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CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Administrative Information
Trurtees, Annual Report
Who we are
Corporate strurture, governance and accountsbilty
Welcome from our Chair
Our work
Strategic Goals #TakingBSLForvRrd 2022- 2032
Engaging wrth our members
International
Financial Review
Grateful thanks to our funders
Structu￿, Governance and Management
Statement of Trustees Responsibilrties
Disclosure of Information to our Auditors
Independent Auditors. Report
68
Statement of Financial Activities
(incorpordting an income and expendrture account)
73
Balance Sheet
74
Statement of Cash Flow
75
Notes to the Flnancial Statements
76
hi I>SL.4t4
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Dr Robert Adam
Chair from [6th November 2025. Trustee term
commenced 26 June 2021
Jonathan Evans
Hamza Shaikh
Ahmed Mudawl
Carollne Doherty
Irfan Yusuf
Victoria Nelson
Hon Trp.I41 Ire.r frnm .St.h November 2022
Term commenced 5th November 2022
Term commenced I lth January 2023
Term commenced I lth November 2023
Term commenced I Ith November 2023
Term commenced 16th November 2024
Departing Trustees during 2023-24:
Jeff Brattan Wilson
Abigail Gorman
Appointed I I th November 2023, resigned 6th August 2024
Vice-chair from 6th November 2022. Resigned 19th May 2025
Company number
2881497
Charity number:
1031687
Scottish Charity number:
SC042409
Re8lStered office:
St, John's Deaf Communty Centre,
258 Green L3nes, London, N4 2HE
Chief Executive:
Rebecca Mansell
Bankers:
HSBC Bank plc,
29 English Street,
Carlisle. Cumbria CA3 8JX
Solicitors:
Farrer & Co LLP,
66 Lincoln's Inn Fields,
London, WC2A 3LH
Auditors:
Price Bailey LLP,
24 Old Bond Street
.London, W I S 4AP
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WHO WE ARE
Trustees, Annual Report 2024-25
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and audrfced financial statements for the year
I st April 2024 to 31 st March 2025.
Who we are
Founded in 1890, the Brtiish Deaf Association (BDA), is a national Deaf people's organisation and
led by Deaf people for Deaf people. The BDA represents the signing Deaf population of the UK and
plays a crucial role in promoting Brrfcish Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) in Northern
Ireland, a5 an integral &specL of the UK Deaf communty's cultural herttage.
As a Deaf-led membership organisation, the BDA is recognised by the World Federation of the Deaf
eNFD) and the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) as the sole legitimate voice of the BSUISL
communty. The BDA is dedicated to achieving equal rights for Deaf individuals and leads advocacy
and campaigning for BSL and ISL These efforts culminated in the historic legal recognttron of BSL
through the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and the UK-wide BSL Act in 2022.
As the national guardians of BSL and ISL we are responsible for protectin& preserving and promoting
our native sign languages for f￿Ure generdtions. We exist to ensure a world in which the language,
culture, communty, diversty and heritage of Deaf people in the UK is respected and fully protected,
We promote the advancement of human rights and equalty for Deaf people by collaborating with
our members and stakeholders to influence governments to access services in our own language: BSL
and ISL the first or preferred language of appr0￿MatelY 151,000 people in the UK around 87,000
who are Deaf and for whom English may be a Second or third language.
The BDA ￿ instrumentsl in securing the BSL Att in April 2022, meaning that BSL is legally
recognised as a protected UK minorty language. This was seismic, and we are determined that tt will
lead to Deaf people, marginalised for so long. participating and contributing as equal and valued
citizens in wider society,
We also campaign on behalf of BSL signers in Wales and BSLIISL signers in Northern
Ireland and hope to use our success wrth the BSL Act as leverage for a similar Act in
Wales and Northem Ireland.
We recognise the importance of building and learning from links with other Deaf
communities outside the UK particularly for our BDA Youth members to expand
their knowledge and understanding, and to see themselves within the context of the
wider signing communty. They do this by developing skj'lls, working for change, and
strengthening the cause and community of Deaf people worldwde.
SCANMEFORBSL
OR CLICK HERE
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WHO WE ARE
The BDA stsnds for Deaf Equalty, Access, and Freedom of choice:
DEAF
That we identify ourselves as Deaf people who use sign language. Part of the Deaf communty, we -
Deaf adults and children alike - share the same language, values, history and cultural experiences.
EQUALITY
That we Deaf people are treated equalW, with every opportunty for learning social. work leisure and
communty inclusion.
ACCESS
Th< through the provision of sign language, we are able to access services and support on a par with
others.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
That, through sign language, we are empowered wrth choices to participate, contribute, learn, and
work in the same way as others,
Our vision is of a world where Deaf people can fully participate and contribute to society as equal
and valued citizen5.
Our mission is to empower Deaf people to fully participate and contribLrte to society as equal and
valued crtizens and to build a world in whic.h t.he. languages, culture and herrtage of Deaf people in the
UK are protecLed, preserved and promoted.
Our values are,, Heritage, Communty, Language, ￿ghts, Equalty, Inclusion and Alliance.
O•vqlvplni
P*Yrté¢tlni •ur tr￿1¢￿￿1￿1¢
fui
Aft
A**rdni•urfintyl#lt
The BDA stands for
Deaf Equalty, Acces5 and .
F￿edOrn of Choice
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WHO WE ARE
BDA is an Ordinary Member of the World Federntion of the Deaf WLD) since
September 1957, and a founding member of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
since 1985.
WFD is an International Non-Governmentsl Organisation in official liaison with ECOSOC (Economic
& Social Council), UNESCO (Untted Nations Educational. Scientific and Cu￿Ural Organisation), ILO
(International Labour Organisation), WHO (World HeaFth Organisation) and the Council of Europe
(COE). It also has a consultative status in the Unrted Nations (UN) and is a founding member of the
International Disabilty Alliance (IDA).
EUD Is a supranational organisation representing Deaf people at European level and is one of the
few ENGOS representing associations from all the 27 EU Member Ststes, in addrtion to Iceland,
Norway. Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EUD aims to establish and maintain EU level dialogue
with its relative instrtutions and officiajs, in consultstion and co-operation with its member NADS.
EUD is a full member of the European Disabilty Forum (EDF) and is a Regional Co-operating
Member of the World Federation of the Deaf WFD) to tackle issues of global importance. It also
has participatory slatus with the Council of Europe (COE).)
The BDA remains a permanent member of EUD and the UK'S withdrawal from the EU has no
impact on BDA'S membership of the EUD.
WFD
EUD
BDA
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WHO WE ARE
BDA Youth, a sub-commrttee, are members of the World Federation of the Deaf Youth
UD
Section (￿E￿, the European Union of the Deaf Youth (Lr), and represent young
Deaf people across the UK
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted by the UN
General Assembly in 2006 and ratified in June 2023 by 186 UN Member Ststes, is the latest
international human rights convention emanating from the UN. It is also one of the most ratified
conventions in the UN legal Wem.
The motto of the CRPD, "Nothing About Us Without Us places persons wrth disabilities.
including Deaf people, and their representative organisations - national associations of Deaf people -
at the centre of decision-making processes related to them.
CRPD Artlcle 4.3 requires national governments to actively consult and collaborate with national
representative associations of Deaf people regarding any legislation, progrdmme or policies related to
Deaf people and national sign language5,
The BDA Is the formal National Representatlve Organlsatoon of the UK
representing the Deaf and BSL community, and holds this status at WFD, WFDYS,
EUD and EUDY.
EUD.
* EUROPEAN UNION
* OFTHE DEAF
OUTH
WORLD FEDERATION
OF THE DEAF
EUROPEAN UNION
OF THE DEAF
WFDYS
The BDA'S Strategic Vision sets out the BDA'S aspirations for Deaf people in the UK for the next
decade and beyond. following the historic legal recognition of our language wrth the BSL Act (2022)
and the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.
Across the diverse Deaf communtties in the UK, there is a shared ambrtion that the BSL Act 2022 will
serve as a turning point to bring about social change to dismantle the bwiers that have re5tritted
Deaf people's lives for more than 130 years, ever since the BDA was established. This short film sums
it up:
SCANMEFOft
SHORTFILM
AN NUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
.4¢44.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
The board of trustees governs the charty and has a maximum of 9 trustees. A totsl of
45% of trustees must be eletted by the membership. All elected trustees must be Deaf and
members of the charty. The board can appoint the remaining 55% of our trustees. Addrfcional
trustees may be co-opted by the trustee board when appropriate in order to enhance the skills of the
board.
SCANMEFOR8SL
ORCLICK HERE
Members are invrted to submri a wrrtten application, which is considered by a nominations panel.
Applicants are shortlisted and interviewed before being proposed a5 a trustee, All new trustee5
undertake an induction programme which involves governance training with NCVO. an introduction
to their responsibilities and to the operations of the charty.
The trustees provide leadership and direction for the charty. setting the vision, mission and strategy,
which are delivered by the Chief Executive and their team. The trustees are legally responsible for
ensuring that ￿sOurceS are used prudently and only in support of our objectives and for ensuring that
the charty complies with all relevant legislation and regulation, The board of trustees follows a
Conflicts of Interest policy, and a declaration of interest fom is completed annually by trustees and
senior management and these declarations are made and recorded at the start of every trustee
commrttee meetin& where relevant to the agenda
The board of trustees meets four times a year. It is supported by five committees, each of which has
specific term5 of reference:
BDA YoLrth,.
Finance & Risl.
Policy & Research;
Equalty, Diversty & Inclusion;
Nominations & Elections.
Tr•t*
CEO
IknAll&V &
8DA Youth
Iwi"rh:l* lo
The Finance and Risk Committee. which meets once a month oversep.s All financial and adminirtrative
matters. The Policy & Research Commtttee, which meets three times eath year pruviues policy
support and direction to the development of policies for advocaq.
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

CORPORATE STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Equalty & Diversty Strategy Group which meets three times each year provides strategic
direction to the development of our EDI strategy. The BDA Yolrth sub-committee which meets three
times each year leads the work of our young members of the BDA. The Nominations & Election
Commrttee meet once a year to review trustee nominations. All our commrttees are chaired by
trustees. Committee meetings are also attended by relevant staff. Each commrttee has 5ts decisions
ratified by the board of trustees where appropriate.
The day-to-day running of the Brrtish Deaf Association and the exercise of executive responsibility
are delegated to the Chief ExecLrtive for operational matters, including finance, employment and
service delivery.
There are clear distinctions btheen the role of the trustees and of senior management Matters such
as policy and strategic plans are prepared by senior management for consideration and approval by
the trustees, All trustees give up their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
Detsils of trugcee expenses are disclosed in the financial statements There were no related party
transactions.
lj.
EDI Strategy Group September 2024: Dr Robert Adam. Sarla Meisuria Samira Mohammed, Rebecca
Mansell, Ahmed Mudawi, Priyesh Patel, Mark Berry
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WELCOME FROMOURCHAIR
l am very proud to present my third annual report as Chair of the British Deaf Association
(BDA). I continue to be driven by a desire to ensure that the BDA delivers even MO￿ for
our sign language rights. As the national representative organisation of BSUISL, we are best placed to
advise on language policies and planning that contributes to the vitslty of our BSL and ISL language.
We were established to promote the use of sign language - BSUISL and influence bilingual practises
through the services and programmes we and our neknrk of locaj, national and international
partners provide on the ground.
SCANI4E FOR 8SL
ORCLICK HERE
The BDA was very proud to have led the BSL Act Now campaign, which resulted in the BSL Act
2022. It will create greater recognition and understanding of BSL as well as inclusion and equality for
BSL user5. As such. our priorities going forward will be to:
assist organisations in developing bilingual practices through providing expert advice and support;
undertake research and development projects relating to language policy and planning
promote professional training and other educational actrvities in the field of language planning.
This Act recognises BSL in England, Wales and Scotland. Uniquely across the UK Northern Ireland
has sign languages
B5L and ISL Back in 2004 the Secretary of State announced the official
cognttion of sign language in Nl, but it held no real legislative power and was not proterted by law.
Currently, Nl Sign language 8111 has now progressed to the Committee Stsge where it is scrLrtinising
by the committee for communrties. Majella McAteer, from BDA'S Northern Ireland office was
seconded to the Northern Ireland Govemment to specifically support them for 3 years in preparing
for the introduction of Northern Ireland's BSL and ISL Bill. We look forward to the developments
which will consolidate the position of both these sign languages in Northern Ireland.
•pr
We can't achieve systems change alone. One of our social values is 'Developing our Alliance,.
We value those who support us and are our allies because they share our vision and mission and
support our signing communty. We are proud to report that the BSL Alliance
(Yu¥￿I￿lI1 uk) has gone from strength to strength with 53 members (2024 - 52
members, 2023 - 25 members), all with the same mission to track the implementstion of the BSL Act
2022. The BSL Alliance is made up of national, reg'onal and local organisations across the UL
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025

WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIR
Following the 2022 consultations wrth
members to shape the future of BDA'S
work we developed alo-year Strategic
Vision which we presented back to
members wrth further consultations. At the
2024 AGM in Glasgow we presented the
outcome of Year 1 2023 2024 strategic
objectives against the 10-year vision. This
annual report will Include outcomes of Year
2 2024 - 2025 strategic objectives and l am
sure you will join me in feeling proud of how
much we have achieved in the space of
years. Full report in the policy section.
Photo - BSL Alliance meetsng Birmingham
June 2024
One way to achieve wrtems change is to host workshops and conferences to share evidence-based
information and resources aboLrt our language. We kicked off the 2024 - 2025 financial year wrth an
amazing BSL Conference in Manchester featuring a host of incredible presenters. We were honoured
to welcome Dr Joseph Murray, President of the World Federation of the Deaf, as our Keynote
Presenter to deliver a tslk aboui 'Recognizing national Sign Language rights to ensure the inclusion of
deaf people from a linguistic minority perspective,.
We were thrilled when the Mayor of Greater Manchester,
Andy Burnham. welcomed everyone to his Cty in BSL much
to the audience's delight
The conference followed with the following
presentations:
Heatrth and Wellbeing of Deaf Children.. What is the impact
of Early Language Development7 Dr Katie Rogers SORD
What do deaf Child￿n need to be -school readyl" FTrnk
Barne5 Primary School for Deaf Children, Dani Sive, Head
Teacher. and Catherine Drewe. Deputy Head
AN NUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
10

