Advice firm Cura Financial Services has warned the current additional support options made available are not enough for dyslexic people trying to take qualifying exams and appealed for further work on the matter.
The firm noted this was restricting people from entering the industry and meant organisations were unable to hire talented people to some of the prime roles and would restrict their development.
Speaking at the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN) expo, Cura managing director Kathryn Knowles said she had seen the effects of this first hand and urged changes to be made.
“I do know someone who tried to enter our space and they were dyslexic,” Knowles (pictured) said.
“Our exams are not set up to support someone with dyslexia, even if they are given the support structures that are deemed as suitable for people that are dyslexic.
“There was a very, very clear problem about helping people and that’s really difficult as an employer if you take somebody on in that situation, you try and support them, but ultimately the exams and qualifications are just going to be unattainable.
“That is something as an industry we need to work on,” she added.
‘Ensure no unfair barriers apply’
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is one of the main qualification providers in the industry along with being a professional body dedicated to the insurance and financial planning profession.
As part of its examination process it offers reasonable adjustments for candidates who may need them with a variety of conditions and illnesses.
On its website it gives examples including extra time for those with dyslexia or vision impairments, rest and stretch breaks for those with arthritis, and accommodations for blood sugar management for those with diabetes.
The CII told Health & Protection that it was committed to creating and maintaining conditions which give access to its education assessment provision to allow candidates to maximise their potential to the best of their abilities.
CII chief customer officer Gill White said: “The CII acts at all times to ensure that no unfair barriers apply to those seeking to gain the qualifications it offers.
“The CII is committed to giving all candidates an equal opportunity of achieving its qualifications in line with currently applicable directives. The CII carries its equal opportunities policy through to cover all the assessments it administers.
“Provisions are made for candidates who have different educational requirements or disabilities including, but not restricted to those who are dyslexic, blind, partially sighted or those with dexterity impediments.”
For reasonable adjustments requests candidates need to apply in writing enclosing evidence from a doctor or medical professional with appropriate qualifications.
This evidence should confirm the candidate’s condition and explain how their performance could be affected and what steps can be taken to ensure they are able to perform to your full potential.
“If the reasonable adjustment request is approved, all future enrolments to CII exams will have the additional time applied and upon booking the candidate will only see centres that can accommodate the time adjustment,” White added.
