The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Theo Paphitis as its new Vice President, marking the continuation of a longstanding and impactful partnership.
Theo has served as the BDA’s Empowerment Patron since 2024, offering his time and expertise on a pro bono basis. During this period, he has played a significant role in advancing awareness of dyslexia and improving access to support through advocacy, fundraising, and direct engagement with young people, educators, employers and policymakers.
Theo Paphitis, Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association, said: “Since 2024, I have witnessed firsthand how the work of the British Dyslexia Association helps to reshape lives, enabling entirely new possibilities for the dyslexic community. That is why I am very proud to be a bigger part of that and step into my new role as Vice President.
Working together to deliver the right support at the right time, we will continue to raise awareness and build a future where every dyslexic individual has the toolkit to thrive.”
Through fundraising initiatives led by Ryman and the wider Theo Paphitis Retail Group, more than £75,000 has been raised to support the BDA’s work. This includes funding the BDA’s 2025 report Set Up for Somebody Else, which explored the experiences of young people with dyslexia and set out recommendations to strengthen support in education.
Theo has also launched the “Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Assessment Bursary”, which has enabled over 85 young people aged 12-21 from low-income families to access full diagnostic assessments. For many, this has been a life-changing opportunity, opening the door to appropriate educational and workplace support.
A parent whose child benefited from the bursary programme added: “I’m so grateful for you providing this opportunity to my son. This is a life-changing moment – we don’t seem to have any wins, just battles. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Building on this impact, Theo and the Ryman team have committed to continuing their fundraising efforts, with plans to expand support for families through both dyslexia screening and tutoring provision.
They are also passionate about increasing support for young adults in the workplace, including supporting further research and recommendations to improve understanding and inclusion across employment.
In addition to contributing to national awareness and policy discussions, including writing the foreword to the BDA’s 2025 report Set Up for Somebody Else, Theo also delivered the opening address at a parliamentary event linked to the report. His work has supported ongoing dialogue with government and stakeholders to strengthen support for dyslexic learners.
Beyond fundraising, Theo has led by example in the workplace. Ryman has become a dyslexia-friendly employer, completing BDA training and embedding inclusive practices across the business. This approach recognises and celebrates the strengths of dyslexic thinking – from creativity and innovation to problem-solving and resilience.
As an entrepreneur who speaks openly about his own dyslexia, Theo has used his platform to challenge stigma and promote greater understanding of neurodiversity. His engagement spans media, public speaking, school visits and national campaigns, helping to inspire confidence and opportunity for individuals with Dyslexia.
Theo’s appointment as Vice President reflects his sustained commitment to the BDA’s mission and his contribution to advancing inclusion and opportunity for individuals with dyslexia across education, employment and society.
