New board member determined to prove ‘dyslexia does not limit you’

28 June 2023

New board member Steve Green, who has dyslexia, has told how being diagnosed with the condition was a ‘revolution’ as he hopes his new role will allow him to ‘stand up for those who feel they do not have a voice’.

The 52-year-old inspector, who became a West Midlands Federation workplace representative for the third time in autumn last year, says he wants to provide a ‘support mechanism’ and ‘a friendly face’ for members.

Steve, who joined the Force in 1996, having volunteered as a Special for four years prior, is now using his experience and knowledge of policing, as well as his dyslexia diagnosis to help others.

A white man wearing a police uniform has a portrait taken

Steve Green shortly after joining the Force in 1996

“Being diagnosed with dyslexia was a revolution, it changed my world,” said the father-of-one, who was diagnosed only four years ago, at the age of 49.

“I’d written a document without using Microsoft Word, and all of the letters were jumbled up. That prompted me to get tested - and once diagnosed, so many other things made a lot of sense too. Like, I’d always be overly early to events - people might not know it, but that’s a common trait of dyslexia. Or how I found telling the time a real challenge.”

Following his diagnosis, Steve became part of the Force’s Neurodiversity Group and various support mechanisms were put in place, including software for his computer that allowed him to listen to reports, rather than read them.

“It was almost a relief when I was diagnosed because the support you get is life-changing,” continued Steve, who also lives with dyscalculia, a condition that makes performing arithmetic calculations difficult.

“I tell everyone I’m dyslexic - I’m a real advocate of being open and transparent. I think if you’re honest, it helps people make sense of certain ways you’re behaving.”

In 2018, before his diagnosis, Steve completed a Masters's Degree in Management and Leadership, receiving a distinction.

He said: “I want to prove to others that dyslexia doesn’t limit you. You just think differently to others, and you can use that as a strength. In fact, people with dyslexia are more often than not, great leaders.”

Steve first became a workplace rep in 2012, in line with the Police marching through London as part of a protest over cuts. Then again, a few years later, as a sergeant, wanting to raise awareness of the issues around detectives. And most recently, now, following the introduction of the Force’s Change Programme.

New board member Steve Green (present day)

“My drive, as a board member, is ensuring equality for officers and prioritising their welfare,” added Steve.

“The changes that are being seen in the West Midlands are going to have a real impact on officers. Don’t get me wrong, I think localised policing models are the way forward, I just think our members will need a lot of support as they get used to this ‘new norm’.

“I want to stand up for those who don’t have a voice, especially younger officers who are very influential. I think senior officers can easily take advantage of their enthusiasm, and that’s not fair.

“What comes with experience is confidence and an understanding of regulations. I like to think that being voted onto the branch’s board shows that my peers recognise what I can bring to the table and what I can offer.

“I’ve got just under three years left before I retire. I want to leave a legacy, and pass on what I’ve learnt to others.”