Founder & Purpose

Mission Statement

Dyslexia in Defence exists to enable dyslexic individuals to thrive across their time in service, transition, and industry environments within the defence and security ecosystem.

It achieves this through independent peer support, curated resources, and structured signposting to established services and organisations.

Founded by Symon Smith, a British Army veteran, who is the sole director of Dyslexia in Defence CIC (company number 17285330), a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales. Read Symon's full story →

Scope of Activity

The initiative's activities are focused and deliberately bounded:

• Peer connection — Creating spaces for dyslexic individuals in the defence ecosystem to connect with each other
• Curated resources — Collating and sharing relevant, high quality resources from established sources
• Signposting — Directing individuals to appropriate professional services, workplace adjustments, and support organisations
• Awareness — Promoting understanding of dyslexia as a cognitive difference and strategic asset within the defence and security sector

What This Initiative Does Not Do

Specifically, the initiative does not:

• Provide medical or clinical advice
• Offer legal advice or representation
• Conduct dyslexia assessments or diagnoses
• Provide counselling, therapy, or mental health services
• Act as a crisis intervention service
• Represent individuals in workplace disputes or grievances
• Advocate on behalf of individuals with employers or institutions
• Provide financial advice or assistance

Where individuals require any of the above, the initiative will signpost to appropriate professional services.

Independence from Employer

• No employer has oversight of, input into, or editorial control over the initiative
• The initiative does not use employer resources, systems, or facilities
• Views expressed through the initiative are those of the CIC and its contributors, and do not represent any employer, government department, or Armed Forces branch
• The initiative does not solicit or accept funding from the founder's employer

Conflict of Interest

The founder is committed to identifying and managing any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from personal, professional, or financial relationships.

Framework

• Any relationship that could reasonably be perceived as a conflict will be declared
• The founder will not use the initiative for personal commercial gain
• Sponsorship and partnership decisions are subject to the Sponsorship Principles
• Where a conflict is identified, the founder will take appropriate steps to mitigate it, including seeking external advice if necessary
• Declared conflicts will be recorded and made available on request

Funding Position

Dyslexia in Defence CIC is currently self funded by the founder. It operates on a non profit basis, with its assets locked to its community purpose as required of a Community Interest Company.

• No revenue is generated for personal gain
• No external funding is currently received
• Should sponsorship or donations be accepted in the future, full transparency will be maintained in accordance with the Sponsorship Principles and Transparency Commitment
• The initiative does not solicit donations from community members