British Sign Language 5-year plan: Wales Office
Published 22 July 2025
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1. Statement of intent
The Wales Office has created this statement of intent to highlight its role and aims to use British Sign Language (BSL) in its communications.
The Wales Office recognises the importance of the BSL Act and the need for inclusivity in government communications. Over the next 5 years we will seek opportunities to integrate BSL into our communications where possible and appropriate.
The nature of the work of the office will limit the range of occasions where the use of BSL will be beneficial. Unlike departments that deliver direct services to the public, such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), we have relatively few opportunities for direct communication.
We will use our social media channels to promote and amplify relevant content using BSL that is created by other government departments.
The department aims to ensure that our communications are increasingly visible to everyone in Wales and the UK. The Wales Office communications department also aims to increase our efforts on inclusivity in celebration of the deaf community in Wales.
2. Next steps
The Wales Office will look to create more social media content with the use of BSL, at an appropriate time. For example, during a specific week of visibility with the intention of increasing volumes year on year.
We will use our channels to amplify content created by other government departments, and, where appropriate, the Welsh Government.
Our department will aim to include visits and engagement with the deaf community.