Transparency data

BSL Advisory Board meeting summary: 4 December 2025 (including BSL version)

Updated 14 January 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-sign-language-bsl-advisory-board-meeting-summaries/bsl-advisory-board-meeting-summary-4-december-2025-including-bsl-version

British Sign Language (BSL) version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP22BrgK5nA

Attendees 

BSL Advisory Board

  • Dr Joanna Atkinson, Co-chair of BSL Advisory Board
  • Alex Gowlland, Deputy Director of Disability Unit (DU), Cabinet Office, Co-chair
  • Matthew Adedeji
  • Damian Brewer
  • Teri Devine
  • Catherine Drew
  • Marcella Dwek
  • Helen Foulkes
  • Abigail Gorman
  • Laura Hawksworth
  • Sabina Iqbal
  • Hassan Moinuddin
  • Ahmed Mudawi
  • Dai O’Brien
  • Kate Reed 
  • Sarah Reed
  • Christopher Reid
  • Lucy Wox

Other government officials

  • 3 civil servants from DU were in attendance

Apologies

  • Jemina Napier

Welcome and introductions

The co-chairs welcomed members to the first meeting of the new BSL Advisory Board. They noted the significance of the location and the importance of the work ahead. 

Introductions were held for all attendees, including board members, DU officials and interpreters. In their introductions, the board members highlighted their:

  • diverse backgrounds
  • communication preferences
  • professional expertise
  • connections to the BSL community

Housekeeping and logistics 

Members were briefed on security, safety, and meeting protocols. Breaks, refreshments, and wellbeing support arrangements were outlined to ensure the meeting was accessible and inclusive. 

Co-chairs’ remarks and board strategy

The co-chairs set out the board’s core purpose – to advise and influence the government on implementing the BSL Act 2022. This should be through evidence-based engagement and constructive diplomacy. 

Emphasis was placed on teamwork, mutual respect, and the importance of combining lived experience with robust evidence. 

Achievements of the previous board 

The co-chairs outlined key achievements of the previous board, including:

Members were also reminded of existing government commitments, including:

Communication and access needs

The board was briefed on arrangements to support access needs. Members were encouraged to raise any issues promptly. 

Members were advised to communicate in their preferred language – BSL or English. Patience and flexibility would be essential.

Guidance was provided on best practice for engaging Deafblind members of the board. 

Conclusion

The co-chairs thanked the members for their participation and formally concluded the meeting.

Back to top