British Sign Language 5-year plan: Scotland Office – 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=8ZJgN8uU4r0
This update to our Statement of Intent outlines the Scotland Office’s commitment to British Sign Language (BSL) in its communications, acknowledging the importance of the BSL Act and the need for government inclusivity.
Over the next 5 years, the Scotland Office will seek to integrate BSL into its communications where feasible and appropriate. While the nature of the Office’s work limits direct communication opportunities – unlike public-facing departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Health and Social Care – the commitment remains.
Inclusion has been successfully enhanced by providing English-to-BSLinterpreters at Scotland Office events featuring ministerial speeches, specifically for deaf attendees.
We will expand upon initial efforts to celebrate the deaf community in Scotland by developing and promoting further proactive BSL case studies and content. Additionally, the Office will use its social media channels to amplify relevant BSL content created by other government departments.
Ultimately, the Scotland Office communications department aims to increase its efforts on inclusivity, celebrate the deaf community in Scotland, and ensure our communications are increasingly visible to everyone across Scotland and the UK.
We will leverage our social media channels (@UKGovScotland) to amplify content from other UK government departments, increasing the reach of UK government information across Scotland. Our sharing volume will directly correlate with the increase in content produced by these other departments.
One focus of our communication will be to include engagement and visits with the deaf community in our activities. We aim to conduct community outreach. We also aim to include BSL-interpreted speeches at events to demonstrate our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring the deaf community feels heard and valued by the Scotland Office.