Form

Board member role description and person specification (BSL and English)

Published 10 July 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2025

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-to-be-a-bsl-advisory-board-member-or-co-chair/board-member-role-description-and-person-specification-bsl-and-english

BSL version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAIlCyzEXSc

Introduction

The BSL Advisory Board is an expert committee which advises the government on the implementation of the BSL Act and other matters that are important to BSL signers.

We are looking to recruit members from across the 9 regions of England as well as an additional member from both Scotland and Wales. 

Board members should seek to bring their own experiences which may include any of the following. These examples are illustrative and not exhaustive:

  • signing BSL as their first language, as a Deaf person
  • signing BSL as their second language as a parent of Deaf child(ren) or as a child of Deaf adult (CODA)
  • experience of working as a qualified BSL interpreter 
  • experience of working for an organisation which represents/supports/advocates for BSL signers
  • working with D/deaf children and young people as a teacher using BSL
  • working as a healthcare professional who communicates using BSL
  • using tactile or hands-on BSL as a first language 

Role description

As a Board member, you will be expected to:

  • share your lived experience of being a BSL signer and the challenges you may have experienced
  • be an advocate for the work of the Board and seek views and input from the Deaf community
  • share ideas on how to improve the lives of Deaf people and help to scope out practical solutions and suggestions
  • be a member or leader of subgroups focused on specific issues
  • work collectively with fellow Board members to guide development of guidance for ministerial departments
  • review and comment on materials produced by, or for, the Board as well as helping to draft content where needed in a timely manner
  • work collectively to guide how the Board approaches wider issues affecting the Deaf community
  • propose topics for discussion based on your understanding of the priorities of D/deaf BSL signers
  • adhere to the terms of reference behaviours, code of conduct and role requirements

Person specification

Essential criteria

Knowledge of BSL as a language, its role in enabling the inclusion of Deaf people and its cultural importance.

An understanding of D/deaf culture and the D/deaf community and the barriers faced by D/deaf people.

A willingness to work collaboratively with fellow members to help the government be more accessible.

Desirable criteria

Experience of being on a committee where you have had to work collaboratively to get results.

A good ability to communicate with the D/deaf community.

Experience of working in sectors where D/deaf people face barriers that you could use to support the work of the Board.

Being a member of an organisation or network or group which could provide you with insights you could feed in, or a network of contacts you could share information with.

Experience and/or understanding of the issues faced by D/deaf people in specific areas – some examples include health and social care, education, technology, justice system, employment or Deafblind access.

Time commitment and reimbursement of expenses

In between meetings you will be required to prepare for meetings, through reviewing papers and other materials and if required seeking views and ideas from your area of expertise and interest etc. BSL versions of meeting papers will be provided.

The role is not a paid role, however reasonable meeting expenses such as travel costs and any support costs will be reimbursed. BSL (including hands-on/tactile) interpretation and translation will be provided for all meetings.

Conduct and conflicts of interest

In undertaking their role all Board members will be required to show a commitment to the 7 principles of public life (more commonly known as the Nolan Principles). These are:

  • selflessness – you act solely in the public interest
  • integrity – you must declare or resolve any interests
  • objectivity – you must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit
  • accountability – you are accountable for all decisions and actions
  • openness – you must be open and transparent in decision making
  • honesty – you must be truthful
  • leadership – you should demonstrate these principles and challenge poor behaviour

The board members will also be required to adhere to the terms of reference of the BSL Advisory Board.

On appointment Board members will be asked to complete a conflicts of interest declaration and the secretariat will maintain a register of interest. Please outline any potential declarations of interest within your application when asked to do so.

Back to top