Minister Mims Davies MP marks first anniversary of BSL Advisory Board
Today marks one year since the British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board first met to advise the Government on key issues impacting BSL users in the Deaf community.
- The BSL Advisory Board has supported the development of the new BSL GCSE, and is focusing on health and social care, education and government communications
- Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, says: “The Board has helped to helped to build a stronger picture of the barriers for Deaf people and how we best tackle them”
- Approximately 151,000 people in the UK use BSL – the BSL Act 2022 recognised it as a language of England, Wales and Scotland
In its first year, the BSL Advisory Board has already supported the development of the new BSL GCSE which will break down barriers in education and is advising on priority areas for Deaf people including health and social care, education, and government communication.
The Board has also assisted Government efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity within the sport sector by sharing insights on barriers for Deaf athletes, from grassroots to professional level.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP said:
“I want to thank each member of the BSL Advisory Board for their unwavering dedication to shaping Government policies that enable Deaf BSL users to live their lives to the fullest.
“Throughout their first year, the Board has not only shared invaluable insight and expertise, but has helped to build a stronger picture of the barriers for Deaf people and how we best tackle them, amongst areas such as education, sport, and health and social care.
“I look forward to witnessing the Board continue driving tangible improvements for Deaf people across the UK in the years ahead.”
The Board provides ongoing advice to Government on best practices for accessible communications, curriculum development, and ensuring access to BSL interpreters across various settings.
The co-Chairs of the Board, Craig Crowley MBE FRSA and Alexandra Gowlland, recently attended the British Deaf Association’s conference to present on the work of the Board and its ambitions for improving access to BSL for families.
BSL Board co-Chair, Craig Crowley MBE FRSA, said:
“It has been an honour to co-chair the BSL Advisory Board this past year. We have worked well with each other, various Government departments and the Deaf community to tackle issues and drive positive change.
“Our discussions and efforts have underscored the importance of incorporating lived experiences into policymaking. I look forward to continuing to help the Government listen to the needs of Deaf people in the coming year.”
The Board was established in 2023 to advise Government on key issues impacting BSL users, as well as supporting the implementation of the BSL Act 2022 which recognised BSL as a language in England, Scotland and Wales.
Under the provisions of the Act, the Government must report on BSL activity across named Ministerial Departments. The first report was published last July, with the second report to be published by the end of July this year.
Board Members:
- Craig Crowley MBE FRSA (Co-Chair)
- Alexandra Gowlland (Co-chair)
- Gaye Hampton
- Erin McCluskey
- Brian Kokoruwe
- Scott Garthwaite
- Mangayarkkarasy Sutharsan
- Kate Reed
- Joanna Atkinson
- Asif Iqbal MBE
- Sylvia Simmonds
- Theresa Devine
- Richard MacQueen
- Ahmed Mudawi
- Martin Thacker
- Richard Platt
- Zoe Fudge-Ajadi and Vicki Ashmore
- Samantha Stocken
A BSL version of this press release is available here