iBSL shares open letter detailing plans for current learners as it confirms closure in ‘next couple of months’ (BSL)

The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) has confirmed it is to cease trading in the coming months, after surrendering its recognition as an awarding body for British Sign Language qualifications and concluding the business is not “financially viable”.

Qualifications regulator Ofqual’s official recognition of iBSL ended on Friday, but the sign language organisation said in an open letter seen by The Limping Chicken that marking and the awarding of certificates will continue “where they are due”.

Trustees Agnes Dyab, Joselyn Taylor and Khalid Asharaf wrote: “We have been transparent that our financial position has been at the base of our difficulties. As Trustees, we have had to make some very hard decisions about our future and ability to continue.

“Our conclusion has been that IBSL is not financially viable, and we will be closing the organisation in the next couple of months.

“iBSL has been ground-breaking, as the only Deaf led [awarding organisation]. We are very proud of all the learners that have achieved our qualifications over the years. Those learners, who might now work as interpreters, or in some other capacity using their BSL skills and knowledge, or have been able to use BSL to communicate with friends, family and others are our legacy and our BSL champions.”

An official closure date is yet to be confirmed.

Alongside the open letter, iBSL attached a document detailing arrangements for current learners and centres, explaining that it looks to continue marking until 24 March, before issuing final marks and certificates by 31 March.

It added this date could change subject to iBSL’s “financial and legal position”.

For current learners who have only partly completed their course, iBSL is advising centres to plan to transfer them onto equivalent qualifications provided by Signature or the Skills and Education Group.

Where no equivalent course can be found – such as with iBSL’s level two and three courses in Deafblind Communication – Signature can offer a “recognition of prior learning” process while transferring individuals to the closest equivalent qualification it has available.

In terms of assessments, iBSL said it is not possible to take new bookings if a learner has not notified them through the “update request” document issued last month, or made them aware of “any requirements”. It said it would look to ensure resits can take place “wherever possible”.

Centres providing courses have also been asked to let iBSL know “as soon as possible” if they believe one of their learners has grounds for an appeal of their results, with iBSL aiming to “accelerate the timescale” within which a decision is made.

iBSL also stressed there is “no issue” with the quality or validity of qualifications or assessments it provides.

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 – 10/03/22: Following confirmation from an iBSL representative that the open letter is currently unavailable online, The Limping Chicken has made the full letter available via this article.