Form

Co-chair role description and person specification (BSL and English)

Published 10 July 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

BSL version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e61Bb8_8VL4

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.

The BSL Advisory Board is jointly chaired by a senior civil servant and an independent co-chair (preferably a BSL signer) appointed by the Minister for Social Security and Disability. 

The co-chairs’ leadership is vital to the smooth running of the Board. 

Both co-chairs will ensure that:

• members of the Board fully participate in the Board meetings and activities of the Board
• discussions are broad but reach a conclusion
• standards of conduct are maintained

Role description

The co-chair will be expected to:

• provide a vision and strategy for the BSL Advisory Board to meet its long-term objectives
• evaluate the existing BSL Advisory Board structures for effectiveness and best practice
• engage with the Deaf community to understand their views
• set the agenda for meetings, supported by the secretariat  
• jointly convene and facilitate Board meetings, allowing genuine dialogue to take place whilst ensuring the pace of the meeting is maintained  
• represent the Board and its work at other government meetings and external stakeholder meetings as required 
• ensure every member has a fair opportunity to be heard and that no views are ignored or overlooked
• approve written and translated minutes before publication
• support members in understanding issues where needed
• endeavour to achieve a consensus of opinion when it is needed
• support the secretariat to ensure all Board members adhere to the terms of reference

Person specification

We are looking to recruit an individual who can bring the following to the role.

Essential criteria

A strong demonstration of involvement in the D/deaf and Deafblind community.

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

Exceptional leadership skills.

Ability to effectively communicate strategic plans, and recommendations to diverse audiences.

Experience of chairing meetings, ensuring all views are captured, explored and decisions are made based on sound judgement.

Ability to remain calm and facilitate effective discussion involving a range of opinions and achieving good participation.

Ability to remain objective and retain an overview 

Desirable criteria

BSL or tactile BSL, preferably as their first language.

Experience of working with the government in an advisory capacity.

Time commitment and reimbursement of expenses

There will be 4 in-person meetings a year. The co-chair will be expected to liaise with the secretariat to advise on the preparation of agenda and meetings materials. There may also be meetings between the Minister for Social Security and Disability and the Board co-chairs, during which the co-chairs can update him on the Board’s progress and priorities

A pre-meeting with the secretariat may be required to ensure timings of items have been duly considered in order that meetings run smoothly. 

This 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 and meeting papers.

Conduct and conflicts of interest

In undertaking their role all Board members, including the co-chair, 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 co-chair will also be required to adhere to the terms of reference of the BSL Advisory Board.

On appointment all Board members will be asked to complete a conflict 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.

Before and during meetings the co-chair will ensure conflicts of interest are identified and managed.