Policy paper

British Sign Language 5-year plan: Department for Business and Trade – 1-year update, July 2026 (English and BSL versions)

Updated 15 July 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wRNdk1x7Eg

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Progress and impact in the last 12 months

DBT has formalised British Sign Language (BSL) within its communications and marketing strategy, ensuring it is considered early in the planning stage. To enable this, BSL is now a formal category in the Communications and Marketing forward look, ensuring opportunities for BSL content are identified early across all relevant activity.

Working with production agencies Tag and Allied Print Services, DBT has established cost-effective BSL interpretation services, with agreed rates now included on our price card and shared with colleagues. Guidance on how to create and commission BSL content has been shared with communications professionals across the department, and the directorate has developed stronger capability in working with agencies to deliver BSL output.

During this reporting period, DBT produced 7 BSL videos: 6 trade explainer videos reflecting a significant year for UK trade relations with India, the USA, the EU and the Gulf region, and one video explaining the new cross-government Business Growth Service, used at roadshow events and on YouTube. DBT also audited its YouTube channel to identify existing explainer content suitable for BSL translation, informing future prioritisation. A dedicated BSL playlist has been created on the DBT YouTube channel, giving Deaf users a single accessible location for all BSL content.

Alignment with the 5-year plan and impact

Year one focused on building foundations and raising awareness — both have been achieved. Livestreaming was not required this year, but we have a supplier in place and ready for future use. 

DBT’s dedicated BSL YouTube playlist received over 550 views during this reporting period, with Business Growth Service roadshows from summer 2026 set to extend reach further.

Priorities for the next 12 months

Implementation and engagement

In year 2 of our 5-year BSL plan, we will focus on rolling out BSL initiatives and embedding inclusive communications across the directorate.

Staff awareness

We will bring in guest speakers to share BSL best practice with communications and marketing staff. We will work with our accessibility team to recruit Accessibility Champions across each area of the directorate to ensure inclusive communications, including BSL, are considered from the outset of activity.

Internal communications

BSL resources will be reviewed and updated. We will assess how interpretation services have been used and identify any gaps. Sign Language Week in March will be used to celebrate BSL culture and reinforce the department’s commitments.

External communications

We will review the past year’s BSL activity, analysing what worked and engaging with Cabinet Office BSL leads and Deaf organisations for feedback. BSL translations will continue to feature in important marketing materials, with a focus on broadening BSL use beyond major announcements. We will explore the use of BSL on the Business Growth Service website covering available services, support access and contact information. We will also explore technology options to improve the efficiency and quality of BSL content production.

Policy integration

Inclusive communications delivery, including BSL, will be included as an objective for all communications and marketing staff, embedding awareness and accountability across the directorate.