In 2013 Halfpenny Development Ltd conducted pioneering research on dyslexia awareness in SMEs across Europe with the Employment Research Institute at Edinburgh Napier University. This presentation shows the survey results on workplace dyslexia provision in SMEs and a summary of research findings from the ERI.

1. Research study on
dyslexia provision
in the European workplace

2. In 2013 Halfpenny Development conducted
pioneering research on dyslexia awareness
in SMEs across Europe with the
Employment Research Institute at Edinburgh
Napier University.

3. The 2012-13 Healthy Learning in SMEs project was a pan-European
training programme involving the Employment Research Institute at
Edinburgh Napier University and similar organisations from seven EU
countries, funded through the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme. Its aims
were to:
• improve the growth and output of SMEs by increasing awareness of the
vital role played by learning opportunities in the workplace.
• create an environment in SMEs that improves and promotes learning
activities at work, in order to improve health and company
competitiveness.

4. Halfpenny Development contributed
questions about workplace provision for
dyslexic learners to the project’s survey of
SMEs and their training regimes.

5. Survey Results on
Workplace Dyslexia Provision
in SMEs

6. Outcome 1
Only 15% of SMEs had an opportunity for
relevant training for a dyslexic employee.
It was unclear what the format of that training
would take.

7. Outcome 2
This outcome suggested that there is a lack of opportunities for increasing
knowledge and understanding of dyslexia for employees within SMEs.
15% of employees interviewed said workplace training opportunities for
increasing knowledge and understanding of dyslexia were:
fairly good
85% reported that training opportunities were either:
not very good or not good at all

8. Outcome 3
• There is a belief that training on dyslexia could:
• help produce a more skilled workforce
• benefit company image
• improve working relationships within the SME

9. Conclusions:
1. SMEs recognise the benefits that could arise from further
engagement with training and awareness on dyslexia related
issues.
2. Few SMEs are putting in place measures to improve training
opportunities for dyslexic employees.

10. Summary of research
findings from the ERI

11. There is considerable scope
to improve access to training
for employees with dyslexia.

12. There is considerable scope to
improve awareness among
employers and owners of SMEs
regarding the type of support that
could be made available.

13. The pattern suggests that most SMEs
are without adequate understanding of
issues around dyslexia in their staff.

14. This is unfortunate as the success
of SMEs is dependent on ensuring
that staff are motivated and
engaged with their work.
.

15. In cases where dyslexic entrepreneurs
or dyslexic employees are unable to
access relevant training or support
opportunities, there may be negative
effects on the SME.

16. In cases where dyslexic entrepreneurs
or dyslexic employees are unable to
access relevant training or support
opportunities, there may be negative
effects on their career development.

17. Source: Data on Dyslexia Awareness from the
Healthy Learning in SME Project:
A Summary to Halfpenny Development Ltd
Employment Research Institute, Edinburgh
Napier University, 2013 (unpublished)

18. Now Watch the HLS Project video,
featuring research aims, results and
contributions from European partners
and Halfpenny Development: