iBSL banned from registering new BSL learners without permission as Ofqual imposes ‘special conditions’ (BSL)

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The Deaf-led British Sign Language (BSL) course provider iBSL will not be able to register new candidates to their qualifications without the approval of Ofqual and Qualifications Wales – after the regulators placed “special conditions” on the organisation.

The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) had the measures imposed on them on 24 November, weeks before the company was under new management on 9 December, with support from the Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG).

The decision will be reviewed by Ofqual on or after 5 January 2023.

The conditions also mean iBSL was required to send its centres and learners information about alternative BSL qualifications, and to assist any learners with transferring to another course.

In a statement published online on Wednesday afternoon, iBSL Managing Partner Stuart Hanson and chair Khalid Ashraf said: “[iBSL] accepted the support of The Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) after a difficult period, as we tried to re-emerge from the pandemic and its effect on learning and income.

“The organisation has now been strengthened and stays committed to working with the existing staff team and committed to being a Deaf-led organisation.

“We can reassure you that our qualifications and assessments remain valid and recognised. Assessments for registered learners can still continue.

“We continue to work with the regulators (Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA) to reassure them and demonstrate our commitment to quality and supporting our customers, and that we have a sound operational and financial base due to our new relationship with ISG.”

They also confirmed three Q&A sessions would be held for iBSL learners and centre staff, taking place on 19 December (10am-11am), 21 December (2pm-3pm) and 23 December (7pm-8pm), with those interested requested to email admin@ibsl.org.uk specifying which session they wish to attend.

It is not clear whether the new management prompted the decision by Ofqual, who have been approached by The Limping Chicken for comment.

Meanwhile Lindsay Foster, executive director at the BSL and Deaf communication awarding body Signature, said: “Following today’s notification from Ofqual and Qualification Wales, we have immediately put in place processes and plans to make the transition to Signature as straightforward as possible for learners and centres.

“We understand how difficult this is and will do all we can to support those learners and centres who wish to complete their qualification with Signature. Our team, including myself, are ready to provide advice and guidance to anyone who needs it who have been affected by this situation.

“We want as many of those learners affected to continue to learn BSL at the standard set by both iBSL and Signature.”

Chair John Walker added: “My message to learners is that we hope you will continue to learn BSL and gain your qualifications. Learning a language is a rewarding experience: not only do you gain a life skill and improve the way you communicate with everyone, but you will also meet a deserving community.

“We are here for you, we will help and do what is needed to help you continue to learn.”

Individuals looking to transfer their course over to a Signature qualification are advised to email ibsl@signature.org.uk with their details.

Photo: iBSL.

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.

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Update – 15/12/22: In a statement, an Ofqual spokesperson said: “We are aware of organisational changes that are taking place at IBSL.

“As a regulator, we are driven by the interests of students. Students should contact their Centre directly for further information.

“IBSL Centres have already been given a point of contact if they wish to contact Ofqual directly.”

Qualifications Wales provided an almost identical statement.

When asked by The Limping Chicken for a reason why special conditions had been placed on iBSL, Ofqual declined to comment further.