WELCOMEFROM OUR CHAIR
Independent evaluation report of BDA Northern Ireland's Family
Sign at Home programme by BDA'S Head of Community Services
Jaz Mann and BDA Northern Ireland Team Leader Naomi Fujitani
Language Therapy in BSL by Lenka Nowdk and Dr Joanna Hoskin
Reflections from BSL Advisory Board on Early Years & Access to
BSL for Families by Alex Gowlland and Craig Crowley BSL Advisory
Board
We also heard from two parents of deaf children aboLrt their
experiences in the early siages of identification and navigating the
system - Tilly Hawkes and Saurabh Mittal
I closed with a talk about Systems and Policy reforms through..
Q Universty Curriculums
Policy Design with Deaf People
Worl<force development of deaf people
Bilingual bimodal future. PHOTO
Another significant moment as Chair during 2024 - 2025 was hosting my second AGM which took
place in Glasgow. It was a huge honour, and I was thrilled when members commented how much
they enjoyed the weekend. I would like to extend my personal thanks on behalf of the Board of
Trustees to the BDA Scotland team for hosting a wonderful weekend which started off at the Deaf
club on the Friday evening. Thank you, also to Deaf History Scotland for hosting us and to Lilian
Lawson and John Hay for their presentation, The evening was wonderfully hosted by Erin Mccluskey
(BDA Youth Chair) and james Colhoun with Scottish Bagpipe providing a visual experience.
4fV}n [';"'
To end the weekend, Lillian Lawson provided a
wall<ing tour: of Glasgow's rich Deaf history. It was
really interegting and the feedback from attendees
was that théy really.en'joyed ffc.,,
Photos o!;walking tour:
Il-)
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024 2025
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11
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WELCOMEFROMOUR CHAIR
I was also very proud to present my second awards to the various recipients nominated by members,
many of whom are Scottish, Congratulations everyone..
Name of Award:
2024 Awards Glasgow AGM
BDA Medal of Honour
. John Denerley
BDA Medal of Honour
Aud￿ Cameron
Francis Maginn Award
Margart McLean
Fran¢l$ M4zlnn Award
Margaret Aitken
Fran<li Maglnn Award
William Stavert
Certificat¢ of Mtrlt
. Sandra Boyle
Certificate of Merit
Charlene Dolan
Certificate of Mertt
Rachel O'Neill
Certificate of M•rlt
Marcel Hirshman
Cértificaté of Merlt
Lucy 8uxton
Certificats of Merit
. Angela SatrLekin
Certificate of Merit
Shame Penman
Certificate of Merit
James Colhoun
Certificate of Merlt
Gerry Malley
Certificaté of Métit
., T&snim Ahmed
Certificate of Merit
Robin Ash
Certlfl¢até of Merit
Youth Athsory Board - Scotland
Certiflcats of Merlt
, Jeff Brattan-wilson
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
12

WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIR
We continue to develop the BDA'S organisational structure
to ensure that our strategy can be met. Nine Feet Tall
supported BDA last year to build suitable organisational
design options in line with this new strategy, understand the
impact of the changes and provide realistic costs of an
aFtered structure. The options provided have since been
actioned and a new Head of Communty se￿ices and BDA
England Manager has been recrulted.
A lig( of recommended ne)rt steps was provided to enable the
new design to be successful ensuring the changes are
embedded and understood. We want to embark on this next
phase of work to ensure the organisational design work
completed to date can develop further and deliver against the
BDA'5 Stfdtegy.
I wanted to personally extend a special thanks to former
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Mimms Davies MP duringthe financial year for all her support
and collaboration implementing the BSL Act 2022,
It is appropriate to reflect on just how much has been achieved by a national organisation of just 25
staff, along with a volunteer Board of Trustees. Sessional staff including mentors, sign language tutors,
befrienders and outreach workers have also helped deliver some of our project work and, being
members of the Deaf Communty. they fulty engaged wtth our work and ethos as they know and
appreciate the value of the BDA for their peers, namely, Deaf sign language users in the community.
I hope this report provides an informative overview of the BDA'S work during 2024-25.1'd like to
extend my heartfelt thanks to our stsff, volunteers, funders. members, and my colleagues on the
8oard of Trustees for their generosty and hard work in continuing to make a big dIffe￿nCe for our
Deaf communty.
Dr Robert Adam
Chair
AN NUAL REPO R T 2024-2025
13

OUR WORK
This year we continued to deliver against the objectives outlined in the l O-year Strategic
Vision. The objectives take their starting point from the date at which the BSL Act
received Royal Assent: 28 April 2022. That date is now celebrated annually as the National BSL Day.
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICKHERE
The Strategic Vision sets out the British Deaf Association's 10-year vision for a new civil rights
movement.. #BSL2032. Over the next decade, the Deaf communrties in the UK must take ownership
of our own fLrture as a linguistic and cultural minority which has faced oppression and discrimination
for more than a century.
Language is at the heart of what it means to be human. To be able to express ourselves, share
information, and build relationships, every human needs a sirong language foundation. Deaf people
continue to be deprived of that basic human right, It is time for this to change,
Deaf people are at the heart of everything the BDA does. We recognise that the Deaf communty is
made up of a diverse cross-section of society, which we as a national organisation need to do more to
authentically represent.
The g(rategy aims to put our members first. We have set out a pledge to worl< collaboratively wrth
our members, respecting their views and priorities. We will be honest and accountable about our
decisions. and equal, fair and inclusive in our approach. We want members to be proud of the BDA
and feel that the work we are doing malces a difference to their lives, We deeply value their support.
We believe that the way to make this new strategy a genuine success is to win the support of our
colleagues, members, stal<eholders, truslees and siaff, Nothing about us, wrthout us - all of usl
Deaf people are the experts of our own lives.
self-a
ates,
e have the potential to contribute expertise. ski
that enric
our societies and make them more Just, Inclusive, a
Dr Robert Adorn, Choir of the 8DA Boord of Trustee5
expefieTh
d prosp
rous.
In honour of Dorothy Miles who received a Purple Plague in April 2024, we wanted to share Dot's
powerful and wonderful video reminding members that the 'BDA is You and Me.. Enjoy.
'Dc)I'oihy
THE BDA- YOU.
ME AND
TOCETHER
CLIP
The following highlights some of the key successes by our services during 2024 - 25: . .
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
.1).
14

POLICY AND RESEARCH
BDA'S Policy & Research team has published ground-breakn'ng policy, and underlying policies, to kick-
start the delivery of BDA'S l O-year strategy and led on Government and Parliamentary engagement
to get BSL discussed in the highest places. We worked hard to build purposeful and productive
relationships with senior civil servants who are an important source of advice to government
Minsters.
We established the first ever UK Parliamentary Group on 8SL, entered into partnerships with
Cambridge Universfcy, commissioned work from Manchester Universrf(y and RAND and others, and
saw our Early Years campaign tsken up by the Liberal Democrats and the UK'S Equalities and Human
Rights Commission.
Poli
Is under
tanding how the world works changing how th
Mike Hobdoy
world
rks
Policy Development & Parliamentary Engagement
BDA'S Early Years Position Statement was launched in Sign Language Week 2024, at the
Parliamentary launch of BDA'S campaign 8SL in Our Hands. This was a great success, with over 30
MPS attending and a score of MinisLers, including the then Conservative mini￿er for Disabled People,
who later became BDA'S Special Ambassador after leaving Parliament.
We want to see full and unified national support for BSL in Early Years, operating within an English &
BSL bilingual framework for families, We want the government to fund free access at home to BSL
(and ISL in Northern Ireland) for all families of newly identified deaf children. We want to reverse a
decades-long trend of marginalising BSL and deaf children losing access to BSL
-in-our.han
inouf o. F',*
hands
•••
'_hand
SCAN ME FOR BSL
OR CLICK HERE
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
15

POLICY ANDRESEARCH
The BDA took the campaign to the global deaf Early Years sector. attending for the first time the
Family Centred Early InteNention (FCEI) Conference in Austria and sharing our campaign wilh over
300 attendees from around the world.
Equality and
Human Rights
Commission-"
Ensure local authorities have a legal
duty to fund sign language lessons for
parents of deaf childre
EHRC UK Humon fv'£hts Trocker
The UK'S Equalty and Human Rights Commission (EHRQ took up our camp&gn and made BSL
access in Early Years a key marker of their monitoring of the UK Government's PrOg￿$S on Human
Rjghts in the UK We We￿ very happy to see the EHRC formally accept our position that BSL is a
human rights issue. We're tsking this forward.
Our parllamentary engagement work is a key lever to drive forward our Early Years policy and
campagn. It's generated much interest in Parliamerrt along with our BSL Manifesto for the
General Electlon 2024.
We want the next Government to
transform the way British Slgn
Language is accessed in the UK by
deaf chlldren, thelr famllles and deaf
adults Deaf children in the United
Kingdom have a human right to
lin8UiStlc and cultural enrfchment
through BSL
BSL Monifv5to 2024
MANIFESTO FOR
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE
99
You can download the BDA'S BSL Manifesto he￿..
httpS:Ilbd&o￿.uWw
ontentluploads1202410
120
For a BSL version of the Manifesto, pl&￿e see..
bd
SL-
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
16

POLICY ANDRESEARCH
We were delighted to see the Liberal Democrats adopt our Early Years
asks and publish them in their own Election Manifesto.
We will provlde free access to sign language lessons
for parents and guardians of dlDeaf children. .
Lrberol Democrats Manjfrsto 2024
[Full Libdem Manifesto 2024 (BSL is on page 49 (and also page 97)..
AA
We made good Prog￿$$ engaging with both the Conservatives and Labour before the 2024 General
Election and continued to deepen relationships wrth Labour when they came to power after the
election.
We successfully engaged with Labour as the new party of Government in September 2024 at their
National Labour Party confe￿nce in Liverpool. We gave a keynote presentation on the concept of
Deaf Leadership at Disabilty Labour's fringe event, We had our BDA own stall to showcase BSL
front and centre at the Conference,
We met Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, and Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister
(and a level 3 BSL slgner) and many other senior Mini5ter5, and advocated for their support for
BSL rights.
We also jointly hosted a second parliamentsry event in Westminster with other national Deaf
charities. Through the work of the Policy. Team, BDA has Significant￿ expanded oui" parliamentary
nthork engaging with many BSL allies throughout the corridors of power.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
17

