British Sign Language (BSL) hub
Resources, information and updates on how the BSL Act 2022 is being implemented across government. Includes links to departmental plans, best practice and recent developments in BSL access and inclusion.
Contact us
If you have questions about the BSL Act or the work of the BSL Advisory Board, please contact:
- BSL Act team: BSLAct@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
- BSL Advisory Board: BSLboard@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Postal address:
Correspondence Team (BSL Act team, Disability Unit)
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
BSL Act 2022
The BSL Act 2022 was a significant piece of legislation that legally recognised BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland.
The act places a duty on the government to:
- report on the use of BSL by ministerial departments in their central communications, such as public announcements, consultations, plans, strategy, social media and press conferences
- issue guidance to ministerial departments on the general promotion and facilitation of BSL
The Cabinet Office’s Disability Unit leads on implementing the act across government, including compiling departmental reports and co-ordinating some BSL-related policy development.
BSL reports
Under the BSL Act 2022, ministerial departments are required to report on how they have promoted and facilitated the use of BSL in their public communications.
These reports show how government departments are putting the act into practice and highlight their progress in making information and services accessible for BSL users.
Each report is compiled and published by the Cabinet Office Disability Unit, based on information submitted by departments.
5-year BSL plans
In July 2025, each ministerial department produced a 5-year BSL plan, setting out how they will improve the use of BSL across their work.
These were published alongside the third BSL report.
Departments will provide updates on their progress in the fourth BSL report, due to be published in July 2026.
Government updates
Alongside formal plans and reports, this section highlights wider government activity that supports BSL users. If you have any updates you would like to publish here, please contact us.
DVSA launches first government-integrated BSL booking tool for theory tests
This is the first time a government service has embedded a BSL tool directly into its digital platform, making essential transport services more accessible for Deaf and Deaf BSL users.
Emergency alert test information made accessible in BSL
The Cabinet Office released the first national BSL video explaining a nationwide test of the Emergency Alerts system. The video helps ensure that Deaf people can access critical public safety information.
DHSC Men’s Health Strategy - inclusive engagement
The Department of Health and Social Care call for evidence on its Men’s Health Strategy was translated into BSL. The BSL Advisory Board also helped DHSC to host a BSL-led roundtable with professionals to discuss the issues specifically faced by Deaf men in healthcare settings.
BSL Advisory Board
The BSL Advisory Board was established in December 2022 following the BSL Act. It is the first dual language Board advising the UK government on issues that are important to Deaf people, and on how to put the BSL Act into practice.