Championing Change: How Sergeant Green is Transforming Dyslexia Support in the MDP

Championing Change: How Sergeant Green is Transforming Dyslexia Support in the MDP

At the Ministry of Defence Police, we are committed to building a Force where every officer has the tools they need to thrive. This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we want to shine a spotlight on one individual whose quiet determination has made a profound difference to colleagues across the organisation: Sergeant Green.

Identifying the Gap

In 2023, Sergeant Green began examining the support available to MDP officers with dyslexia. What she found made clear that more needed to be done. There was no formal screening process on the Recruit Training Programme, and officers were navigating their careers without the adjustments that could unlock their full potential.

Rather than accept the status quo, she got to work.

Building a Better System

Drawing on research into best practice across policing, Sergeant Green investigated the QuickScan and QuickScreen screening tools - tried and tested instruments that identify indicators of dyslexia and inform reasonable adjustments, without requiring a formal diagnosis.

She also championed a shift away from traditional Educational Psychologist assessments towards Workplace Needs Assessments (WPNAs), a more practical and widely adopted approach across policing. Her work supported a successful business case that resulted in the training of 16 Workplace Needs Assessors across the MDP.

Today, thanks to her efforts, a robust and consistent support process is embedded across the Force. All new recruits are offered screening before their Recruit Training Programme begins. Officers progressing through promotion are offered assessment support. And every officer who receives a screening result indicating dyslexia is offered a WPNA, with a bespoke Workplace Adjustment Passport created and stored confidentially.

The Impact in Their Own Words

The true measure of Sergeant Green's work is found in the voices of colleagues she has supported:

"She really understands the needs of learners. With her tailored support and through professional discussions rather than traditional written assessments, I finally completed my Sergeant's qualification. This was the first time in my professional life where I felt truly understood. I couldn't have done it without her."

"Joining the MDP, I was nervous as previous employers were not supportive around my dyslexia. MDP has outshone those previous employers with the support I have received, and I'm very grateful to everyone involved."

"Being line managed by Sergeant Green opened my eyes to how supportive a line manager should be. I am forever grateful for her support, and I look on with pride at how she continues to help others within the Force."

"Having had the process to identify my dyslexia and reasonable adjustments put in place, I feel well equipped to achieve my Level 4 qualification. Without her help I would still be worried about achieving this. Thank you, Sergeant Green."

Beyond the MDP

Sergeant Green's influence extends well beyond internal processes. She has been a driving force behind a dedicated Dyslexia Policy for the MDP, spending considerable personal time researching and drafting content to ensure it is meaningful and representative of officers' real needs.

Alongside PC Sanders and Superintendent Higgins, she was invited to the House of Lords and New Scotland Yard to witness the launch of the Police National Dyslexia Association. She also attended the Defence Dyslexia Network annual conference, where she, Inspector Douglas, and PC Sanders sat as guest speakers, representing the MDP and bringing the unique perspective of Defence policing to the wider national conversation.

Sergeant Green serves as Deputy Chair of the MDP DAWN Network and continues to build awareness, break down barriers, and champion neurodiversity across the Force every day.