POLICY AND RESEARCH
Wrth BDA as Secretariat the group of MP5 is campaigning for the UK government to support
families of deaf children to learn sign language, raising concerns of BSL signers including the fLrture of
deaf education, and celebrating Sign Language Week every year.
Wrth BDA'S support, the APPG BSL started by holding a succe55ful Parliament Westminster Hall BSL
Debate on March 20th 2025, in which attending MPS u*d BSL for the formal debate vocabulary,
('Mr Speaker,, 'Will you give way7. and 'My constf(uency'); and this use of BSL was recorded in
Hansard, the official Record of Parliamentsry debates: and the signs used were illustrated in House
Magazine, the internal magazine of ParliamenL
MPS also met BDA'S Campaign Ambassadors who shared their lived experiences of being denied
access to BSL for their families, bringing some MPS to tears.
Commissloning Research
Our feedback from talking to politicians and MPS from across the UL. they all want to see our
evidence of need. and our estimate of how much this will cost, BDA Policy Team commissioned
ground-breaking research into the Economic Beneftts that BSL brings to the UK Economy from
RAND. a well-known global policy research organisation, to answer these questions and show what
financial savings can be achieved from rolling OLrt BSL across the UK for all deaf children.
FIAND are a not-for-proftL non-partisan policy research
organisation. They help improve policy and deci5ion-making through
objective research and rigorous analysis.
RAND
We also cornmissioned an academic Evidence Briefing on the
Benefrts of Early Access to Sign Language for Deaf Children in
partnership wfth Universty of Manchester's Social Research wth
Deaf People (SORD). Over 3.400 academic papers on deaf children
were reviewed by SORD for this briefing.
18?4
rbe IP.Ir5*¢$1ty o, +,13uiKsier
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
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POLICY ANDRESEARCH
This Evidence Briefing will summarise these 3,400 papers and show
in one place exactly thy it is so important for deaf babies, children
and their families to leam BSL. how ri improves children's language
skn'll& reduces family St￿$$,. promotes family engagement,. and how
the government can c￿ate a lifelong impact by investing in improved
BSL provision for Early Years. We shared the results of this excrting
work at BDA'S BSL Conference in July 2025.
language acquisition - including sign language acquisitton - in the early years is a key foundation for
life for deaf children and is the base foundation for BDA'S l O-year strategic vision. After childhood,
there are muFtiple life stages for us to engage wtth: Education., EmploymenL' and Health & Sociat Care.
The Policy team is working hard engaging wtth the Deaf community, govemments and other
Stakeholders to devise policies in all these areas, but our main focus is on Early Years and Education,
A rlght for Deaf and dealblind children to get an
education In BSL and in environments which maximise
personal. academic and social development both within
and outside formal school 5etting5 and 5UPPOrt the
linguirtic Identlty of Deaf and deafblind children.
Dlsabled
PerJp12S
r)PO
'Review and strengthen the BSL Act to ensure BSL 1$
recognlsed• promoted and protected on a par with
English and all BSL-related public 5•rvic•s a
procedures
The Disabled Peoples Man(esto 2024
(Disow People's OrgonisGtions Forum EnOond)
BSL-Medium Education
Before the General Election 2024, the Policy Team 5ucces5fully
negotiated fundamental changes to the national Disabled People's Manifesto to safeguard the need
for specialist Deaf-led education for deaf signing children and for child signers of all types, This took
place against a wider backdrop of calls to close all specialigc disabilty provisions - including closing all
deaf schools - in favour of putting all deaf children into mainrtream education.
BDA also met wrth the trusiees of Hamilton Lodge School and College to discuss the threats the
school was facing and share our concerns. After a series of meeting5, we were delighted to learn the
governors had reversed the decision to close the school, safeguarding the dwindling provision of BSL
educ*cion. This fuels our hope that ￿￿ can campaign for nationl support for a Deaf-led BSL-medium
education system - along the lines of the Welsh language education system.
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POLICY AND RESEARCH
Language acquisrf(ion - including sign language acquisltion
in the early years is a key foundation for
life for deaf children and is the base foundation for BDA'S l O-year strategic vision. After childhood,
there are multiple life stages for us to engage with., Education,, Employment, and Health & Social Care.
The Policy team is working hard engaging wrth the Deaf communty, governments and other
stakeholders to devise policies in all these areas, but our main focus is on Early Years and Education.
This could potentially remove medical gatekeepingi meaning parents of deaf children (or signing
children) would not need to argue wtth doctors or SEND panels to obtsin BSL-medium education for
their children, and will be more freely able to move their children btheen signing and non-signing
Schools as their child develops.
BSL GCSE - BDA 15 actively involved in developments in the BSL GCSE and in the OFQUAL
consultations on the qualification & assessment frameworks.Along wrih other organisations involved in
BSL GCSE, we have also been frustrated by the lack of progress on the BSL GCSE. Policy Team has
been pressing our contscts in Government for more news & developing relationships wtth the
Department for Education. The new UK Padiament APPG BSL are extremely keen on pushing for
swifter progress and have been submittin£ Parliamentary Questions and tslkjng to Ministers about the
BSL GCSE,
UNIVERSITY OF
CAMBRIDGE
KAVLI CENTRE
for Ethl¢$, S¢ien¢•,
and the Public
Genetic technology and Deaf people
BDA Policy Team
partnered with Cambridge Unlver5ity's Kavll Centre for
Science, Ethics. and the Publlc to discuss wrth the BSL
community. the latest information on genetic testing available in the
NHS,. the NHS'S future plans for pre-birth genetic te5tin& the legal
frameworks and their potential impact on deaf people. This is
shaping our emerging poliq on genetics. This has developed into a
joint project called 'Deaf DNA Your Say,. Cambridge
Universws Professor Anna Middleton gave a presentation on this at
our BSL Conference.
OEthF DNA.
YOVR SA Y.
AI BSL - AGM in November 2024, and a special BSL Alliance Al
BSL event in Derby in early 2025, attended by about 30 BSL-led
organisations, We have been directly approached by numerous Al
organisations including Google seeking commercial partnerships.
BDA Board, on the advice of Policy Team, has decided BDA will be
neutral on Al BSL
AN N UAL REPO R T 2024-2025
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POLICY AND RESEARCH
Our mission is to get the best possible Al BSL outcome for the UK'S Deaf communities. wtthoLrt bias
or commercial considerations. Our work has made a significant impact in the Al sector, and we have
been invtted to contribLrte to numerous Al policy conference& We have also been invited to advise
Government on Al BSL procurement We plan to consult wtth members again ahead of refining our
position for a second Al BSL paper.
'Ii'
AI BSL ot o BSL Allionce event ot Derby
Deaf Leadership
This concept
introduced via the BSL Manifesto and underpins
the approach for all of BDA'S work. Deaf signers
are the experts and must lead on all BSL matters.
Deaf signers should lead the design, development
delivery and evaluation of all BSL-related services
and projects.
But few deaf signers get the
opportunty to develop the skj'lls that would enable
them to take on such roles.
Deaf sizn•rs must lead the deslzn.
development. delivery? and
evaluation of all BSL-related services
and projects
Tom Lithy
Head ofpolicy & Research, BDA
Investment in developing Deaf tslent to tske on these roles will see a return on investment in the long
run and BSL seNices & provision will more Close￿ match what Deaf signers need, wrth less waste. We
want to see Govemmerrts and local authoritie5 across the UK formally adopting these principle5 of
Deaf Leadership and commttting to co-designing roadmaps to upskill deaf signers to tske on these
sponsibilrties.
Sup
the
orting Sign Language Legislation across
BDA'S support for the ongoing development of sign language legislation continued in Wales, Scotland,
and Northern Ireland.
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POLICY ANDRESEARCH
We have developed our close work wrth devolved Governments across the UK. We use our unique
position as the UK'S national representstive on sign language issues - as recognised by the World
Feder¥cion of the Deaf, and the European Union of the Deaf - to bmker knowledge between
nations so that they can learn from each other's approaches and experiences.
We are developing a successful track record of creating and fostering multiple cross-party
partnerships to pass BSL & ISL legislation, and to support Deaf leadership on all sign language matters
across the UK
Wales
BSL (Wales) Blll Wales has been a major
focus for BDA Policy team this year. One year ago,
the Welsh Government stated they did not see
the need for a BSL (Wales) Bill and would block it
in the Welsh Senedd.
Senedd Cymru
Welsh Parliament
BDA Policy Team worked closely with BDA Wales and local Deaf leaders and Welsh deaf
organisations to support the Bill's proposer, Mark Isherwood MS, and his tearn to carry forward the
development of the Bill. We also worked with them to ensure BDA'S models of a language focus and
deaf leadership were incorporated into the BSL Bill's frameworks.
We collectively met many MSS and other Welsh polriicians, and successfully influenced the Welsh
Government to change their minds. Now the Welsh Government fully sUPPOrts the BSL (Wales) Bill
and has promised to give tt the Senedd time required to pass. Successl
Welsh Government BSL Stakeholder Group - BDA'S Head of
Policy is co-chairing - alongside a Deaf signer from the Welsh Government
Civil Seryice - a wide ranging Welsh BSL Stakeholder Group tssked with
making a significant package of recommendations on all Welsh BSL matters
to the Welsh Government. This work in Progre￿ essentially cover5 the
entirety of BDA'S l O's Year Strategy in one comprehenstve package. We
Llywodraeth Cymru believe this is one of the first times in the UK that a Govemment Working
Welsh Government
Group has been led by two Deaf signing Co-chairs
This is an excellent example of rapid working and co-production btheen Government and
communty-led reP￿Serrtative organisations. Due to both co-chairs being Deaf signers. plus excellent
support from the Welsh Civil Service, the group looks set to achieve two years of work in just six
months.
Welsh Senedd Cross Party Group on Deaf155ues - BDA Policy Team continues to provide
the SeC￿tsr1at for this group and organises their regular meetings. Through our learnings from this
group. we were able to build a Strong skill base for establishing a UK Parliament All Pty Group on
BSL at Westminster.
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POLICY AND RESEARCH
We have developed our close work wtth devolved Governments across the UK. We use our unique
position as the UK'S national representative on sign language issues - as recognised by the World
Federation of the Deaf, and the European Union of the Deaf - to broker knowledge between
nations so that they can leam from each other's approaches and experiences.
We are developing a successful trac1< record of creating and fostering muFtiple cross-party
partnerships to pass BSL & ISL legislation, and to support Deaf leadership on all sign language matters
across the UK
Northern Ireland
Sign Language (Nl) Blll
BDA Policy team provided
sUb￿antIal sUPPOrt to the BDA Northern Ireland team to engage
with the Northern Ireland Assembly on the progress of the Sign
Language (Nl) Bill. 8DA Head of Policy, BDA Nl Manager, and
8DA Chair were invited by the Nl Assembly's Equality
Comm￿tee to give evidence, and gave an extensive presentation
in both 8SL and ISL, and this was recorded in Hansard. We are
very pleased that the Bill takes a language-firgc approach and is
very inclusive of all types of BSL signers no matter the degree of
their deafness. This is in full accord with BDA policy.
Northern Ireland
Assembly
Nl Sign Language Framework & Nl Sign Language
Partnershlp
We supported BDA Nl with providing
submissions on the refresh of the Nl SL Framework, and
attended meetings of the Nl SL Partnership. Both are valuable Nl
Civil SeNice initiatives to create pathways for Deaf signers in Nl
to develop their services even when the Nl Assembly is not
operative.
Northern Ireland
Executive
UN International Mechanism Nl - We supported BDA Nl to engage wrth UN'S Intemational
Mechanism Northern Ireland, which is a framework for reporting on Nl human rights issues to the
UN Committee on Disabilrfcy Rights. This created valuable shadowing and upskilling opportunities for
Deaf signing BDA staff to undersiand and engage with international legal systems and become
confident in giving the BSL I ISL perspective.
Scotland
Scottish Parliament - We supported BDA Scotland to engage
with the Scottish parliament and give evidence to the Equalrties,
Human Rights and Civil Justice Commttee as rf( reviewed l O years
of implementing the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.
The Scottish Parliament
Parlarnaid na h-Albo
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POLICY AND RESEARCH
Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Deafne55 - We supported BDA Scotland's
active participation in this Parliamentsry Group and their abilty to feed into and inform the Group on
numerous BSL matters.
Education (Scotland) Bill - We supported BDA Scotland in their work wrih other chartties in a
successful campaign to &￿ve BSL the same recognttion as Gaelic in the Scottish Government's
Education (Scotland) Bill which is shortly expected to become law.
Contart Scotland - We also supported BDA W Scottish Government
Scotland and allies to achieve a reversal of the
Scottish Governmenfs plan to close Contact
RiaghaLtas na h-Alba
kotland, a specialist BSL-English interpretir)g service that enabled Scottish Deaf signers to contact a
wide range of public authorrties and providers, and the Scottish government rtself, in 8SL This
valuable service enabled Scottish Deaf signers to access services from a position of equty, and it was
wonderful to see BDA Scotland lead on winning this campaign wrth our support.
Stakeholder Engagement
BDA'S strategic vision and policy proposals are ambrtious. We cannot achieve them alone - both the
development of what our policies need to be, and their implementstion into realty. Effective
engagement with a wide group of stakeholders is critscal to the success of BDA and Deaf signers
across the UK.
Our BSL Research Forum is a group of 12 unlversitles workinz on BSL-led research
across the UK - working with us to find and showcase academic evidence supporting the needs of
our various campaigns. We commission evidence briefings from them and share academic
opportunrties wtth members. The Forum includes world-leading BSL-led researchers and academic5
who specialise in Deaf Studies, BSL linguistics, child development neuroscience, language
development, and other areas. This work has helped raise the profile of Deaf academics across the
UK and helped to ensure that their work has the impact it deserves on national and local govemmerrt,
public instrtutions and the professions.
The BDA Policy team a￿ deeply grateful to the following BSL Research Forum members:
HERIO"r
WAT"f
UNIVER.SITf)F
BIRMINGH,4M
UNIVERSITY
Univ*rsity ol
C•ntr•l L•n¢ashirL'
UCLan
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
LIIIIVERSIIY
OF SUSSEX
PRI FYSGOL
LIYIVF.RS1-1 1.
YORK
STJOHN
UNIVERSITY
UWE
Bristol
! MANCHL%i EK
1841
WOLVERHAMPTON
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POLICY ANDRESEARCH
The BSL Alliance is an independent alliance of BSL-led organisations, created by us last year, and
now wtth 64 member organisations from across the UK that work5 to strengthen our collective voice
and skills.
É11• 185LtsII.'(Ji K•*,
Together. w'e ar,e
stronger. Together we are,
Reglonal Member Forums - We have secured funding to reach out to Deaf communrties across
the UK to establish regional member groupings, starting wrth a pilot project in the Northeast of
England, 'Deaf People are Here,, Our Campaigns Manager is building engagement with grassroots
Deaf communities and local organisations wiLh support from Crtizens UK and the BSL Aliance.
creating campaign skills workshops and developing local campaigns wrth BDA'S supporL
BDA'S Policy Team will continue to push the BSL for all agenda and drive fonKard BDA'S strategy
across our key priortties of Early Years and Education. We also had to respond to new emerging
issues like Al BSL developments in genetic technology and beyond.
We cannot always predict what will come next, but our job is to work on rt - and ensure that Deaf
signers across the UK get the best possible outcome.
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OUR PROGRAMMES
BDA Community has engaged over 4,000 people during 2024-2025 through a variety of
projects and setwices across the four nations, covering our 4 broad work streams, namely.
SCANMEFOR8SL
ORCLICK HERE
l. Communty and Advocacy
2.Training and Consuliancy
3.Human Rights and Equalty
4. Sign lthnguage and CuFtu
Community & Advocacy
We work wth our members and the Deaf communty to empower them to have their
views heard and listened to. We bring Deaf people together through BDA Youth, Regional
Member Forums, EDI Strategic Group and the BSL Alliance to tske actton around their
concerns and overcome social injustice.
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICKHERE
A5 Deaf communty organisers. we provide training and workshops wrth members of the Deaf
communty across the UK every year to build their collective power and to seek representation on
decision-mth'ng boards and platforms, This communty involvement is crucial.. we are utilising our
voice as a strong leader in the UK to tell decision-makers that there is no longer an￿Ing about us,
wrthout us.
The BDA produces policy paper3, statements, and guidelines so that members have up to date tools
to inform the BSL Alliance and our stakeholders of Deaf people's rights and how to achieve them,
Advocacy and inclusion for Deaf people is important to the
8DA's mission. Our services were set up in response to
challenges faced by Deaf people in society. We do this
through three main strands.. improving access, promoting
inclusion, and providing information. We work wtth individuals
or groups to empower them to have their views heard and
listened to. to ensure service provider5 are aware of Deaf
equalty/rights, and to ensure that Deaf people have access to
clear and full information to make informed decisions when
dealing with seNce providers. We promote inclusion through
social events and workshop5 for the Deaf communty on the
topics that affect us.
Two different types of advocacy sUPPOrt were provided, impacting a total of 2,020 deaf
people across the UK, with in-depth one-to-one advocacy sessions reaching 347 deaf
people. and 1.673 contacts made through the BSL Helpline. These are funded by the
kottish Government Northern Ireland Health and Social Care, and the Lottery in England
& Wales.
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OUR PROGRAMMES
66 subject-specific workshops have been delivered, reaching 991 deaf people, empowering and
equipping them wf(h increased awareness and knowledge, enabling deaf people to tske greater
control over their own lives.
Feedback from participants
'ras grateful for this event if it hasn't happened, I would be
lost wtthout any further support. It has given me a lot of
Informatlon I dldn't know. I wanted more like this.
Wowl Lots of information that we need to know, one evening
is not enough, hopefully will have more worksho
Consuhations were conducted with 582 deaf individuals on a range of issues and
organisations directly affecting the deaf community, on behalf of stakeholders and
commissioners,
For example, the Scottish Government considered cutting funding for Contact
Scotland BSL (VRS), which would have had a hugely detrimental effect on the
lives of deaf people who rely on it daily. We were commissioned to run
consultations wrth the deaf community in 20 deaf clubs to gather their feedback and produce a
report. This resulted in the reversal of the Government's decision to close the service, and the
report also influenced the Scottish tsovernment to update the specitications to meet the needs
of deaf people for future tenders,
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Training & Consultancy
ij
i).
We conduct Human Rights and CaFiacf(y Building training with our Mémbers and
,,the Deaf communrty:, Additionally, we,provide.BSL Awareness training to provide,.
participants with a greater understanding o! BSL as a language and an insight into,
l).
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICK HERE
ij
i iID){D, l),. ,!J',
Throughltlie BSL Charter, we Iconnect the Deaf community'wthi.public Se￿iceS giving thém the
in
I confidence to.share-concernsiabout issues,that'affect them,(.and(to ensure that Deaf(Fieople, have
access',tOi clear,Land full informationito make informed decisions when 'dealirigj wrf(hj public services.-
'This y.ear we have been reviewing the Charter to ensure rt'is in'line with updated legislation,
top BSL-
i¥
'cinema
Industry.
Telecom-, CouncillNHS, councillors-: CABS. and many'more.
Airways,
ILI) l.D
AN NUAL REPO R.T 2.024 2025
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OUR PROGRAMMES
•••••••
•••••••
ooap Aw
Yvonne Cobb, BDA s Celebrity Ambossodor delivering training to the cinema industry
After the sessions, 87% of participants reported
having a good UnderSL￿ding of the deaf
community, a 74°A increase from the baseline.
99% of participants stated they felt confident in
their ability to communicate wrth deaf individuals
after the training, a siark contrast to the pre-
training lack of confidence,
The training positively changed the perceptions of
82% of participants towards the deaf community.
XAMI
During Sign Language Week 2024, over 2,000 participants from a wide variety of
corporateslprivate businesses to not-for-profrt organisations, received free online BSL awareness
sesslons.
Some,positive feedback from our training participants
Excellent tralnin81 clear and over thought-out trainlngp Inspired me to try
and be more of an advocate.
There has been a lot of fantastic information. I didn't realise the obstacles in everyday life that
deaf and sign language users experlence. It has changed my perceptlon
and encouraged me to learn more.
It was Incredlble and has helped expanded my knowledge and tonfidence. On the back of that
and a follow-up meetlng, I've also proposed some change5 to our workshops to Increase
accessibility for the Deaf community- so a big thank youl
Thls was engaging and Informatlve In a way that I wlll be able to use In both my professlonal
and personal life. It was possible to participate without feeling uncomfortable or pressure
which can Sometimes be the case in training. l appreciated the help. Thank you.
We empower the Deaf communty to stand up for their rights by providing the popular 'Knowing
your rights, workshops and supporting them to develop self- help groupslforums that can negotiate
with and influence local service providers to improve their setvices,
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OUR PROGRAMMES
Human Rights & Equality
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICKHERÉ
As the representstive bocty, the BDA works to ensure Deaf people across the UK are equipped with
the knowledge, tools and strategies to advocate for, achieve and defend their rights including.
Gaining recognttion and respect for BSUISL and Deaf cuFture
Achieving their rights across all areas of life, including equal opportunity and accessibilty
By promoting human rights and access to BSUISL the BDA is improving the lives of thousands of
Deaf people who face inequalty every day. We collaborate with Deaf leaders and policymakers to
implement human rights mechanisms such as the Unfced Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons wrth Disabilities, the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and BSL Act 2022 as well as other legislations.
We also tske direct action by providing Equality & Ri8htS training and representing Deaf people's
interests in the UK.
doof
With the right support, the possibiltties and potential for young deaf people a￿ endless. Around 90%
of deaf children are born to hearing families and over 75% attend mainstream schools wrth lrtle or no
specialist provision. Lack of support often means that they encounter communication barriers every
day of their lives at school and in their social and home lives. As a result, deaf children commonly
experience social isolation, poor mentsl health, low self-esteem and poor educational outcomes.
Our early intervention programme through activrties and mentoring support aims to support deaf
children and young people to see the positives in their deaf identrties and to build their confidence
and aspirations in negotiating key transttion5 and preparing for adult life.
Through England's initiative wrth deafPLUS, the Welsh Democr3tic Engagement
Proje¢ and Scotland's BSL Rj'ghts and Equalty for Deaf People proje¢ 30 Knowing
Your Rights workshops We￿ delivered as roadshows, facilrtating engagement wrth 453
deaf adults and young people, plus 8 parents and I I teachers across the UL
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OUR PROGRAMMES
94% of those attending the workshops say they know their rights, compared to only 40% prior to
attending the workshops,
One example showing the impact of the workshops and how they were used in practice
attending the workshops, some deaf people were unaware that they had rights, The workshops
provided them with not only knowledge but also confidence. They became involved in the
consultation process, more assertively able to explain their needs, and this resulted in the
government reversing their decision, U￿lMatelY deciding not to cut the Contsct Scotland BSL
servicel
Another example of Knowing Your Rights sessions at schools.. Young deaf people who were
about to transition from school to collegeluniversity, etc, were trained in their rights to access
communication support, and particularly their right to apply for a Disabled Students, Allowance,
of which they weren't previously aware!
Key Highlights from Devolved Parliaments
Northern Ireland
S•gn Language Bill: The Deaf community
and deaf organisations were invited to the
Assembly to learn aboLrt how a Bill becomes
legislation. This was useful as the Sign Language
Bill has been introduced to the Assembly,
recently passing the 2.
stage to reach the
Committee stage, where stakeholders are
able to present their views.
'Untold Stories, Heritage Project: Following a successful funding application to The
National Lottery Heritage FLJnd for a new project, 'Untold Stories, began in February 2025,
to educate the Deaf communty on the importance of preserving cuFiural information and
the need for the creation of an online video library of ￿orIes.
]iL:ia
SCAPI￿E FofiBSL
OB CLICKHEBE
Scotland
BDA Scotland was asked to respond to a call for evidence for the BSL Inquiry. Benefits
of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 were presented. e.g. public services now have local BSL
plans, BSL becoming more visible particularly since Covid, BSL videos for NHS have been
developed, engagement wrth the deaf community, etc,, and weaknesses which include plans
needing to be monitored/evaluated, and the need for additional funds.
Wales
BSL (Wales) Bill: Mark IsheNood MS introduced the BSL (Wales) Bill on June 19, 2024,
and rt moved to the legislative stage despite some government pushback. BDA Cymru
supported Isherwood at the Welsh Labour Conference and facilitated mandatory
consultation, which ended on January 31, 2025. Two consultation groups were held in
October 2024 where BSL signers could participate using BSL. A BSL Stakeholder Task & Finish
Group, co-chaired by BDA, wa5 formed in january 2025 and will conclude in July 2025 with
recommendations. The Bill is expected to be debated and voted on around July 2025,
5CAPIMÉFQflaSL
OACLICKHERE
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OUR PROGRAMMES
Sign Language & Culture
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The BDA is best known for campaigning for legal protection of BSL and ISL We aim to prote¢
preserve and promote BSL and ISL by raising awareness of the importance of BSL by co-ordinating
Sign Language Week
We also undertake research into the experiences of Deaf people in different regions and countries
from across the UK, as well as publishing policy responses to key policy developments and
cOnsU￿￿10nS that impart on Deaf people. To find out more:
Research & Consultations- British Deaf Association (bda.org.uk)
We work with our members and partners to shape our world into a more equttable place through
our campaigns and the following events to promote our language..
Sign Language Week
Sign Language Week is BDA'S flagship awareness week celebrated every year in March to
commemorate the first time 8SL was acl<nowledged as a language in its own right by the UK
Government on 18 March 2003. The aim is to celebrate and educate the British public about BSL and
to encourage more people to start learning our language.
National BSL Day
To commemorate the passing of the BSL Act 2022 on 28° April, this day is known as the National
BSL Day.
International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages
International Week of Deaf People is an inf(iative of the WFD and was first launched in 1958 in
Rome, Italy. It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Communty in September each year to
commemorate the same month the first World Congress of the WFD was held.
BSL Conferences
The BDA'S BSL Conference is an official event of the BDA. aimed at bringing together public services
and the Deaf community v/ho seek to partake in national exchange of information and furtherance of
the BDA'S mission to influence policy reforms that have prevented BSL from flourishing.
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OUR PROGRAMMES
We've been dellverlng the followlns sl8n language services across the UK:
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Following our pioneering Northern Ireland Family Sign at Home (FSH) project (funded by Nl's
Department for Communities) and subsequently our rollout of FSH in England and Wales (funded by
the Masonic Charitable Foundation), 66 families were engaged, totslling 254 individual& Sessions
were delivered by 19 deaf tutors ￿cruIted through our partnership with ABSLTA (The
Association of Brriish Sign Language Teachers and Assessors).
Before joining the project, only 58% of parents found it easy to understand their child's
thoughts and feelings, yet after their participation in the project, thi5 had rlsen to 85% stating it
was easy.
Before the project, just 63% felt they were effective and confident as parents: after
participating in the project, 92% said they were effective and confident.
Addrtionally, after participation in FSH, 92% of parents saw an impact on their child's abilty to
communicate, 58% saw Improvement in their child's abilty to express their thoughts and
feelings, and 50% saw improvement in their child's mood when interacting wrth family.
Finally, 96% feFt they had learnt "as much as, or more than" they had hoped from the project, and
96% ￿Ported an impact on their abilty to communicate wtth their child,
P051tive quotes from the parents of deaf children
I lust wish these sessions were widely avallable to every hearing parent of a
deaf chlld...It's so valuable because it hasn't Just helped us to communicate -
It's helped us grow closer as a family.
HIS Ilttle face lights up when he knows you're underrtandlng hlm, or
he zets a new slgn.
It built her conlldence qulte a blt. to have an adult come round who had a
cochlear implant and was signing. She wa5 a bit awestruck, like [the tutor] wa5
a celebrity
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
32

