Action Deafness CEO Craig Crowley to co-chair government’s BSL Advisory Group (BSL)

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The non-statutory BSL Advisory Group, announced during the passage of the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill through Parliament earlier this year, is to be co-chaired by Craig Crowley, the Cabinet Office has confirmed.

Mr Crowley will co-chair the group of at least 16 individuals alongside a senior civil servant, with members representing England’s nine regions, Scotland, Wales and tactile signers.

The BSL Act Now! campaign will also be represented by four board members.

The board will advise the government on new guidance for BSL in public communications, how to increase the number of sign language interpreters and how to further implement the BSL Act – which was passed in April.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Crowley said: “By accepting this new independent role, I shall work collaboratively with both the Government and BSL Advisory Board members. We will seek views on the wider issues to ensure implementation of the BSL Act and help determine aims, goals and aspirations for the Advisory Board.

“I look forward to working with the new members of the Advisory Board to start advising on the implementation and matters important to BSL users throughout the UK.”

Tom Pursglove, the minister for disabled people, health and work, added: “The British Sign Language Act is a key step to removing some of the barriers experienced by Deaf people in everyday life.

“The BSL Board will ensure we are guided and advised by those who know best how to make these important changes.

“I am delighted to announce Craig’s appointment and look forward to working with him to create a more inclusive, accessible, and fair society for everyone.”

Over 100 applications were made to the Cabinet Office to join the board – either as the independent co-chair or as a member – before submissions closed at the start of September.

The first term of the board will run from 2022 to 2025, with four meetings taking place a year.

Members will serve on the board for three years, with their membership reviewed by the Work and Pensions secretary every year.

Mr Crowley will be involved in deciding the new board members, who are set to be announced “soon”.

Photo: @CEOActionDeafns/Twitter.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.