on Dyslexia Action will be deemed to take effect as at the effective date of the legislation.
    
    If any of the details expressed in the Handbook should be unclear or an employee has any queries to raise, they should not hesitate to do so with their immediate line manager or the Human Resources Manager based at Head Office.
    
    
    ]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:42:28 GMT
    Methods used to attract suitable internal and external candidates include:
    
    The Job Opportunities area of Dyslexia Action website
    Employee intranet (DAVE)                          
    Employee notice boards
    Word of mouth              
    Employment Agencies
    Professional magazines                  
    Recruitment websites                   &nb... ]]>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:39:58 GMTThe simplest method of writing a person specification is to think in terms of the technical skills, qualifications and knowledge that a candidate will need to be able to carry out the tasks listed in the job description, and categorise these requirements as either essential to be able to carry out the job, or as requirements which are not essential but which would be desirable.
    
    
    Click on Person Specification to view an example.
    
    
    
    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:09:32 GMTDyslexia Action has several standard job descriptions for standard job roles.
    If a new role is required, a job analysis is undertaken, gathering together data about the job, the activities to be performed and the skills required to carry out the job. From this analysis,  a job description is prepared.
    
    Job descriptions can be found with every vacancy advertised on the Job Opportunities area of the organisational website.
    Every employee who works for Dyslexia Action should have an up-to-date job description.
    
    Click on Job description to view an example
    
    
    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:13:13 GMT
    Dyslexia Action will support its employees with guidance and training where necessary, to enable them to achieve and maintain standards of conduct, dress, attendance and job performance.
    
    Employees are expected to recognise that Dyslexia Action relies on trust between its employees and its clients, the majority of whom are young people and vulnerable adults. Any action, whether it be at work or outside work, which could affect that trust may be viewed as a breach of the code of conduct.
    
    Employees are required to observe the correct Health and Safety procedures.
    
    Teaching in Dyslexia Action is intensive and requires careful preparation and planning. It is important that teachers develop trust and confidence in their pupils and are mindful of their responsibilities to bene... ]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:22:12 GMTEmployment Handbook is to inform and help employees to understand the way in which Dyslexia Action works.
    
    The provisions of the Employment Handbook may be altered by Dyslexia Action as occasion requires or as legislation demands. Such legislative changes as are mandatory on Dyslexia Action will be deemed to take effect as at the effective date of the legislation.
    
    If any of the items in the Handbook should be unclear or an employee has any question to raise, they should not hesitate to do so with their immediate line manager or the Human Resources Manager
    
    ]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:56:26 GMTThe line manager should immediately complete an Absence Record for the absent employee.
    
    
     When completing an Absence Record, attention should be paid to the following:
    
    
    1. The reason for the absence must be stated on the record, e.g. operation, accident, influenza, common cold, sick child, car breakdown.
    2. It is important that employees understand that the Absence Record should be completed for ALL types of absence, not only absences related to sickness.
    3. Details must be completed for each day or part day of absence.
    4. Details should state the amount of hours missed due to absence per day.
    5. Teaching absences should state the number of tea... ]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:57:50 GMTThu, 23 Jun 2011 11:04:52 GMTWe have recently teamed up with Weread4you, an exciting new online retailer of Audio Books with thousands of titles to chose from, from J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to Watership Down and The Tales of Beatrix Potter.  There is something for everyone.
       
       To get this new partnership off to a great start, when you have finished shopping go to the basket, enter voucher code da25 and click the Validate Code button and you will receive 25% off the total plus £1 from every book bought will be donated to Dyslexia Action.
       
       Visit
       Calculations for vehicles of different kinds (a car and a motor cycle, for example) are kept separate. All excess payments must be reported, even if you are entitled to mileage allowance
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       ]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:29:38 GMT
       Your employer is responsible for advising HMRC of the amount and tax is normally collected via your PAYE tax code. If you receive a tax return, you are responsible for including the same amount on the return. If you are paid less than the tax-free amount, you are entitled to Mileage Allowance Relief for the amount by which the payments you received fall short.
       
       For example, if the maximum is 40p per mile for work journeys in your car and your employer only pays you 36p per mile, you are entitled to additional tax relief of 4p per mile. ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 15:13:19 GMTAll such expenses have been taken into account in determining the rates above. ]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:32:00 GMTYou can find the current rates below:
       
       
       

       From 2002/03	First 10,000 business miles in the tax year	Each business mile over 10,000 in the tax year
       Cars and vans	40p	25p
       Motor cycles	24p	24p

       ]]>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:10:38 GMT
       They include, for example, delivering goods or making calls to customers. If you are visiting a customer you can only claim the excess of miles over your normal commuting journey; in other words it is the incremental miles only that are Business miles.
       
       Any private journeys unrelated to work are not included. Nor are journeys to and from your usual place of work (commuting journeys), even if you call at a client’s on the way (unless the journey is significantly different from your usual commuting journey). ]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:43:23 GMT
       
       • made to you personally (not those made to someone else on your behalf)
       • for expenses related to your use of your own vehicle for work journeys
       • within a limit fixed by law which is based on your business mileage.
       All other payments related to your own vehicle (including those made to someone else on your behalf) are taxed as earnings in the normal way.
       