OUR PROGRAMMES
Through our Deaf Roots and Pride Scotland (DRP) project's engagement activities
deliVe￿d by a totsl of 50 deaf role models. 41 O beneficiaries from 26 schools were
reached through 40 workshops.
SCANMEFOA8SL
ORCLICKHERE
In addition, 14 workshops were delivered, reaching 52 parents, and 82 tsachers
were also engaged.
I can see my son who are Involved wlth DRP Transitions - YAG have thrive
and'change his confidence and become involved with Member of Scottish
Youth~Parliament. BDA Scotland and DRP Transitions Officer have made an
impact on my son's future. I want to thank them for giving my son the
opportunlty to Insplrlng him and made transformatlon.
A Porent of Deaf Youth Advisory Group IYAQ member
.The DRP project has beèn the slngle and most successful route to engaging
Deaf learners in our schools. Our pupils go through challenging times in
schools, even supported by qualified Teachers of the Deaf, wlth all of them
struggling to develop their Deaf identity. The events organised by DRP are
significant vehicles that allow all of this to happen.
If we remove funding for DRP Projerts. then we are removing the
culturnlly slgnlflcant vehlcle to develop our pupllsl Deaf Id•ntltles.
Teather of the Deat, Folkirk
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
33

PROTECTING. PRESERVING AND PROMOTING 8SL
Protecting BSL
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICK HERE
In March 2024 the BDA launched a campaign called BSL in Our Hands to address the crucial need for
early access to BSUISL for deaf child￿n and their families, Approximately 90% of deaf children are
bom to hearing parents. Due to systemic barriers, most parents will have had little understanding of
deaf people's lived experiences and no knowledge of how to communicate wrth their deaf baby, We
know that language acquisition in the first five years of life is essential for a child's cognrlive
development and wellbeing. Yet access to British Sign Language as part of an early and comprehensive
support package is not currently provided by our government. There is a world of potential in every
deaf child's hands. We just need to give rt to them. We need BSL in their hands in our hands, right
now. Their future is in your hands.
The campaign's first initiative centred on urging the public to art by wribng to their Members of
Parliament (MPS) to ask them for their support,
Our Asks:
l.we want the Government to fund free access to sign language to the families of all ne￿Y
identified deaf children.
2.we want the very be51 standards of teaching. This means fluent teachers, wrth increasing
numbers of Deaf and native signers.
3.we want to see these changes rolled out across the UK.
Outcome&
3,371 people submitted the form saying they have written to their MP in support of the BSL in Our
I'M new. I'm J novlce. I'm not a
Professional. Ym not an edu¢ator.
I'ffljust her niothor. ••
,lty. moth•i •fA¢J
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
34

PROTECTING. PRESERVING AND PROMOTING BSL
As part of our ongoing BSL in Our Hands campaign, we launched the Visual Handprint Petrtion during
Deaf Awareness Week 2024.
Unlike traditional petitsons, this inttiative invttes participants to upload a photo of their hancwainted,
traced, or coloured-to symbolise their commitment, Each handprint Se￿e5 as a visual pledge calling
for access to BSL for Deaf children and their familieslcarers-access a5 a right, not a prNilege.
To date, hurKlreds of individuals have uploaded handprint photos via the campaign website and across
social media wrch many submissions featuring multiple handprints. This powerful and creative
approach has significantly increased campaign visibilty and engagemert
The petrtion has attr2Cted widespread support from a diverse communty, including families, children,
teachers, campaigners. and Deaf allies, demonstrating strong collettive backing for the cause.
A standoLrt moment was the collection of handprints at Glastonbury Festival, highlighting the national
reach and public support for the campaign across a broad audience. To add your handprint to our
petttion, go to.. https:Ilbda.orz￿￿P￿r1n
ti
Currently there is no national programme of early years BSL provision for deaf children in the UL
Experts agree the way forward is clear. The four-point plan includes:
l .Talk to the BDA. The UK'S only national representative organisation for BSL and the Deaf
communty
2. Free and immediate BSL support for deaf babies and their families. This is not onty a righL it's a
necessity.
3.Full access to bilingual education in both fluent English and fluent BSL
4.The upcoming BSL GCSE mugc be taught by fluently signing Deaf teachers.
This shows how to PLrt BSL into the hands of those who need tt the m05t h
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
35

PROTECTING. PRESERVING ANDPROMOTING BSL
Preserving BSL
Accessible Free Will Writing Service - Remember a Charity Week 2024
In a pioneering initiative during Remember a Charty Week 2024, the Brttish Deaf A%sociation
partnered wr(h Culver Law to launch the UK'S first BSL-accessible free will-writing service, This
ground-breaking project removes communication barriers and enables Deaf people to create wills
using BSL empowering them to consider leaving a gift to charty wrih full understanding and
autonomy.
Key features of the servlce:
Full BSL accessibility on Culver LaWs websrte,
Stsndard wills are offered free of charge, wtth
trarnspa￿nt pricing for rn0￿ complex cases.
Users can complete the entire process in BSL
including consultations and legal review.
Your Legacy
LIV•8 On
Since launching in September 2024, the service has
received 20+ enquiries and has already led to
several confirmed will appointments. This initiative
not only supports Individual empowerment wrthin
the Deaf communty but also positions legacy
giving as a viable and meaningful way to contribute
to the BDA'S long-tsrm futu￿.
Wilb
Cauyi ¢f Qtwlrt)Iiif4
TNsli
ULVkH I
4•Pty
SCANME FOR 8SL
OR CLICK HERE
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
36

PROTECTING. PRESERVING AND PROMOTING BSL
BSL Poet Laureate
SCANM£FOR8SL
ORCLICKHERE
This year we ho¥(ed the secorKI annual BSL Poet Laureate
Competrtion, to mark the UK'S firrt National BSL Day honouring the
historic date on which BSL was first recognised in law as an indigenous
language of Great Brrtain, with the Brrtish Sign Language (BSL) Act I
2022.
Poet
L.iure2te
Deatzone Glastonbury kindly sponsored an £800 prize pot for a
competrtion open to all, wrth £500 awarded to the winner, £200 to
the second place. and £ 100 to the third place.
Deaf BSL signers 18+ from across the country were invited to submit
a 2-minute video clip of original poetry in BSL Entries were judged on
the fluency and creativty of the language, the content and originalty
of the poem, and the confidence of the performance.
Ismael Mansoor won first place, receiving a £500 prize and the
opportunity to collaborate wrth Deafzone at Glastonbury 2024. Kabir, who
was the inaugural BSL Poet Laureate in April 2024, also re-filmed his
winning poem wrth Remark and performed at Glasionbury.
The runners-up were Sandra Duguid and Sahera Khan, who won £200
and £ 100 respectively, Sandra Duguid secured second place wtth a beautiful
and passionate poem about BSL featuring the repeated message "Yours,
Mine, Theirs." In third place was Sahera Khan, whose lovely BSL poem of
repetttion and rtIyTne deeply moved the judges.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
37

