Potential RAD and deafPLUS merger called off as it would not be in charities’ ‘best interests’ (BSL)

A potential merger between the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and deafPLUS will not go ahead, after representatives from the two Deaf charities “unanimously agreed” the move would not be in the organisations’ “best interests”.

News of the two charities coming together under one organisation was announced last month, at the same time as all three chief executives of RAD revealed they had resigned from their positions and would formally leave the charity in May.

In a joint statement released by both RAD and deafPLUS on Wednesday, the organisations said: “A steering committee (of deafPLUS and RAD trustees) was formed, and along with the CEOs for both organisations, we undertook a full assessment, through a due diligence process, to assess the viability of a merger.

“Following the meeting it was unanimously decided not to proceed with the merger on the grounds that it would not be in either RAD or deafPLUS’ best interests at this current time due to operational and organisational differences.

“However, the proceedings were left on amicable terms and we have committed to deepening the collaboration and partnership between the two charities for the benefit of the wider deaf community.”

Both charities wished the other organisation well “with their future endeavours”.

Photo: Royal Association for Deaf People/YouTube.

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.