       The rules for National Insurance are slightly different, but your employer is responsible for working out any amounts which you are entitled to receive without paying NI contributions. Under these rules there is a maximum amount that can be paid free of NICs. In simple terms, as long as an employee claims mileage of up to a maximum of 10,000 miles in any one tax year and is paid a maximum of 40p per mile then no NICs are due.
       
       
       ]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:29:57 GMTOur new CEO Kevin has now taken the helm. We asked him for some comments for Action News:
       
       I find it difficult to find the right words to describe how immensely honoured I feel to be entrusted to take up from where Shirley has left off. I have spent my first few weeks soaking up Shirley’s wisdom, and I am very lucky that she has been extremely generous and patient with me. I am very aware that Shirley leaves a big hole in the organisation, and extremely large boots to fill.  With your help I will do my best to make sure we build on the successes to date so we can continue to be proud of Dyslexia Action as the future unfolds.
       
       Starting this job is like being on a voyage ... ]]>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:02:27 GMT
       Cars are either disposed of, and the value of the scrap metal donated, or placed into an auction, and the sale price donated. To donate a car to Dyslexia Action please click here and it will lead directly to our page on the Giveacar website.
       ]]>Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:26:28 GMTIt's ME Learning Fund (the new bursary fund) so we have introduced a new award  'The It's ME! Choice Award' which will be decided by the public.
       
       We have had a great response so far with Nominees including Mollie King (from the Saturdays), Kara Tointon, Johnathan Ansell, Jamie Oliver, Max Irons, Charley Boorman, Ross Noble and other dyslexic celebrities. So if there is a dyslexic celebrity who has particularly inspired you or any of your students please do send in your nominations.
       
       Nominations can be submitted via Twitter using hashtag #itsmechoiceaward or Via our
       This is a fantastic achievement and means that we are reaching large numbers of people that we may otherwise never engage with, this is an increasingly important channel of communication both for fundraising and for parents and dyslexic learners who are looking for our services.
       
       If you use Facebook or Twitter please be sure to follow us and support Dyslexia Action and the It's ME! Appeal.
       
       Click to see Dyslexia Action on Facebook or Twitter.
       
       Click to see It's ME! on Facebook or
       Subscriptions for such memberships should not be paid by you the employee.
       
       Instead, you should contact the professional body and request that it invoices Dyslexia Action direct for the membership fee.
       
       In some cases, subscriptions paid may be taxable and you should be aware that he/she may bear the additional cost. ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:48:36 GMT
       The card should be used to pay for business travel expenses, other business related expenses, but not for any personal expenses.
       
       The cardholder is responsible for submitting their authorised claim along with receipts to reach the Finance department no later than the 1st Friday of the following month. Continuous late claims will result in the card being withdrawn.
       ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:48:11 GMT
       If, however,  you are not linked or attached to any specific Dyslexia Action location, you may claim stationary and IT consumables on your monthly expense claim form rather than through the normal purchasing ordering system. In this circumstance you may claim up to a maximum of £50 per monthly claim. ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:47:46 GMT
       Where significant business is conducted from a private address authorisation will be given to install a separate business line and the bill will be addressed directly to Dyslexia Action.
       
       Dyslexia Action will in these circumstances pay the rental and all calls plus VAT.
       ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:47:04 GMT ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:46:45 GMTClaims for overnight expenses may be made only where an overnight stay is unavoidable and with the prior agreement of your line manager. You will be expected to use hotels with tariffs that are in line with Travelodge tariffs.

       If you make arrangements to stay overnight with friends or relatives, this should be authorised in advance by your line manager. In this event, you may claim £30 for each overnight stay. This amount should be claimed on your salary claim form as it is liable to tax and National insurance deductions.

       ]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:46:17 GMT
    6. You can only claim mileage or other travel costs for work journeys which have to be made in the course of doing your job.
    • Your main place of work is wherever you carry out the majority of your duties for Dyslexia Action on a regular basis.
    • The cost of journeys to and from your main place of work to your home should not be claimed.
    • Only if your main place of work is your home (and this is stipulated in your contract) can you claim the expense of travelling to and from a site which you have to visit to carry out your job.
    • Standard rail fare will be paid but it is expected that you will try to obtain the most economic train fare for example off-peak, super off-peak or advanced booking when planning your journey. See www.nationalrail.co.uk
    • Motor mileage all... ]]>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:36:01 GMT
      For audit purposes original receipts are required for reimbursement of expenses. You will be informed of any additional documentation required from time to time.
      ]]>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:30:07 GMTWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:26:23 GMTWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:26:22 GMTWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:23:43 GMTWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:23:16 GMTWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:22:46 GMTThe following three documents form the application pack for submission to the Allocations Committee:

       

      • The Application Form– Centres should ensure that the application is correctly completed and that proof of income, rental, mortgage etc is attached.
      
      Itsme_learning_fund_application_form.pdf

       

       

      •  The Assessment Report – An assessment by an Educational Psychologist or a Teacher’s Educational Assessment is required to confirm the severity of dyslexia and the requirement for remedial tuition. ( For application for tuition only)

       

      • The Learning Fund s... ]]>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:55:03 GMTWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:54:57 GMTWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:54:59 GMTWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMTWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:55:05 GMTWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:55:09 GMT
        Key Strategic Objectives
        
        Communications Strategy ]]>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:55:18 GMT