PROTECTING. PRESERVING AND PROMOTING BSL:
Promoting BSL
SCAN ME FOR esL
ORCLICK HERE
As a proud member of the World Federation of the Deaf CWFD), the BDA took part in the 2024
International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Language5 (IDSL) from 23
29 September.
2024 theme, "Sign up for Slgn Language Rlghts", highlighted the importance of inclusivty and
the global recognition of sign languages. The week celebrdted the unty and diversty of sign languages
across the world, with global leaders encouraged to sign the theme in their national sign languages-
showcasing the universal significance of communication for Deaf communities.
ThroughoLrt the week the BDA shared a series of themed social media videos, created by staff and
aligned wrth each day's focus, These covered topics such as sign language rights, Deaf leadership, and
accessibilty, We were especially proud that one of our videos was shared by the WFtk-
demonstrating the strength of our collective advocacy on the world stage.
Fdoi)doy 2J stsp:orr,I
Ir124
Sign Language Week 2025
This year for Sign Language Week we offered BSL lessons to both schools and corpordte
organisations.
Corporate BSL Lessons: We hosted 8 BSL session5 for corporate t&3ms, reaching over
2,400 employees- doubling last year's numbers.
Schools BSL Lessons: We launched our first-ever Schools BSL package, which was
downloaded by an incredible 1 ,2(K) 5thools nationwde,
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-,2.:025.
38

PROTECTING.PRESERVING AND PROMOTINGBSL
The team created a fundraising packs for Schools, Corporates and our general audience to help
supporters get involved during the week
We also sent out toolkit emails to the BSL Alliance, BSL Research Forum, and our members. These
included everything from SLW 2025 details to brand guidelines and the general fundraising pack All
resources were made available on the official V￿bSite. signlanguageweek.org.uk.
. Found
LossTo
We also launched the Loss to Found campaign
during Sign Language Week to shine a light on the
emotional and transformative journey many Deaf
people and their families experience.
QG
The Ilrst tlme that I
ramember I connected
with the Deaf
community, I didn't feel
olona onymor•. I dldn't
feel oshamed to be
deaf.
Loss to Found challenged the narrative of
"hearing loss by reframing it as Deaf gain
powerful shift in perspective. For many Deaf
children and their families, discovering BSL is ntjt
just about communication; rt'5 about finding a
sense of identity, belonging, and pride.
ho's a different
chlld.. I lelt I'd lost her,
but now I have her
back. Why? Because
ol BSL.
Campaign Impact
Impressions,, 388.943
Link Clicks: l 3.428
We collaborated wrth influential Deaf voices
including influencers Bobbie Norton and Bec
Helen and our Campagn Ambassadors who
helped us bring the message to life through
powerful and creative storytelling.
Ji
We are very proud of the Gimpaigns launched
during 2024-25 and the hard work of the Visual
Language Service C4LS) team.
I had felt like I'm the only Deof
person in this world. And then
..•*•W-trealised there was a culture.
and a community.
D•¢ky
AN NUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
39

As our working language is BSL it is vitsl that our news Is accessible in a bilingual format which
requI￿S a lot of time filming, editing, and producing BSL videos with voiceovers, transcripts, andlor
subtrtles. It is worth bearing in mind that our campaigns are therefore expensive and take us longer to
release than English-only communication&
Over the year. the VLS team collectively produced 897 videos. Campaign and information vide05
about the BSL in Our Hands videos were undoubtsbly the biggest htt and contributed to the increase
in viewing fIgU￿S from the UK and across the world.
In addition, the VLS team supported their colleagues in the organisation wrih their own work in
providing BSL (and in Northern Ireland, both BSL and ISL) videos of activrties and project worl
ensuring that Deaf people had access to crucial and accurate information in sign language.
Last but not least, the VLS team is regularly commissioned by the private and public sectors to
produce BSL videos, host livestreams and provide other chargeable media services. Some of external
clients VLS wor4¢ed with included Public Health Scotland, the Electrical Commission, Public Health
Agency and the Welsh Government.
UK
Parliarnent
General Eleetlon
41* July 2024
Department
li_l. Education
H•llo. My nanie Is Kale. and l •Thi th•
Deputy Fo￿1 AilTrl3ter. and

HERITAGE OF BSL
During the year 2024 - 2025, we visited British Deaf
History Society (BDHS) in Manchester to explore further
collaborations between our organisations.
As we approach our 135th anniversary in July 2025, our
herriage is even more important as it shapes our future.
Please tske a look at our digrtal archNe: Hi$torypin I
SHARE: The Deaf Visual Archive
We renewed our agreement with the London Archives
(formerly London Metropolitan Archives). which stores a
significant amount of print material on behalf of BDA. In
addrtion, we've become a member of London Screen
Archives who store a huge collection of BDA'S films
including 24 shelves of videos and 5 shelves of film.
London Screen Archives now administer licenses for BDA'S films
Going fonward, we have been exploring funding opportunities to digrtalise the BDA'S
collection of print and film archives which would greatly speed up research and finding
particular archives for the public to use.
1965
1985 MEOALS
)Ipli Jrt14
We were very proud to sponsor the Deaf Sports Personalty of the Year awards
this year celebrating l 00 years of Deaf sporting history in which the BDA played
a part in the inaugural Deafympics back in 1924
SCANMEFOR8SL
OR CLICK HERE
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
41

PRESENTEDIN
8SL AT THE
AGM
DERRY CITY
2025
STRATEGICGOALS
Performance against strategy during the year 2024-2025 which is known as Year Two of three short-
term strategic goals (2023 - 2026)..
#TakingBSLForward 2022 - 2032
Strategic Goal
2023-2026
Year 12023 - 2024
key outcomes
Year 12023 - 2024
key outcomes
Year 12023 - 2024
key outcomes
Year 1 2023 - 2024
key outcomes
Prepare
Quarter I
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
8DA Y(yrth committee
mernbets recruf(ed,
•3.day Cornmunty
OrganI￿ng1s0Clal
Changemthngtrainirg
"2 Inlormation Se$sions
iotslling 18 Oeèf peO&-
Advocaw Hub and one ofthe
ealth & Care Trusis
Equlty lead-'What can we
dts lor you,,
Faalitated Accessible
Infomiation Standard IAIS)
wOr￿pS Part l and 2 in
Derty reachirg 29 people.
•2 con5ukkn.on meet
totsllin8 39 Deaf people..
Acce55 to 101 EmerKency
feedback making the
ser44ce accessible for Deaf
people ?￿j the acce55 to
Syivideo
•DelKvered'KnowngYour
Rights. workshop sessions at
D e*mingham Access
Bedf¢y<J reachiryd 42 peoe
Gwrt secured to ctrdesign
and (¢xXa￿1$h Regional
Member Forums In the
Northeasi and Southeast with
member5 and BSL ￿lIanCe
partners using ihe PCS mockl.
Developed a 7heory of
Chan6e' a5 a resuk of ihe
Propel E>4)bre yant
• Ery4ed over 101 Oeaf
indlwdu￿S in partfterthip
Si8nHcahh uiross N￿hern
IrelaThl. fc(using Mental
Health Awarene4 thtj'r rights
to *Jpport and rece￿inE
¥￿Uable feedback
1.1 Mobth5e and 5VPWt a
#BSL2032 movemeiit led by
Deaf FeOe of all a82S
(Including 8DA YoLrth and
older Deaf people) Irs new
res￿￿ forum5 to èfir
together, motivate and
emrKy￿er the *￿ing
communrty and our illies to
effea posftwt chary
•Pr4¥el. Conwlted wrf£h 7
Ccmmunty grcyx reachin8
15] people from Marth to
May 2014.
•1 Festival'Heakn &
Wellbthng'_ 4 keynote
speakers sh¥ingthe INed
experience of Dementia
Cancer, D*betes and Open
Water SwmmirE, Including
Ihe acce55 to varicAJs Health &
Wellbein8 information stal
totslling 60 Deafpeople
attending
workthops reachirtg 58 deaf
pe¢ple. Rewmped
presentation
•Engaged Sothhampton
Oeaf C¢mmunty to explor¢
ertablishing new lornm lor
StheasL
4 Leadership Day%Mth S Dear
CE05 to hosk in lanlw
8DA DeafPLUS. Sgnwow,
8SL8T and Toby PAJrton
'ewoketrainin8 pack
devebped (or Cofrvfiunty
Ck8anisirt8lSoci
Changeniaking
*33 CIRnts'. l..1 Personal
Athocacyto owcome
barriers in heahh & social
seNces includj'ng F¥liotive
Care &the Sir¢*e
A5%00ation, wdth over 305
iontacL1085
.31 . 1..1 Advoc
offering support to Deaf
clients to 04*rcome I￿r￿rS
in ac£esgng heakh & soc41
care 5erwi<es
•3 Information Sesy'ons,.
Reached over 107
particiwts, The Wellbein8 &
Emptrwerment FeSt￿d1' was a
highlighL featuringw￿￿hop5
on Empowermeni and Deaf
Cancer Supp(rt et<
•Delivered 10 f(R
workshcps in Ortoberand
November- in total 122
people {Cumbria 4
workshop5 (24} L￿don
. Remark grwps 5 wotl<%hcps
(90) Derby (81)
*Delivered Care ACL
workshops in Chellerfiek
and Dety {total people 261
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024 2025
42

PRESENTED IN
BSL AT THE
AGM
DERRY CITY
2025
STRATEGIC GOALS
53 deaf organisatDns joined
the Alliance. and 4 action
Eroups have been established
Iocu51ng c
1.2 ESt￿￿h and ￿ad a
nationwde 8SL Aliance and
build sUsta￿able rel*ionshi
h other partner%
aktholders and lo
m&Yim¢se our collective
intluence and make progress
tow¥ds ourgtsJs.
l . Heath & SO0￿ Care
2- Interwetin8
3 - Eady Years
4- BSL Teachn&
Relertd to our 8SL Aliance
partner5 as a key drwer in tyJr
comnyJnKation5 durin8 the
Latr*)ur Conference.
ReinVe￿￿e artivtyto push
f¢yw3rd IIBSLinOurHands
BSL Aliance members iod(
part in SLW 2025 U￿n8
iyanded marketing resources
to uniie stren#h in rvJmbers.
Fr5t face io face meeting heky
IN &'miin8ham vi lune 2024
with BSL Alkance ￿Mber&
W(*ktoÈeiherto trath the
implementation of tt* BSL
ACL M¢re Irtfarmati￿ about
the BSL Allyance. https:11
bslalliance.org.ukl
We successlulty se¢ up an
APPG BSLI MPS and peet
<¥ne together on a cross
p¥ty ba95 to bnng ihe voice
or e<rtish &'8n la￿vage{B5L1
ygner5 to Westrrtin￿er. This
is the first tirne UK
pthwent wll htre an Al.
Pty group dedK*ed to
adtressingthe awration5 01
BSL signers. The new group
wi11 campaw lor
Govtrnm¢nt 10 support
families ol deaf children to
arn &gn lanwage-to
enable them tu ctynmuni(ate
writhiheir (hild tt ￿11 WO￿ to
elebrate Sign Lawa8e
Week every year which
arted wrth a Wesiminst¢r
Hall debate ￿ I￿h March
2025 and VAII rw other
[￿cernS of BSL signers
includingthe fthure of deaf
educati￿.
Wothd SwHeLIth,
RNID aro NOCS to fyganise
cross deaf sector
paAiamentsry event at
Portculbs H¢xMe in December
2024. It was a successful
ev￿1 ￿n8 many MP5 on
BDA pc4icies, including Ear
Years deaf leaderthip We
spoke to Sir Stephen finTris,
Perran Moon MP frL¥n
Comwal, who has a keen
interest in Ear￿ Years and
now official lor APPG
BSL and Naz Shth a MP in
Bradford who we inwted to
attend the Deal C)eaf
<¢lebratIC￿5 in April 2025.
1.3 Eng4e with and ￿ektts
influence the Government
and the W Ad￿lsOry Board
its ensure 8SL is prioritised
nd embedded in cross-
government p)licie5 and
Instit￿1(￿1 frameworks on
key area5 forthe ￿'sh Oeaf
comMun￿e5 includin8 e¥ty
year5. educat￿n, employmenL
health and Social we.
Conlerence 2024
Mart£h&ter attended by most
ofthe BSL Allyance members.
BOA and RNIDclled for the
main pditical parties10
commit to prowding a Bn'tish
*n Language interpreter for
th¢ new Pn'me Minillerfs first
speech to the nation.
Hundred$ of supp¢yts joined
¢Jur call, bth ¢xJr rewest was
smply isntsred ty Number 10
Streer.
General Election 2024
Fyeparaiion includ'ng
strat￿eS on introthcing
c￿rselVeS to new MPS and
drive f¢wrd
IIBSLinOurHands through
the Oeaf Leadership ethos
,/)'. j) ij l)è
ij. J),, i).: J)
l.J
2),: n. IJ'S
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
43

STRATEGIC GOALS
BSL Charterupdated
fellowngthe 8SL Art 2021
Development of? Trwning &
ConsuWservKe and
rtfol￿wth theain tts..
provKle eorwhwserwices
for uwi5abons and
R￿¢Wthe new BSLCharter
Tra￿Ing & Con5ukancy
SeNce to ensure we are able
to ass￿ or8ani5ations to
develop bilingu￿ pracite5 by
ding expertathtr and
Support
1.4Workto Impy￿ethe
rcprEsentation of t)ear
)ple in trifluent￿ pubk
bodies ewialty parh
goknernmerts and
Cornm￿10ned re5eth by
RANDto thntifythe
economicsof 85L
TraYMn8 & COr￿cl
folits de¥do￿lleftt
C4T¥
Ewore partr)trto undertake
a Literature ReMLwof Earty
Year5 researthto hiEhliRht
the benefts of 8SL for dear
thildraK
- delNer e(hJc*ti?n and
trwning in bSL
Innin&
. organw events for
professwd sTrJkehdders
11 Illjlll
AN NUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
44

