Form

BSL Advisory Board terms of reference

Published 10 July 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

1. Introduction 

The British Sign Language (BSL) Act 2022 legally recognises BSL as a language of England, Scotland and Wales. The act works alongside existing legislation, most notably the Equality Act 2010, which requires adjustments to be made to ensure that Deaf people have equal access to goods and services. The BSL Act also requires the government to report on the use of BSL by ministerial departments on their use of BSL in public communications. 

The BSL Advisory Board is a non-statutory board of predominantly BSL users which was formed to advise the government on matters of importance to Deaf people and on the implementation of the BSL Act.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the role of the BSL Advisory Board detailing the responsibilities and authority afforded to each Board member, and to the Board as a collective, in order to dispense proper governance throughout the running of the BSL Advisory Board.

3. Objectives

The objectives of the first iteration BSL Advisory Board are to:

• provide advice to Ministerial departments on how to initiate or enhance their use of BSL in public communications
• provide a forum for discussion and agreement on recommendations and options for delivery for the government on matters of importance to Deaf people
• challenge the current ways of working of government departments, identify areas of current government policy and/or delivery which could be changed to provide better access and reduce barriers for Deaf people, focusing on meaningful solutions
• ensure external, impartial and independent expertise are integrated into discussions
• identify up and coming areas of concern and importance for the Deaf community

4. Outcomes

4.1 In scope

The quarterly meetings will cover key areas relating to the objectives outlined and:

• policy or delivery areas relating to the use of the BSL across all ministerial departments
• work with government departments on developing advice and guidance on how to integrate BSL into government communications

4.2 Out of scope

Advisory Board members are independent, voluntary advisors to the UK government. During Advisory Board meetings, they will not use their personal positions or connections to engage in political debates, advocacy or lobbying.

If a board member finds themselves with a conflict of interest, they are required to immediately disclose this to the co-chairs or secretariat. 

5. Membership

Membership of the BSL Advisory Board is restricted to those fulfilling the specific roles as detailed in the points 5.1 to 5.3. On occasions, individuals from departments within the UK government, external bodies working on matters relating to BSL and Ministers may be invited to attend meetings to provide specific information to support the BSL Advisory Board in achieving its core objectives. Refer to Annex A for a list of the current chairs, subgroup chairs and board members.

5.1 BSL Advisory Board co-chair

The role of the independent advisory board co-chair is to establish and facilitate the formal advisory board structure to support the effective outcomes in line with the purpose and objectives as set out in parts 2 and 3 respectively. Working with the other co-chair (a senior civil servant), the independent co-chair will also:

• facilitate the BSL Advisory Board’s planning and quarterly meetings.
• contribute to the BSL Advisory Board pre-agreed outcomes
• ensure that members are abiding by the code of conduct and attendance requirements
• lead on communications between the BSL Advisory Board and Minister for Social Security and Disability
• evaluate the existing BSL Advisory Board structures for effectiveness and best practice
• provide a vision and strategy for the BSL Advisory Board to meet its long-term objectives
• approve written and translated minutes before publication
• work with the Secretariat to create an agenda, select external speakers to present to the Board and oversee the execution of pre-agreed actions
• ensure that the meetings run to the agenda timescales

5.2 BSL Advisory Board secretariat

The BSL Advisory Board secretariat role will be held by a civil servant from the Disability Unit. Responsibilities of the Secretariat include:

• working with the chair to create an agenda and distribute up to a week before the Advisory Board meets
• ensure that the BSL Advisory Board meetings and subgroup meetings are accessible to the needs of the Board members
• capture actions from BSL Advisory Board meetings and ensure the relevant parties execute these actions
• write up minutes from the Advisory Board meetings and seek chair approval before publication
• prepare the Board meetings and subgroup meetings 
• make proposals for and assist the Board in the discharge of its functions
• any other related tasks assigned by the Board

