British Sign Language course provider iBSL surrenders Ofqual recognition with view to ‘cease trading’ (BSL)

The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) has surrendered its recognition from Ofqual as a recognised awarding body for courses in British Sign Language, Deaf and DeafBlind awareness, with a view to cease trading.

iBSL, which has a Deaf-led management team and all-Deaf Board of Trustees, previously confirmed it had been banned from registering new learners without permission after Ofqual imposed “special conditions” on the organisation.

In December, a spokesperson for the qualifications regulator declined to comment on why the special conditions had been issued against iBSL, but said they were “aware of organisational changes” that were taking place.

Meanwhile iBSL Managing Partner Stuart Hanson and chair Khalid Ashraf said at the time: “[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.

“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.”

However, in a news release published on Tuesday, Ofqual revealed iBSL had taken the decision to “cease trading”, with the organisation’s surrendering of its Ofqual recognition taking effect from Friday.

“Ofqual has been working closely with iBSL to protect the interests of students (learners). Ofqual has put in place arrangements (called saving and transitional provisions) that allow iBSL to continue to issue results and certificates to students after 3 March 2023, if they have a valid entitlement, while it continues to trade.

“Qualifications awarded under these arrangements will remain Ofqual-regulated qualifications,” it said.

Ofqual also said information is available on Qualification Wales and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment Regulation (CCEA)’s websites for iBSL students on courses in Wales and Northern Ireland respectively.

Signature, another provider of BSL courses, said in a statement to iBSL learners and centres that it is “here to support” and “provide assistance” to them to allow them to continue studying and delivering courses in Deaf communication.

“We understand how difficult and stressful this can be and the team at Signature are here to be as helpful as we can be,” it said.

iBSL has been approached by The Limping Chicken for comment.

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.