STRATEGIC GOALS
Promote
The 8DA took part in the
2024 Intem3tion21 Week of
Deaf People {WDP) and
International Oay of SEn
nwJage5 IIDSLI fr(¥n 23-
29 September.
8DA kn(ked off Sibm Language
Week 2025 wth'L055 to
Found.. The ￿m￿gn,5
mes$4e is clear. every deaf
thild in the UK desetves
acces5 to Britith &"8n
Lan8Ua8e18SLI or Irtrh Svdn
LangLV OSL). in to
Englth They shcAJldnl have
to discover their deaf Krfentty
ter in life.
Additi¢nlly, we oflered free
8SL letsan for comwies
durin8 &Bn Langu4e Week
2021 and over 2.(MX)
ccmpanies Signed up.
8SL Poet Laureate
rfom)ance * Glastonbury.
Handprint petit￿ reathed
over 51)) pefj￿e in
G￿rt0￿ury.
2.1 Increase the Fx*4rc
visibilty of B5L arKI the Deal
communty wsth a ijetsde
long inncNatbve and enwng
Huge congratulations to
Ismael Mansor winThn2the
80A's Poet Laureate
competition Natk￿dI BSL
Day orl 28th April 2023.
2024 theme."s￿￿ up for Si8Th
I￿e Rights" highli8hted
the Impmance of indu%vty
nd the global recogniti￿ of
Si8n languases.
Manythanksto Deaf Zc
Gknonbury for sponsorir
th¢ pn'ze for l st. 2nd and 3rd
I￿aceS a5 well as giving Ismael
the opportunrty to perfcm at
Glartonbu
#BI2032 PR 8nd
C4)mmunications carrpaBn
We steod up prtsjd at the
Labour Conference and
asked the au<JierKe to cheer
for Internation￿ Day of &'sn
Languages in frcffit of Ear
ye￿ Minister Stephen
Morgan MP.
Yew5 Position
statement created to take
rtyward di￿0 arti￿. To be
launched dwnB SLW 2024.
•fvaluatran Report created
forthe FSH Nl, shoKingthe
imp•ct$ and wcceues of the
projecL
•N￿￿ famil￿ sb'll woce5sed
in F￿llY Signin$ at Home
{FSH} lor 20 weeks that will
be r￿lshIng bythe end of
Marth totalling 35 people,
incl¢Jding yblirtgs,
Br￿d￿rents, and othet% sud)
as cL¥sroom asyrtaffls
•51 f￿llieS in Engknd &
Wales completed 6.week
FSH kYo8ramm¢, Involwng
193 famity mernbers.
•E￿lUat￿?) of the FSH irn Nl
arried interviewn8
seved 13rnilies.
•Projecl ImpleMentath￿ of
the FSH In EnOand and Wales
unde￿￿3Y.
•Firrt MEL framework
ror the FSH developed
cluding data Collection tools
WBrand new branded FSH
<urriwknm and teachin8
res¢)urce for the 8SL
tutors developed
.39 farn11￿5 of the deaf
children syd up lorthe
FSH England progrdnyne
Trained Jnd indutted 85L
t￿or5 ready fe* the ses*oAs
with the families of deaf
thildren.
•rern [￿lieS completed the
21%week Farni￿ Signing at
Home (F5141 ctwrsi In total.
42 people participaied
Inckjding sibling&
gnndparents. and ckssrocm
2.2 Inspire and SUPFX)rt
far7ulies of deaf chikjren lo
learn BSL as soon as p0$9b
after dia8n0515
•14 families from Wale5
swd up forthe FSH
programme
5 families began refresher
cojrses for 10 weeks which
onty thrted this nyjnth that
will end bythe eThJ of MardK
The numbers Ofpeople
invofved will be amounced
ne*( rewt
Further fundiry Irom Ck)C
Secured fwthe FSH
programme Nl.
•A¢JdrtiOn￿fy. S families
OM￿ett￿ the l￿week
refresh￿ course, the
totslto 19 peopk.
"hducted 6 in Nl
a refre#*rs' kninina
.13 f•milie5 C¢)7)rAeted 6-
week FSH prwarnme
(EnFJand & Waksl
•20 ntr¥ lamilies onthe
waitinÈ list
•kven fanxles tegan in
&'gning * Home for 20
weeks earlier, totlling 27
people, includng gblings
grandparents, aThl others gjth
as classroom asystsnts.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
45

STRATEGIC GOALS
Promote wJfes%onl fvning
and other e￿￿tional att￿lI1e5 in
the field oflanwage
.14 ProfessiosK￿ one ofthe
etin￿with Pknning &
Equ￿rty& Per50nl and Publ
Inv0￿meThttezmS to
de¥elop rtaff gu￿anCe to
erswk* Deaf and DigNed
people ￿ inNK)W in
•Fthjrt¢￿ FMfe5$￿na1& of
the eyamples, Eave a
presentthn tothe Sensory
Support Team to recon￿Li and
discuss1￿ referral pathwand
(eedback to (ardKJlw bcokng
team to Yo4L￿thI1 they iKlude
in thar lett￿ rfan intrssrter
has been booked to ￿l￿ate
Ik¥ing with Sw31 Wothto
mpyove SU inv&kne￿ in
c¢med decis
r￿knnE in health settirgs
•The BDA Nl had a Oft￿)n
one n￿ting ¥%ith the head
•Oeaf or8￿￿.￿ from xross
Be￿ast together for a pr
Christmas celebt*ion. P(wa5 a
great OPFwbJntyto catth up
th eath otherafter yws of
hOn*w￿￿n8 and nve
cendy hybr¥J w￿ir
EveryorEwres5ed the hcpe
thatthis wll become an
event We a150 di5CU55Ed the
forthcoming ￿an kngua2e b'll
and we could work
h￿1, vtherethry have 15
deaf thik4ren Integrated wrth
thor hearing Feers. We
d￿¢￿5$¢d Introd￿1n8 a s
knme chss ftyll puwls
from Pl to F7to womote
induswty for t￿ deaf
thldren,
expk)red the opp)rbJnty for
the familie5 of deaf thilthEn
to P￿￿Pate ITh ￿￿r Famty
*ninE Inthe Horne. Th¢
head tracherwll send our
ffywtothe5e famil￿$
2J Eryage with profess￿￿
o wot*wth deaf chik4ren
eg audiobp'st& teac￿rS of
the déaf, and lanALA8Q
thernpists, SO0￿ W0￿r$tO
omottthe use of BSL
equit*ly •s other
Undert&ke dts&Jpment
iyoFcts rekniryto law4e
Ircyand pknninR
nplement inr￿t￿2
r*sw¢h and development
proFcts
Jsiws Pl￿ for e
Courtryto mw£e prolecis
u)the BSL lanw4e fdd
•2 Deaf EguaktyTrainiry
totslling 43 people (Fermawh &
Om8th Hospi￿ and 8T Groups)
•Child & kn0￿Kerrt Mer
Health ICAHMS) met
vith 19 (kfferè
professi¢naE8, suth as Ttathess
of the Deaf ￿0D1, Education
Pyknlowst& Sensory Dsability
Wot*er% and SL¥mE Deaf
oryanisat￿. to d'scussthe
refern￿ pHthw3y b¢fften 11
•3 O¢af Equ)ityTrwning
seMion$ were delwed
amangrt I hrytrali sn
alelvin, Bdfart Crty and
Luryn, rething atstal of 59
ptsjple. Partiapaiits I￿ude￿
rtaff rnember5 gJ£h
d￿'Clan¥ occupitionar
￿lial￿e care
•NorthErn Heath & SOCMI Care
Trust Ichiklws Hwng
Service5 Workiry Group) rnet to
discuss UF*aating servi
brNveen ￿1 Oeaf orzaniut¥)
aNJ howto collab¢yat¢ F¥nity
Si8ning in Home akYa>s kepi
mention1rgd￿ngthe r[￿8
hld & Addexert Menta1
Heth Setmce ICAHMS) to
meet 4 ts'me5 a years 0￿r 23
drferert prolewonals, yjch
as feather of (kor
(roo), Sensory D￿thIty
W¢y*ty% Deaf (¥Kan1ati￿5,
Speeth & iaw4e
Ther¥iEts etcto develcp the
questic*)rwres forthe familie5
to sh•rethwr tsFeriences of
c<usingseThicu inthe earty
and will he￿thE 8roup
"W TODS from
Cardrffto ofthe FSH
proieet ttyering Walu area
•Resu7ted in tycewing I I
referr31sfrom familie5to
u'pate in the PYDject
V*DrkinEwell, whEre
SUPPOrt rDuld be Eetter
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
46

STRATEGIC GOALS #TAKINGBSLFORWARD
2022-2032
Prepare an open Letter tothe
vernment to Invert in Deaf
workforce devejopme.nt t
deli¥*r BSL GCSE in Schools
across the Cwntry.
•Attended the SIEn Language
Partrership Group, led bythe
Department for Communit*s
IDFCI. to diKuss and prep
the YRn langvJge bll tlvtwHI
be introduced to the
Assern￿
Contirwl to work
&'gnatvre and NDCS
reg¥dingthe BSL GCS
qudificatic￿5 £OnsUhaty￿.
. From the lasi quarter, we
had 6 tutors lor the Firni1y
Signing iDthe Home pro8rar
Now, with the additIC￿ of 2
more I￿Or& we have atot
of 8 tutors for this quarter
Bellall Crty CtyJncil, in
partheryhip Pe¢)ple 1st,
launched an opportunity for
anyoie worlon8 under 16
haurs to I￿Y fc* i ctyJrse io
becorre a classro¢)m assistant
Speck￿￿ed in suppming deaf
children. The 8DA shared
their Mater￿15 and promoted
this on our BDA Northern
Ireland Facebook page. BOA
Nl invcfved the diKv$5iOrn
h Ulster Society for
Promoiing the E¢)x￿.on ol
the Deaf & ￿1nd to dtscusg
thi$ initotive beltye the
be<oming a￿lIable
thit People lffl W<￿ the
ontracL
+All￿ the launth ofboth
MA cojrses for Interpreteryl
tr¥￿Illor5. as well as three
PhD pro8rarns led by the
Oepartrnehi lor
C¢yrmunrÉie% u￿er &)ciety
for ￿0MOtIn8the Educatron
ofthe Deaf & Wind, and
(￿ten.* ithNer*ty
'GCSE 8SL is not yet bein8
dev¢l¢)ped in Nort
Ireland. However, the cwrse
is startng In England and
expetted to rdl out to
Northem Ireland 2-3
•Delivered weral 8SL
ksh¢)ps to the 3(K)+
frontline ttiff from the
£inemag across the UK in
partnership vAth Pardrnowt
UK.
•Regardiry the BSL & ISL
tutorlteather group by
Deal Answers and Fooe Deaf
Association. they have set op
the tutor wcfkiw group for
the first time in a long thile.
80th old and new t￿or$
participated in this Rroup. This
group wll have their own
independent chuty
registered shortly, fdlcwng
th¢ sign Iwage Iramewot*.
•Hodtr￿ l.. I meetings wr(h
the Ulster Sooety for
Pr￿ling the Educ*ion of
the Deaf & 81ind to discuss
the proposal of training
'C14woom A%gstant' Level 3
Ind how it cwld bt
implemented for Deafpeople
onty, as there are not enough
tkaf Classroom Agsistan
Th￿ is still In proc
2.4 Expand th¢
c0nYn￿ty from 2022 to
2032 collaboratirg with
DFE. BSLtea<hers and other
BSL training w0￿er1
awarthng ￿les, Bnd fynding
provKlers
tyulnerth'lty Week- D￿f
Awareness & Inclu￿0Th
trwning sesSiC￿ with 95
peo￿¢ attendin&
Workforce of DiversiLy &
Incknsior* ￿ Heakh & Soci
C¥e- 75 peoF4e attended the
trairnins Session.
.5 tuttrs lor the past 12
month5 bui c￿e newl￿Or
join￿& One ofthem who
attend the trainiry at Hand5
That Task, funded by DFC.
has became 6 tv¢ors
•3 interTh￿ stafffvolunteers
comp￿ted the teachiry
irnining in Derby col*,
BDA wwked with a loc
cdlege to re<nJf( 14 ¢Jeaf
people and ccynpleted the
teachirE course tc> ir*rease
the number of 8SL tutor5.
•A pool of new 8SL tutors
are re£nAed for FSH
pregramme
•Over ?¢￿ peO￿e 5i8ned
up to &Kn Lanwise Week
taster Se5%0￿ Folbw up
emails sent followirg ts7ining
to MA￿1n engagement
*Del￿red BSL A%%*reness lo
Parnrnount staff
'One C￿line workshop
delwered to Molecule io
Medicine lawox. 20 SLafQ
S¥ned ihe Mou
A8SLTA
•Del￿r￿d 8SL Awarenessto
8trnJsh A1nNa￿ Heathrow
'Deaf EquJrEyl8SL Training
ddivered to Northoa
Derbyshire CA8team
*Delnrtred 8SL Awarene55 to
P￿IC5w$
ourced and Inducted 20
tuiors ready fw 2025
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
47

STRATEGIC GOALS #TAKINGBSLFORWARD
2022-2032
Protert
3.1 D￿e￿IP an Artnn Plan to
mawts¥i and increa5ethe
numbtr ofsigners a
r)artKul4r foojs on the
familre5 of Deaf children} 3￿j
ontrbJietoth¢ creation of
nalionwide BSL Lwricu
from the eartyys to
advanced t￿￿5 ar￿ support
IMF4¢mentath￿ of 6SL
teathiryE
Re8hx31 BSL &Js1￿5
Gap An*sB developed and
rinalwd for BDA SCO￿
•AnWrythe G¥
for 8DA En￿and and Nl
oJrrerrt
Regional plans {Je￿e<l.
3.2 Sdup a eDA Researth
F￿￿rn to woth wth
unNer5th4 langu¥e •Jyrts
and BSL texhers to
tkjcufrtrt descrite and
gotho wodd with our
language.
EconornK5 uf 8SLre5•arth
Peer rewewofthe C*netic5
Po*lion stat￿eTht following
C4mbrvJBE UnNernty
meeting,
PrrpuE fc* BSLConftrence
2025. Researth Fowm
P¥rtW5 ddiver
sessions.
8SLConferer*ce 2024-
ye¥% 8SL ben¢frt>
3.3 CrEate a perxwNe PR
tvnpw￿to generate greater
ptsblic under5tthth.ry of BSL
I￿￿di￿1hB inpwr&rt
dlfferences betwe£￿ attific
PrrdKEd ajoint stLemerrt
Trlthich 15 Stll in ¢Jr*(5ta8¢5
(dI￿1n8 compl￿rts Irom
mbets aboLrtthem
prornotirg during
SI￿ Wu4e Week 2024.
remove'knngua8e' fromthelr
profile and rek>xit*Jn
themse
OnKong en8agement with
resources on Mlkaton 18SL
drfferen￿,
the kn8ua8es ofthe
Oe4f comwftty yxh as BSL
ar)d ISL
B5L in thjr camp
la￿)ch tjuringthe 85L
Conferen￿.
expressedthe r￿e￿
to pai0￿Se EartyYear5 thEad
Oft￿ olher priorty ￿￿je$35
hi8hl¢h¢ed in the lQk
sfrntty'c ViSk?n. Member? say
our lrfd(Y)8 issue5 arise from
kemic barrier5 opprEtsing
our lryaEe e¥tyyea
resulting in so rnuydeaf
thIldr￿ arriwng ai 5th001
with languaKE delay5 resvking
in extra burden on xhool$ to
d￿d0p￿￿1r larwiage before
thvy can accessthe
Curricu￿1￿
3.4 Create a perxwhe PR
¢2mpw'gTrthat rffrtes
billn￿lIsM aEW.￿the threat
of5w4EPriYdtion I￿ocated
by orpnisationsthatseekto
ddiberatety or ina¢￿entlY
rtstrict deaf children's attess
to lanwe, Ind rn3kx￿ &•r
the lrfelcfig ryFKatYJns of
deprvabon D¢af
pecple'5 *iltytothr
Tookthe BSL in Our Hand5
(wnpw tothe Lknur
ConferEnce andthe team
sed important questK)n$
c#Jt ￿ in e4rty yeaTr Met
wrth Minisier MP in
Deaf AV••ren0￿ Week 2024
saw the knunch ofthe viyj
han￿rint Pet￿r￿ and BSL
Manrfe5toto SupP￿the
f¢Jttrt of 8SL in the VL
Iwior8SL Poet Laureate
pkns underw7yto pro¥note
BSL Pcety in schrK•ls.
discus￿ ykemic
artyJnd BSL in pracbs¢
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
48

