- Applications are now open for 15 new Board members and a new co-chair
- Current terms for BSL Advisory Board members are due to end 31 December 2025
- BSL Advisory Board plays a vital role in advising the government
The British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board is recruiting for a new co-chair and 15 new board members.
The terms of the current chair and members are due to run out on 31 December 2025 after members were recruited for a 3-year term in 2022.
The BSL Advisory Board chair advert will be live for 4 weeks, and the BSL Advisory Board member advert will be live for 6 weeks.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:
This Government is committed to championing the rights of BSL users and Deaf people.
The BSL Advisory Board plays an integral role in advising the government on the day to day issues that Deaf people face and we will work closely with them so that their views and voices are at the heart of everything we do.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to deliver on our shared goals of breaking down barriers to opportunity for BSL users.
Following the passage of the BSL Act, the BSL Advisory Board was created to advise the government on key issues impacting the Deaf community in their everyday life.
It is the first dual language board advising the UK government, and operates in both BSL and English. The Board meets regularly and has established subgroups to focus on particular priorities including education and health and social care.
The Board has also established 2 short term working groups focussing on the Deafblind interpreter shortage and accessible technology.
Guided by lived experience, the BSL Advisory Board is central to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. It ensures the government meets its BSL Act duties, advising on key issues for Deaf people in education, health, technology, and Deafblindness.
The government is committed to a fair, open recruitment process, welcoming diverse skills and perspectives from across Great Britain, particularly under-represented groups.
BSL version of this press release
Notes to editors
An online webinar will be hosted by the Disability Unit to inform the Deaf community about the board member role and the recruitment process. Interpreters will be provided for this event.
Recruitment will be conducted in both BSL and English and applications will be welcomed in both languages.
Apply to be a BSL Advisory Board member or co-chair – GOV.UK
British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board: meeting summaries – GOV.UK
