‘Let’s celebrate our differences’ says dyslexic Fed member

23 August 2023

A Nottinghamshire Police Federation member who is ‘severely dyslexic’ is on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding the condition as he tells how beneficial the Force’s Neurodiversity Support Group is. 

Nick Wood was diagnosed with dyslexia 30 years ago, when he was seven years old. He says that at the time, the support was not there and he was ‘given a label he didn’t understand’. 

Now, three decades later, despite a lot of attitudes evolving, Nick feels there are ‘countless others who don’t feel comfortable sharing if they have a neurodiverse condition’ – something he is working hard to change, especially within the Force. 

“For me, I’m incredibly confident about my neurodiversity,” said Nick, adding: “In fact, I shout about it. 

“Of course, I know not everyone feels like that, and I know it can be incredibly challenging to be diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition.

“I want to prove to others that you can be successful, you can achieve – and being diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition doesn’t have to stop you.” 

Nick has spent the majority of his career as a detective. Around 2019, he co-founded the Force’s Neurodiversity Support Group, which initially was a sub-group of the disability network. 

In 2020, after becoming an entity of its own, the Neurodiversity Support Group developed into a safe space for officers and staff living with a neurodiverse condition. 

The group provides advice and support, along with mentoring and coping strategies. 

“We’ve actually managed to change some of the current procedures and policies,” continued Nick. 

“For example, when it comes to interviews, people were historically just asked a series of questions, one after another, which can be difficult for those with a neurodiverse condition. Now, everyone gets the questions beforehand. This definitely gives everyone a chance to make sense of the questions before they’re asked.” 

Nick is also working with the College of Policing, advising on how exams can be more user friendly for everyone.  

He added: “We’ve also ensured that there is optional dyslexia screening in place for every officer who joins Nottinghamshire Police. It’s not mandatory but we encourage it. 

“That way, the right support is there from day one.” 

Passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity, Nick says it is ‘incredibly important to speak out about his dyslexia’. 

“I’m severely dyslexic and I’ve had struggles in the police before. Of course, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly supportive teams, but not everyone is so lucky,” said Nick, who reveals his strengths are in data analysis and problem solving, both skills he now actively utilises in his role. 

“I’m not so good at writing but that’s OK,” he added. 

“But recognising what I’m good at allows me to shine in those areas. I want to now help others who might be in a similar position. My message is, come and speak to me in confidence. Whether you’re a more experienced officer or someone who is new to the Force, there’s never a better time than now to reach out for support.” 

Nick is campaigning to change the mindsets of others, by raising awareness and educating officers, and in particular team leaders and supervisors. 

He ended: “It’s time we all start to celebrate our differences.” 

READ MORE: Fed member gives an insight into the use of drones in policing