STRATEGIC GOALS
Strenzthen
thJrin8the fin￿ quarter or
24n5. we have continued
th our investment in Staff
d￿0Pment We 4 staff
on BSLlevel 6 cours4 2th
hwe just eonykned *1 I
trwnin& and we akn have a
Staff member SbJthn8 a BSL
coathin2 coJr5e. Workshops
wffe ￿$0 coryleted in
Inclugve LeadershiB
Recnjitment ¥ryJ Rpt8ntiM
and IT des￿ry Finlty.
mtrnber of finan￿ continued
with her MT stLk4ie5 and wll
tsk£ her nLxt &>2rnination in
the neKt fewmcfiths.
5tsff Away Dhy in Dttemb
discuw8WellbeirE inthe
workF4att and'from to
The restructure ofthe BDA is
rLwcomplet& Head of
PolKy. Head of fvndrwsing &
r(￿n￿￿10Th8 Head or
and Head of
Communty knces trj
defNerthe $1ratw as
lined by member%
Internal staff trwg matrr<
has been d￿loped
idenbfyng trrining n¢ed5
a<rotsthe Organ￿￿tIon
indudiTbg B5L Budgetin&
Markebrg FU￿1￿$1n8
CorTwnunty P4Jildin&
4.1 Inwrt ￿ our staff and
infrastrnKture induding BDA
Youth
we can foll p)5ibon
Stat￿n¢￿ts in our reEk?n
BDA Y¢JJth trnvelled to
Gla5BDWto attend owAGM,
awC￿derfuL excr(iftg
forthun
4.2 EslAbkth lovem￿te g
comitth gxh a5 BDA
Youth and C0-Prt￿Uce art
Equ￿ty, D￿tr$ty
InCI￿lOn (EDII 5tratwvAth
EDI Straw Groupawyday.
BOA Ycxth Athitses thJrin8
th¢ AGM w¢¢kend
phn5 to ￿jnth the EOI
5uThw amongst 8DA rtaff In
the first in51afft.
Kecnhtment for ne4Y 8DA
y￿rth cwnmittee merThSers.
EDI Strategy Group $ur
de¥th)ped.
more ofthe
dNtrse Ik•fcommuniiRs in
tl* UK
4.3 Ctrpn)kne and e5taElith
regk)n￿ I￿r5. fon
arKI devdop ￿Uth leader5hio
to *mptr*rtrthe wder BSL
omrhuntyts rewesent the
feedi*ck from the AGM co.
dwin8 and ctrwDdu(ing
the future of'brinpng our
communtytogetherf through
Rew'ond Men*)w Forum5 h
een analysed ond wtwill
report backto ￿rnber$ on
proposed Fkn5
'C¢>de￿￿ cMstabli5h
fteponl Memter Forum5 il
the No￿East and Sout. Ea
wth memb¥s and BSL
lion￿ pvtr*rs usingthe
PCS model. I￿Ude BDA
Youth in the d￿elOpm&
Feed)Kkto the AGM on
work done in Nl and S£
Oryaing d•nt of
RMF In NE and SE,
str4¢ey on w0m0tin8t￿'r
4.4 &rild a
Crynmunty Fvndrasing
kndiMdual ¢knnoreng38ement
plami
Remember A Chtyweek
LauKh of BOAICU￿er Free
Will wri￿nE SeThic¢
M¥keting undewaywith
re-est3blthrtent of
partnet7hipL
SLW hJndrwsry'L05Sto
F￿￿, appe￿ b3￿ed.
vw rdvdnce on Wi
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
49

STRATEGIC GOALS
EUD GA 2024 in Bdwum-
Ddegatesw¢re CEO
Vice-Th*r. BDA Yc
dekgates at EUDY. Inwted
10s¢ph Mvrray Pr¢s#*nt of
WFDto preserti atthe BSL
Cenfewce 2024 in
M3rKhe51er.
4.5 our intemthn
reLitions v￿th pdrent
owdnLsatrons gjch asWFD
and EUD
DP 2024- To reposition
BDA as the'Nakn'Dnal
Invtsd EUD Presh4en( Sor
Iwi. tr)the Pthiamentsry
Lzunth of BSL li Our
Han5 wvJeTh*wtO attend the
WFO cOThfereJ￿e n Kenrd
d￿V￿sUmMer 2025.
of BSL and ISL inthe UK,
men*trs ofEUO and WFD.
PIGII
EDI Commlttee Group meetlng 23
March 2024
Rebecca Mansell, CEO, Samirn Mohammed,
Ahmed Mudaw, EDI Chair, Ai5ha Sadiq.
Priyesh Patel, Hamza Shaikh, BDA Trustee
BSL In Our Hands Parliamentary
Reception 18 March 2024
Abigail Gorman, Vice Chair, Sofia Isari, EUD
President Rebecca Man5ell, CEO, Robert
Adam, Chair
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
50

ENGAGING WITH OUR MEMBERS
Across the diverse Deaf communities in the UK, there is a shared ambttion that the
BSL Act 2022 will serve as a turning point to bring about social change to dismantle the
barriers that have restricted Deaf people's lives for more than 130 years, ever since the
BDA was established,
SCANMEFOR8SL
otl CLICK HERE.
Over the next ten years. we will work wtth Deaf communities to build a grassroots social justice
movement We will set up regional member forums where Deaf people Gin learn about their shared
history, receive training to fully understsnd their civil rights and feel empowered to become equalty
activists.
The strategy aims to bring back re&'onal member forums, an updated version of the popular 'branch'
model of BDA membership which was raised by so many members during the roundtable series. We
will consult wtth members about the design of these forums as we prepare to implement an Action
Plan. Together w((h our members across the county, we can co-produce plans for a national
#BSL2032 movement.
There VRS a suggestion that the regional member forums could be developed across 12 regions
across the UL This could be achieved by working wrth regional Deaf clubs, communities, and BSL
Alliance organisations.
l. Scotland
2.North East
3.North West
4.Yorkshire & the Humber
5.west Midlands
6. East Midlands
7. East of England Northern Ireland
8.South Wert
9. SoLrth East
l O. London
I l.Wales
12.Northern Ireland
Scotland
North East
Yorkshire &
the Humber
North West
East Midlands
est Midlands
East of
England
Wales
London
South East
.ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
51

ENGAGING WITHOUR MEMBERS
Funding
Members expressed the need to bring back the Deaf communty through a modernised 'Branch'
S￿ern and how we can develop and support their communty and wor* together to break down
barriers we face every day.
As a result, the BDA secured funding from the Joseph Rowntree Charrtable Trust to establish the
North-East and South-East Region￿ Member Forums. This foundation believes in creating diScu￿10n
to support change towards a better world.
Example
The local Deaf communty in the Northeast are not happy wth the interpreting service at their
local hospital. They tell the hospttal that an interpreter is needed for their appointment, but the
interpreter hasn't turned up. They discover that that an interpreter hadn't been booked. This
isnl an isolated incident, and the local Deaf community want to do something about it. The
forum brings together the local NHS Trust, BSL Alliance memberls in the area and the local
Deaf communty to address thi5 issue.
Keep an eye on social media if you would like to join the BDA and the Regional Members Forum.
BDA
-OiJ[
I￿$￿￿71
2ND
JUN¢2¢24
xryygl
JULY 1OZ4
Jlol
p•io*
,1>
81J
Left: North East and Right: South East
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
52

INTERNATIONAL
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
ISCANMEFOR85L
OR CLICK HERE
Delegates at the EUD General Assembly 2023 Sweden, Rebecca Mansell CEO and Abigail Gorman,
Vice-chair attended the 3-day General Assembly on 25 - 27 May 2023.
Important topics we took away included:
European Accessibility Legislation
The EU has been improving rts response to ensuring accessibilty for disabled people, including deaf
people, through the adoption of key legislation. However, the implementation at Member State level
has not been as successful as they hoped for.
2. Legal Recognition of EU National Sign Languages
EUD ha5 been working hard to advocate for the EU to legally recognising rts 30 national sign
languages at the EU level. As a Stste Party to the CRPD, the EU 15 obliged to do so in line with Article
21 (e) that recognises sign languages as full languages.
3. European Charter for Regional or Mlnority Languages (ECRML)
The workjng group for ECRML gave an update and preserrtation about ECRML Members of the
working group include,,
EUD Board Member Paal Richard Peterson, Norway
Workn'ng Group Member Berglind Stefansdottir, Iceland
Dr. Filipe Venade, Portugal
Dr Filipe Venade is a Deaf lavryer, and he explaned the ECRML and its goals. Dr Venade tslked us
through how the structure of regional and minorty languages work including the various articles. It
was interesting, and we took away a lot of information that we can use in the UK to advocate for our
national sign language rights.
4. Why Belgium two NADST
Marie-Florence and Tiina van Hoorebeke gave interesting presentstions aboLrt why Belgium has 2
National Deaf Associations - one in the North of Belgium where the language is Flemish (D￿Ch) and
one covering the South of Belgium Whe￿ the language is French. There is also a third area in the East
of Belgium where German is used, See photos of the map of Belgium. They use 3 National Sign
Languages and the 2 NADS work closely together for the Deaf communrties across Belgium.
S. How does the management of volunteers and workers differ from each other in a
non-profit organisation7 Markku Jokinen
Former EUD President, Markku, give a fantastic presentation on the difference btheen volunteering
and working for a charty such as the BDA. He tslked about his career journey, both as a volunteer
and paid staff and how they complemented each other.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
53
&1
4Jp*lJ

INTERNATIONAL
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
Interestingly, back in 2018, Markku did a survey of all National Deaf Associations in Europe including
the BDA and assessed how many paid staff each organisation employs. Back in 2019, the BDA had 86
staff and currently, we have about 25 ￿ E staff across the UL The survey also revealed that Holland
and France NDA don* have any paid staff and that they only have volunteers.
6. Volunteer policy program in Doof Vlaanderen by Tiina van Hoorebeke, Doof
Vlaanderen director
Tiina gave a great preserltstion aboLrt how they work wtth volunteer5 to cary out advocac/ work
Their NAD is about the same size as the BDA with 22 paid stsff (BDA has 25 paid staffj and they
have approximatsly 300 volunteers of whom 60 - 70 cary out advocacy work throughout the
region.
Abigail and Rebecca talked about how this model could be useful for our regional member forums
once they are established. We attended further workshops on
7. Accesslblllty to healthcare= experlence sharlng and presentatlon of a webslte
dedicated to health informatlon in sign language by Florence Marion & Mylene
Seguin.
In the afternoon, we took part in an interactrve workshop on identifying what change is needed to
improve access to heaFthG4re for the deaf communty, We gathered in groups to work through the
'problem tree,. Interegtingly, all NADS faced similar challenges in their countries, and we agreed the
issues stemmed from systemic inequalities.
8. EUD General Assembly
After the Roll Call, we went through the agenda which includes approving the minutes of the General
Assembly 2023, Annual Report 2023, Financial Report 2023, Work Programme 2024, Budget 2024
and Motions.
We raised concerns about the critically low rese￿eS and asked for them to present their fundraising
plan next year despite the 2023 Minute5 5tsting that the EUD Board planned to work on expanding
their current reseryes last year which we didn't see evidence of. Addrtionally, we asked whether
NADS could receive monthly management accounts to ensure their 2024 budget is on track to make
a surplus as presented. The EUD Board explained that there were unexpected costs incurred from
staff leaving such as accrued annual leave which resuFted in the unexpected deficrl. They also said they
are keeping a close eye on the 2024 budget.
The BDA took forward our Board'5 5uggestion5 to rejecuapprove motions fowd by NADS.
The first one from Sweden was about Deaf children's right to sign language in school. EUD rejetted
lthis motion aFthough'NADs at)provèd it.'The Second arid Third motions We￿ wrthdrawn by the
Iprop,osers.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
54
'4TOa_

INTERNATIONAL
World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
Joseph Murray presented to the BSL Conference in
Manchester,
th
EUDY Report - Oslo, Norway 14 June to
th
16 June + EXGA 22". August 2024
The chair of BDAYouth, Erin Mccluskey attended
EUDY'S GA in Norway, Oslo, as a representative and a
delegate on the beh￿ of the BDAYouth Committee.
Day I: Started with the usual process, approving the
charperson of the EXGA approving the secretsriats
and the tellers etc, then the mll call.
New Board Members.,
Daniel (President Elect)
Anna (Board Member Elect) from the UK
Lucas (Board Member Elect)
Marino (Board Member Elect)
Paula (Board Member)
eAITISH DEAF A%.£OCIATION
YOUTH
DISMISSAL OF A BOARD MEMBER: A TREASURER-this discussion lasted over 9 hours.
whilst there is a lot of information, I will highlight some key events.
The treasurer and the EUDY board were allowed to explain themselves by providing their
defence submission and two-minuie videos from their wrtnesses.
Wtthin the past few years of EUDY boards, a totsl of 6 board members resigned, this raises the
question of what is happening in the background of the EUDY.
The YNADS had 20 minutes to discuss fwe questions each for the treasurer and the board
member, totslling l O questions
EUDY'S reasoning for dismissing the treasU￿r,,
Communication was difficult with the treasurer
No financial management as well as no transparenq
The treasurer has the attitude to influence on others which creates some tension wrthin the work
environment
BDAYoLrth uFtimately voted YES, in support of dismissal of the treasurer.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
55