5.3 Subgroup chairs

Subgroup chairs are nominated by majority during the BSL Advisory Board meetings. They are tasked with running a sub group which is related to the Board’s wider objectives. As of 9 November 2024, there are the following 4 subgroups:

• employment

• education
• health and social care
• local authorities

The subgroup chairs are expected to engage in the following behaviours:

• work with the secretariat to arrange at least one meeting every 3 months
• work with the secretariat to form an agenda, select external speakers to present to the Board and oversee the execution of pre-agreed actions
• approve minutes before publication
• set a strategy for the subgroup to reach tangible goals in a set time period
• provide a written or spoken update at the quarterly BSL Advisory Board meetings on the activities and achievements of the subgroup

Employment subgroup

The employment subgroup’s remit is to:

• provide advice to ministerial departments, agencies, regulators or Parliament on how to improve BSL access in relation to employment
• provide advice to ministerial departments on areas of concern for the Deaf community in relation to employment

Education subgroup

The education subgroup’s remit is to:

• gather research and information from education and education-related experts on the issues, barriers and solutions for improving access to education for Deaf children, parents and Deaf adults
• provide advice to ministerial departments on areas of concern for the Deaf community on education

Health and social care subgroup

The health and social care subgroup’s remit is to:

• gather research and information from health and social care and related experts on the issues, barriers and solutions for improving access to health and social care for Deaf people
• provide advice to ministerial departments on areas of concern for the Deaf community in relation to health and social care

Local authorities subgroup

The local authorities subgroup’s remit is to:

• gather research and information from local authorities on initiatives that they are implementing to reduce the barriers for Deaf people
• create case studies on local authorities’ initiatives to be shared with ministerial departments
• ensure that the subgroup chairs of employment, education, and health and social care are invited and informed if case studies cross over into their areas

5.4 BSL Advisory Board members

The BSL Advisory Board members are elected for 3 years to the Advisory Board and are expected to engage in the following behaviours:

• members should be open and constructive in sharing their thoughts during meetings, advising on specific sensitivities and providing information in context
• members should attend meetings, or where unable to, notify the chair or secretariat in advance – refer to section 6 for more details
• members should attend having read the agenda, papers and any other related materials
• members should come prepared to talk to departmental representatives, doing research and preparing questions in advance
• members should contribute to conversation and participate in voting
• members are to abide by a code of conduct on behaviour as detailed in section 5.5

5.5 Code of conduct

Refer to Annex B.

6. Quorum

The quorum for any meeting of the Board shall be half plus one of its membership which must include both co-chairs at the time of the meeting and applies if members attend either in person or online. If due to unforeseen circumstances, under half of the Board attend, decisions made during the meeting should be communicated to the absent Board members for approval and comment.

The members of the Board should make a reasonable attempt to attend a meeting in person. If unable to attend in person with reasons deemed reasonable by the Board co-chairs, the board member must inform the co-chairs and/or secretariat ahead of the meeting. 

All Board members are expected to attend each meeting unless for reasons including but not limited to:

• sudden illness or injury
• family emergency
• transportation issues
• medical emergencies
• emergencies relating to housing

If a Board member is unable to attend 3 meetings in a row, there will be a formal review as set out by the disciplinary procedure in Annex C. 

If a board member is removed following the disciplinary process and a vacancy becomes available, it is up to the discretion of the co-chairs to co-opt a new Board member.

7. Decision making

The Board will reach decisions by a simple majority of voting on the issues in question. If the number of votes for and against a certain proposal are equal, the co-chairs have the casting votes.

8. Conduct of meetings

The BSL Advisory Board Secretariat will prepare a draft agenda, having regard to previous items raised, and in consultation with the Board chairs, subgroup chairs and Board members.

Agenda items may be submitted by any member of the BSL Advisory Board no less than 10 working days before each meeting and will be accepted at the discretion of the BSL Advisory Board secretariat and with the agreement of the BSL Board chairs. Supporting papers for agenda items must be forwarded to the BSL Advisory Board Secretariat no less than 5 working days before the meeting.

