British Sign Language 5-year plan: Ministry of Defence – 1-year update, July 2026 (English and BSL versions)
Updated 15 July 2026
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKFfboIKU2k
Progress and impact in the last 12 months
Over the past year, we have delivered many of the commitments set out in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) British Sign Language (BSL) 5-year plan. We have focused on improving the quality, consistency and engagement of our BSL content. We have set up an MOD BSL YouTube channel which hosts all translated video content in one accessible location.
We have provided internal BSL interpreter support for events, awareness sessions, champions, advocates, the Defence Hearing Network meetings, and for the cross–Civil Service hearing network to support staff who are D/deaf or have hearing loss. The team has strengthened engagement with organisations representing the BSL community to better understand barriers and challenges. This led to us developing and publishing 2 practical guides: one for managers, and one on inclusive meetings. Both guides have been well received and there are further resources planned.
We have a thriving network of eager civil servants and military personnel who are D/deaf or have hearing loss. These members – along with our BSL advocates – have delivered internal deaf awareness presentations aimed at influencing attitudes, generating strong engagement and promoting cultural change across the department. These sessions have received positive feedback.
We are an active member of the cross-government BSL Working Group. This working group provides a space for officials working directly on BSL-related policy, programmes or service delivery to:
- share best practice and lessons learned (for example, procuring interpreters, staff HR policies, digital accessibility)
- promote smarter working by adapting successful approaches already in use across the government
- support the delivery of departmental 5-year BSL plans
- build connections between departments, agencies, and arm’s length bodies
Lastly, have reported annually to the Cabinet Office’s BSL Act Team on the BSLe content published by MOD.
Priorities for the next 12 months
Our Civilian Disability Champion is focused on delivering the priorities currently within our 5-year plan, so there are no further additions or adjustments planned at this time. Ongoing consultation is taking place with the Military Disability Champion and the Office of Veterans Affairs to explore updates in relation to our military personnel and the veterans’ community.