EEAST honoured for ‘pioneering’ work to create inclusive workplace

The Inclusive Workplace award was handed to the ambulance service at the British Dyslexia Association Annual Awards and recognises the work in supporting neurodivergent staff at the Trust.

The award is for organisations which show commitment to inclusivity and creating an accommodating and supportive workplace for individuals with dyslexia.

In July, EEAST became the first organisation in the UK to achieve the silver quality mark with the British Dyslexia Association. It is now working towards the gold standard which it hopes it will achieve soon.

The Trust employs two specialist roles to support all neurodivergent staff, including those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

Their work includes:

• Providing one-to-one advice to neurodivergent staff on overcoming any challenges, including advice on appropriate reasonable adjustments.
• Offering a screening service to identify any potential specific learning difficulties.
• Offering specialist advice to the training and education team and managers.

Justin Honey-Jones and Emily Taylor – both registered paramedics – are the specialist lecturer practitioners (well-being and inclusion) who lead on the work and accepted the award on behalf of the Trust.

Also present at the awards, held at the Richmond Hill Hotel in Richmond Upon Thames, were EEAST’s chief of clinical operations, Melissa Dowdeswell, and Marika Stephenson, the Trust’s chief people officer and deputy chief executive.

Justin Honey-Jones was diagnosed as dyslexic at aged 34 when completing the paramedic academy at the London Ambulance Service.

This diagnosis changed his career trajectory and made him committed to ensuring that all neurodivergent should be supported to reach their potential.

He said:

“It was an honour to receive this award from the British Dyslexia Association which recognises our work in creating an inclusive workplace at EEAST.

“Our goal is to ensure all our neurodivergent people are supported throughout their career so that they can reach their full potential and have a career for life.

“On the award night I was celebrating my 10-year anniversary since joining the ambulance service and I am incredibly proud to have led this pioneering work as the trust’s dyslexia champion.”

Marika Stephenson, Chief People Officer and interim Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“It was great to be at the British Dyslexia Association annual awards to see Justin and Emily receive the Inclusive Workplace Award on behalf of the Trust.

“They are deeply committed to supporting our neurodivergent employees and students, empowering them to thrive and achieve their full potential. We are extremely proud that this has been recognised.

“We are truly leading the way in the support we provide and our work is being shared with other ambulance services and NHS Trusts around the UK.”