Guidance

About the roles and how to apply (BSL and English)

Updated 7 September 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyH9QqisiDY

Across all members, including the co-chairperson, we are looking to recruit people with experience of:

• 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 CODA
• working as a qualified and registered BSL interpreter
• working for an organisation which represents, supports or advocates for BSL signers
• working with Deaf children and young people as a teacher using BSL
• using tactile or hands-on BSL as a first or primary language

1. The role of board members

Members will work together to advise on implementation of the Act and matters important to BSL signers.

As a member, you will be expected to:

• share your lived experience of being a BSL signer and the challenges you may have faced
• be an advocate for the work of the Board and seek views and input from your region, country or from people from across your organisation
• share ideas on how to improve government communications for BSL signers and help develop practical solutions and suggestions
• work with fellow board members to inform 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
• work collectively to guide how the Board approaches wider issues affecting the implementation of the BSL Act, such as the training of and supply of qualified and registered BSL interpreters or access to work funding
• propose topics for discussion based on your understanding of the priorities of Deaf BSL signers

1.1 Person specification

Please use this when writing or signing your supporting statement as part of your application.

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of BSL as a language, its role in enabling the inclusion of Deaf people and its cultural importance
• An understanding of Deaf culture and the Deaf community, and the barriers faced by Deaf people
• A willingness to work with fellow members to help government be more accessible

Desirable criteria

• Experience of being on a committee where you have had to work collaboratively to get results
• Being a member of an organisation, network or group which could provide you with insights you could share, or a network of contacts you could share information with

2. The role of the independent co-chairperson

The independent chairperson will be expected to:

• set the agenda for meetings, supported by the secretariat
• jointly convene and facilitate Board meetings, allowing genuine dialogue to take place and, whilst ensuring the pace of the meeting is maintained
• be an advocate for the work of the Board in their professional and personal life
• ensure every member has a fair opportunity to be heard and that no views are ignored or overlooked
• support members in understanding issues where needed
• endeavour to achieve a consensus of opinion when it is needed
• represent the Board and its work at other government meetings as required

2.1 Person specification for independent co-chairperson

We are looking to recruit someone who can bring the following to the role:

Essential criteria

• A strong demonstration of involvement in the Deaf community through a local or national organisation
• Knowledge of BSL as a language, its role in enabling the inclusion of Deaf people and its cultural importance
• Exceptional leadership skills
• 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 government in an advisory capacity

3. How to apply

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqkDhTr8iyo

You can apply in the following ways.

3.1 Written applications

Complete the application form and supporting statement and return by email. OpenDocument and Easy Read versions are also available.

3.2 Part written with supporting statement as BSL

You can submit your supporting statement (section 5 of the form) in BSL. This should be a maximum of 5 minutes long.

Please send sections 1 to 4 by email with your BSL video separately.

3.3 Full BSL application

Please include the following information in your BSL response:

• your full name
• postal and email addresses
• any phone numbers – please say if they are  text or video relay
• your current job, employer and a brief explanation of your role
• contact details for 2 referees – these may be people who know you professionally or personally

We also want to know about:

• your knowledge and experience of BSL – for example, is BSL your first language, or are you CODA, a parent, an interpreter or translator?
• if you belong to or volunteer with or work with any Deaf organisations
• any committee or Board experience you may have

Provide your supporting statement explaining why you are suitable for membership. This statement should be no more than 5 minutes long.

You can submit all of this as one or 2 separate videos.

3.4 How to submit your application

For written or part-written applications, the application form for either the chairperson or member of the BSL Advisory Board is available to download.

Email bslboard@cabinetoffice.gov.uk if you need an alternative format.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Email the form to: bslboard@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Email your BSL videos to: bslboard@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Whatsapp to: 07871 989325

Glide: @BSLBoard

3.5 Recruitment process

Please use the role description as a guide for structuring your personal statement. Tell us about your experiences and how you meet the person specification – this is what we will use to shortlist applications.

Applications will be reviewed by a recruitment panel, which will include civil servants, BSL signers and an impartial external advisor. We may then invite you to interview. Recommendations will be made to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who will make the decision on appointments.

On appointment, we will ask members, including the external chairperson, to formally accept the position and agree to a code of conduct. This will include a full declaration of conflicts of interest.

4. Time commitment and reimbursement of expenses

There will be 4 meetings a year, some in-person and some online. The chairpersons will be expected to liaise with the secretariat and guide on the preparation of agenda and meetings materials.

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 and support costs, will be reimbursed. BSL interpretation and translation, including hands on and tactile, will be provided for all meetings and meeting papers.

5. What we do with your information

We take our obligations under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any information about you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection with dealing with your application and the selection process. Data may also be used for the purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process, but in these circumstances, all data will be kept anonymous.

If you are unsuccessful, your personal data relating to your application will be destroyed after 6 months, unless you give us permission to keep it for the purposes of a reserve list of suitable candidates.

6. Contact us

For further information on the BSL Advisory Board please email us: bslboard@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. We are happy to answer any queries you may have.

7. Easy Read versions

• What each member of the Board will do

• Who we are looking for

• How to apply