The meeting agenda, details of open actions and supporting papers will be forwarded by the BSL Advisory Board secretariat to each BSL Advisory Board member, and to observers where relevant, no less than 5 working days before the meeting.

The BSL Advisory Board may invite non-members to attend its meeting, as observers or contributors, as it considers necessary and as coordinated by the BSL Advisory Board secretariat.

An action and recommendation log will be kept and maintained by the BSL Advisory Board secretariat. 

Published minutes, with BSL translation, and details of open actions will be circulated by the BSL Advisory Board within 20 working days of the meeting. 

9. Frequency of meetings

The BSL Advisory Board and subgroups will meet at least once every 3 months as required. The BSL Advisory Board will schedule any additional meetings. 

Outside of scheduled meetings, by agreement issues may be considered and recommendations be agreed through written procedure.

10. Notice of meetings

Unless otherwise agreed, notice of each meeting confirming the venue, time and date will be agreed in advance and at a minimum at the preceding meeting. Details are circulated once agreed and at a minimum with the minutes of the preceding meeting.

11. Approval, review and variation of terms of reference

The BSL Advisory Board terms of reference will be reviewed, updated as required and approved by the BSL Advisory Board chairs at least annually. The BSL Advisory Board secretariat is given discretion in updating sections to keep in line with developments of the Board.

12. Allowances, gifts and hospitality

Board members must comply with the rules set out in Annex B regarding remuneration, allowances and expenses.

Board members will not accept any gifts or hospitality which might, or might reasonably appear to, compromise personal judgement or integrity when providing advice to the government.

Board members are responsible for their personal decisions on the acceptance of gifts or hospitality and for ensuring that any gifts or hospitality accepted can stand up to public scrutiny and do not bring the BSL Advisory Board or subgroups into disrepute. 

13. Annex A: membership of the BSL Advisory Board (at July 2025)

13.1 Co-chairs

• Independent co-chair: Craig Crowley, MBE FRSA 
• Government representative co-chair: Alexandra Gowlland

13.2 Subgroup chairs

• local authorities subgroup: Asif Iqbal MBE
• education subgroup: Kate Reed and Sylvia Simmonds
• employment subgroup: Gaye Hampton
• health and social care subgroup: Joanna Atkinson

13.3 Board members

• Abigail Gorman 
• Ahmed Mudawi
• Catherine Drew
• Erin McCluskey
• Mangayarkkarasy Sutharsan
• Martin Thacker
• Richard MacQueen
• Richard Platt
• Samantha Stocken
• Theresa Devine
• Zoe Fudge-Ajadi and Vicki Ashmore

14. Annex B: code of conduct

Members of the Board have signed and agreed to follow the following behaviours, any breach in these behaviours will result in the disciplinary action being taken outlined in Annex C.

I, as a BSL Advisory Board Member, agree to behave at BSL Advisory Board Meetings and subgroup meetings to the following behaviours:

1. I will promote an inclusive and diverse culture in the BSL Advisory Board’s work.

2. I will create an environment where different points of view and backgrounds are encouraged and valued.

3. I will not act in a way that favours or discriminates against particular individuals, groups or interests.

4. I will not harass, bully or act inappropriately towards or discriminate towards others. 

5. I will respect the principle of collective decision making and corporate responsibility. This means that once the board has made a decision, I will support that decision. 

6. I will play a full and active role in the work of the BSL Advisory Board. I will fulfil my duties and responsibilities responsibly and at all times act in good faith and in the best interests of the BSL Advisory Board.

7. I will attend BSL Advisory Board meetings and where I am unable to attend, I will inform the co-chairs and secretariat in advance. I understand that if I don’t show up to 3 meetings in a row, I will go through the disciplinary process. 

8. I will not use, or attempt to use, the opportunity of public service to promote your personal interests or those of any connected person, firm, business or other organisation. 

9. I will act with integrity in both my role on the BSL Advisory Board and in my personal capacity. I will inform the co-chairs and secretariat of any investigations into illegal activity that I or those of any connected person, firm, business or other organisation are suspected of. I accept that any live investigations may lead to my removal from the Advisory Board. 

10. I will declare any potential conflict of interests with the co-chairs and secretariat.

11. I will not attend any stakeholder, industry events or speak to members of the press on behalf of the BSL Advisory Board unless I have sought permission beforehand from both co-chairs and secretariat. 

12. I will make sure that any public views that I express are clearly stated as my private views 

13. I accept that travel and other expenses are only recoverable if the expenditure is reasonably and necessarily incurred on behalf of the Advisory Board. First-class travel is generally not possible. All expense claims must be made on the appropriate Cabinet Office claim form and must be submitted within 45 days of the date of the expenditure. Expenses submitted after this time period are unlikely to be paid.

15. Annex C: disciplinary procedure

15.1 Purpose

The purpose of this disciplinary procedure is to maintain high standards of behavioural conduct and integrity among the BSL Advisory Board Members. This process aims to document any issues of misconduct, incompetence or breach of the board’s code of conduct in a fair and transparent manner.

15.2 Scope

This procedure applies to all members of the BSL Advisory Board in their voluntary capacity as board members, subgroup chairs and co-chairs.

15.3 Principles 

Fairness and transparency

The procedure will be conducted fairly and openly.

Confidentiality

All disciplinary matters will be treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect the reputation of individuals, the government and the BSL Advisory Board. 

Proportionality

Disciplinary measures will be proportional to the nature of the misconduct.

15.4 Grounds for disciplinary action

Disciplinary action may be taken if a board member:

• violates the code of conduct or the ethical guidelines of the BSL Advisory Board
• demonstrates behaviour that undermines the mission and reputation of the BSL Advisory Board
• fails to meet agreed commitments without reasonable explanation
• engages in illegal activities, harassment, or other unacceptable conduct makes the work of the board more difficult, attracting adverse attention or brings the Board into disrepute – it is at the discretion of the co-chairs to determine unacceptable conduct

15.5 Informal resolution 

Initial discussion

Where appropriate, both a co-chair and the secretariat may address the issue informally with the member concerned. The aim is to resolve the matter without formal action, providing the member with feedback or suggestions for improvement. 

Record keeping

A note of the discussion and any agreed actions should be minuted. The concerned party will be sent a copy of the minutes following the discussion.

15.6 Formal disciplinary procedure

If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or if the alleged misconduct is severe, the following steps should be taken.

Notification

The board member will receive a written notification outlining the nature of the allegations, the evidence supporting the allegations and an invitation to attend a meeting with the co-chairs.

The Board members are allowed to request clarification on any of the points raised in the written notification ahead of the meeting.

Disciplinary meeting

The meeting will be chaired by the two co-chairs and attended by the secretariat.

The member will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present any evidence. 

The board member is entitled to bring along an interpreter or someone that can support communication. The board member can request the presence of another board member at the meeting to act as an observer. External individuals to the board will be unable to attend this meeting.

Decision and actions 

A decision will be made based on the evidence and discussions in the disciplinary meeting.

If information or evidence is provided after the disciplinary meeting that is relevant to the alleged misconduct, this can be used by the co-chairs to inform their decision. It is at the discretion of the co-chairs to share the evidence with the board member. 

The co-chairs will make any decision in line with the Civil Service Code, making a decision with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

Potential actions may include:

• warning: a formal warning outlining the consequences of further misconduct
• suspension: temporary suspension from board duties
• expulsion: permanent removal from the BSL Advisory Board

Communication of decision

The board member will be informed by writing (via email) of any decisions.

Record keeping

All records related to the disciplinary process, including investigation reports, meaning minutes, and decisions, will be securely stored and treated confidentially.