INTERNATIONAL
ND
EXGA 22 AUGUST VIA ZOOM:
Erin as the BDA Youth's chair, Erin attended this virtual EXGA meeting by EUDY as a delegate
There is an EXGA becau￿ as explained premously,. the events in Norway's GA did not allow us to full
complete the GA'S agenda planned at the time.
The EXGA stsrted with the introduction of new Board,, as listed as above and the standard
procedure, approving the chair, secretariats, tellers, voting process, and the roll call.
It wa5 announced that Laith. the former director of EUDY had resigned, the EUDYS explanation for
this is that Larth simply doesn't followthe EUDY'S vision anymore
EXGA 4: to accept the financial report of 2023. Outcome: PASSED
EXGA 5: Attion plan 2025. Outcome: PASSEO
EXGA 6: Budget Plan 2025. Outcome.. PASSED
Election of election commtttee 2024-2025
All three candidates were elected to the Election Commrttee., Arpad (Hungary), B2uI (Polandlspain)
and Konstantioro (Greece).
Election of Ombuds Commrttee 2024-2025
3 Years: Loran
2 years.. Xavier
l year., Rosita
BDAYouth would like to congratulate all candidates involved.
BDA Youth Commlttee Elections
In 2024, BDA Youth underwent Elections for new Committee members. A totsl of17 applications
were received and I I were shortlisted for interview in November 2024. A totsl of 7 Commrttee
members We￿ recruited into the BDA YoLrth committeel Their names are:
l.Erin McCluskey- Chair
2. Sayfullah Ismail- T￿aSurer
3.Hannah Atkinson- Events Officer
4. Lucy Aitken- Social Media Officer
5.Damian Bastikar- General Member
6.Tobias Hester- Outreach Officer
7.Simranjit Kaur- Administrator
We are very proud of the ￿-es￿bliShrnent of BDA Youth wrth almost full commtttee, and we are
now focusing on developing a BDA Youth Strategy and Plan.
The Board would like to thank BDA Youth for all their hard work and contribution over the year.
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial year continued to provide both the BDA and chartties in general challenges in raising
income, and in the financial year 2024-25 totsj income decreased by £60,765 from 2023-24
'Lo £2,477,671
SCANM£FOR8SL
ORCLI¢KHEkE
Legacies remain an unpredictable income source which should not be relied upon. In this financial year there
was a decrease of £1 01,084 in legacies receNable resutting in an overall decrease of 6,93% of totsl legacies
from the previous year to £1.356,642.
The surplus for the year 2024-25 of £304,099 which is significantly lower than the previous year (2024-25
surplus £1,126,477). As a result, general funds increased by £402,801 to £2,192,071 which represents 9.8
months of the annual expenditure budget for 2024-25.
INCOME
Total income decreased by 2.39% from
£2,538,437 to £2,477,672.
Legacy income totslled £1 ,356,642 in 2024-25
(2023-24: 11 ,457,726) representing 54.8% of
total income (57.4% in 2023-24).
REMEMBER A CHARITY
IN YOURfwiLL &,
Help the.work live on...
EXPENDITURE
During 2024-25, 86.4p of every £ l of total expenditure was spent on dirert cort$
towards empowering Deaf people (2023-24: 89.2p of every £ l). The remaining13.6p in
every £ I Q023-24: 10.8p) went towards other costs such as fundraising organisational governance
and our European and international work
Expendriure increased during the year by £761 .613 to £2.173,573 (2023-24 totsl: £1.411.960).
The breakdown of the expendrture on charrtable activities as a proportion of totsl charttable activities
costs are as follows.
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
57

E)XIPEJNDITURE
CIMrft*bl• Artivlty
% of chvitablo artivity r¢>sts
2025
% of ¢hwit•bl• #rtivity ¢Ort$
1024
Deaf Ac￿sS and Inclusion projerts
30.6%
33.7%
Deaf Communty projects
IZ4%
21.4%
BSL Media ￿ Deaf Comff￿nIty De￿lopment
projecrs
26.5%
19.9%
Deaf Children, Youth Families prqects
11.8%
Sign Lryage and Training projeds
8.5%
Pdicy and CarnpBign3
10.8%
Totsl funds were £3,597,719 (2023-24.. £3,293,620) of which 11,992,138 related to general funds
Q023-24: £1,489,743) and £199,932 (2023-24 1299,52n relates to the Pension Rese￿e. In addrtion,
£27,300 has been set aside for organisational and Deaf Communty development by way of
designated funds (2023-24,. £121 ,203).
Regarding our Pension liabilty debt, the new plan requires the charty to make annual deficrt
reduction payments of £35,266 to 31 December 2027 and, to pay scheme administration expenses
of £56,695 per year, (increasing by 3% per annum) until the scheme winds down or when the last
member has passed away - whichever comes first. The 8oard has maintained its policy of covering
the totsl cosi of these repayments from unrestricted funds thereby providing reassurance to funders
that project grants will not be used to service the Pension Debt contributions. In the 2024-25
accounts, the BDA has a Pension Fund Reserve of £199,932, compared to £299,527 (2023-24).
The￿ are several restricted funds that have supported specific BDA activtties over the past year. (See
note 14.) Total regcricted funds have decreased by £4,799 to £1 ,378,348 (2023-24 totsl: £1 ,383,147).
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
58

REJS'ER VE¥S
In summary, the financial statements for 2024-25 show a surplus of £304,099 Q023-24: £1 ,126,477).
Our general funds have increased from £1 ,489.743 in 2023-24 to £2,192,071 in 2024-25.
Income and existing project grarrts have been designated for, and will continue to underpin, key areas
of work such as Deaf Communty Advocacy, Deaf Access and Indusion, Deaf Children and their
Families, and the increased use and visibilty of sign language presentations and videos through our
social media platforms.
Therefore, our reserves at 31" March 2025 are:
R¢s•rves
2024-25
202J-24
Current Project Crnts
£1,063,985
£1,067,328
Le8KieslADA5 Funds
14,363
£315,819
Total R•rtrlrt•d Funds
£1.378.348
1.383,147
De5ignotett Oevelowwrt Fund
£27,3t))
£121,203
Deslqnated.. P¢nsSon DefKk Fund
£199,932
a99,527
Generl Funth
£1.991139
£1.489,743
Total Unrwtrirted Funds
£l219.371
£1,910,473
The BDA will continue to monrtor its reserves carefully. In 2025, we continued to prioritise securing
projett funding for Deaf communty projects - particularly given the need to provide addrtional
support through visual language communication mediums in our first language, BSL.
The current reserves poliry as agreed by the Trusiees is a minimum of 50% of annual expendrture or
6 months running costs in the current financial year to preserve the 8DA's cash flow and to meet any
unexpected contingencies. Based on the 2024-25 budget, a 50% target would require a reserve of
£1 ,079,417 in unrestricted general fund5. The preserrt level of free reserves (excluding the pension
reserve and fixed assets) of £1 ,982,408 (2023-24.. £1.479,745) now available to the charty is a
significant increase on the previous year's figures and is in excess of the 50% target level.
In addttion to the free reserves, £199,932 has been set aside to meet our future Pension Liabilty
obligations to 2025.
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
59

TEJFUL
THEIIR
ERE
The BDA would like to extend our grateful thanks to the following funders,
organisations and donors for supporting our work over the year 2024 - 2025:
BSL Conference 2024 - Manchester
Headline sponsor- SignLive
Gold sponsor- SORD
Silver sponsor- Amsaan Tours
Bronze sponsor- DCAL
Red sponsor- Deaf Action
SignLiveJ
• l• Deaf
ACCESSIBLE TOURS
BSL Poet Laureate sponsors:
Deafzone
De•fZty
Trusts & Foundations:
Grateful thanks to the following funders and their generous support of our work..
John Ellerman Foundation
Joseph Rowntree Charrtable Trust
deafPLUS
City Bridge Foundation
City Bridge Foundation (Propel)
Iv1asonic Charttable Foundation
The National Lottery Communty Fund
People and Places 3, Wales
Impact Funding Partners
Northern Ireland Health & Social Care Board
Promotion of ISL- Department of
Communf(ies
Democratic Engagement Grant - Welsh
Government
Care and Repair
Inspiring Scotland
The National Lottery Community Fund-
Scotland
RobertSDn Trust
Access and Inclusion - Scottish Government
Age Siutlai'id
Family Signing at Home - Departments of
Communrties
Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust
The National Lottery Herrtage Fund,
Northern Ireland
Dorothy Hay-Bolton Charrtable Trust
The Privy Purse Charitable Trust
Our special thanks to our corporate sponsors towards the BDA'S AGM held on 16th
November 2024 in Glasgow..
¢IILVER LAW
tnlerprelinÉ
,,Jaiiers"
ACCESSI8LE TOURS
signwow
AN NUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
60

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE ANDMANAGEMENT
The Trustees, who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the
Companies Act 2006. present their report and accounts for the year ended 31. March 2025.
SCANME Fog BSL
OR CLICK HERE
The accourrts have been prepared in accordance wtth the accounting policies set out in note I to the
accounts and comply with the charity's Memordndum and Articles of Association, applicable law, and
the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and RetX)rting by
Charrties,. Statement of Recommended Prartice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financiat Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS
102) effectrve from l January 2019.
The Brttish Deaf Association is constituted as a company limried by guardntee and is registered for
charitable purposes wtth the Charty Commission and also with the Office of the Scottish Charty
Regulator (OSCR), The charrvs governing document is the Memornndum and Articles of
Association. The chartws full name is 'The Brrtish Deaf Association, (referred to herein as Ihe BDA,).
The governing body of the charty, the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the administrdtion of the
BDA.
The BDA is incorporated in England and Wales and is governed by a Board of Trustees, listed on
page I, who are elected every three years by members. The Tnjstees are provided wrth key
information on appointment such as Trustee Handbook and Charty Commission booktet CC3. They
are also ￿qUI￿d to attend a full Trustee Induction Away Day or Weekend.
Management is delegated to the CEO, who works with a team of manager5, and who are responsible
for delivering the full range of the BDA'S activrties. The Board and CEO meet and agree the Chartys
rategic intentions,
The report resultart of these discussions 15 a reference point for all pmjects and developments.
The Board determines the remuneration of the CEO on an annual basis and in doing so, they
benchmark salaries across comparable Salaries wrth similar sized organisations wtthin the sector.
consider the external environment and also the current financial position of charty itself.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confinn that they have referred to the guidance contsined in"section 17 of the Chartties
Act 201 l on public benefrt when reviewng the Charity's objectives and activtiies and in planning
future activrties. Our overview and achievements section from page 4 to 9 reflects the scope of our
activities.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
61

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Statement of Trustees responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also directors of Brrtish Deaf Association for the purposes of Company Law)
are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and Unrted Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unrted Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, Under
Company Law must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true
and fair view of the state of affairs of the charrtable company and of the incoming resources and
application of resource5, including the income and expendtture, of the charrtable company for that
period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are ￿qUired to:
select suttable accounting policies and then apply them consistent￿.
observe the methods and principles in the Charrties SORP 2019 (FRS 102).,
make judgmerrts and estimates that are reasonable and prudenc.
state whether applicable Unrted Kingdom Accounting Stsndards have been followed, subject to
any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.,
prepare the financial statement5 on the going concem basis unless rt is inappropriate to presume
that the charrtable company will continue to operate.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose wtth reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial posrtion of the charrtable company and enable thern to ensure the
financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 Charities and Trustee Investment
(Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the
provisions of the charty's constriution, They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
charrtable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Insofar as the Trustees are awdre:
there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable companls audrtor is unaware,. and,
the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have tsken to make themselves aware of any
relevant audrt information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The Trustees are responsible for the mantenance and irrtegrty of the corporate and financial
information included on the charitsble company's websrte. Legislation in the Untted Kingdom
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in
other jurisdictions.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
62
4*4
4J'

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Auditors
SCANMEFORBSL
ORCLICK HERE
Price Bailey LLP were appointed auditors to the company in accordance wrth sertion 485 of the
Companies Act 2006,
Fundraising
During 2024 - 2025, the Head of Communications & Fundraising was tasked to lead the delivery of
the BDA'S 5-year Fundraising Plan, building on and leveraging relationships with the communty and
those who are engaged with it. stsff employed by the BDA carry out our fundraising activrties. All
arrangemerrts are governed by wrrtten agreements that cover the responsibiltties of each party and
ensure that anyone working on our beh￿f adheres to our strict ethical standards.
We made significant progress during 2024 - 2025 with the migration of our marketing and
fundraising dats to the new CRM. We completed the development and integration of Beacon forms
on BDA'S website such as donor forms, member forms, sign language week sign-ups and a ticketing
platform.
Fundraising is essentiaj to allow us to carry OLrt our vital work campaigning for our national sign
language rights. Trustees are extremely grateful to our individual donors ￿ well as companies, trusts
and foundations who have supported our work over the year. Our fundraising is supervised by the
trustee Finance sub<ommittee, wrth regular reporting to our full board of trustees,
We are members of the Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. We are
conscious of the need to tske care when interacting with individuals who are, or may be. vulnerable
and we require all Staff we work with to follow our Ethical Fundraising
policy and Business Gift policy.
The Brttish Deaf Association is registered with the Fundraising
Regulator and complies wtth the Code of Fundraising Practice.
No instsnces of non<ompliance wrth any relevarrt regulations or
guidelines have been identified. and nor have we received any
complaints about our fundraising activrties (2023-2024: none).
A 5ignifiwt proportion of our income is received from donation
and legacies. When seeking to raise money from the public,
V￿ only send marketing material to those who have previously
said they are happy to be contacted by us (and indwiduals are
free to change their minds at any time). We tske gre¥c
care to ensure that our level of comrriunication'wrth our
supporters is proportional and approF)riate. In the past
f]fteen years we have not engaged in telephone marketing or
'in raising money from door to door, or street collections,
WILL
You
HELP US PRESERVE
8RITISH SIGII IAIIGUAGE
FOR FUTURE GEHERATIOIIS?
Ihio•u¢iJvv* i(4 l•iv••
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
63

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
We joined the Remember a Charity scheme again during 2024-25, calling on our members and
supporter5 to remember the BDA in their Will to enable us to preserve BSL for future generations.
Restricted Trusts and Foundations:
John Ellerman (£80,000 unrestricted over 2 years secured in March 2023) to fund the next stage
in our mission to prote¢ preserve and promote BSUISL to support and monitor the BSL Act's
implementation in policy and prnctice, and to push for an equal deal for Deaf people across the UK.
City Bridge (Propel) (£49,900 over 12 months awarded April 2023) to explore the Wemic
issues faced by the Deaf communty in London, We successfully secured a further grant from Cty
Bridge (Propel) to expand on the explore phase.
City Bridge Foundation (£96,290 over two years (157,215 and £39,075) awarded in July 2023)
to establish a Deaf-led campaign workforce in London focused on both long-term sy¥cemic change
and immediate practical improvements. The inrtiative will include a London Members Forum, a
Campaign Action Plan, training workshops. and ensuring Deaf individuals hold decision-making roles
wrthin London.
Masonlc Charitable Foundatlon (£53,725.00 for l year awarded September 2023) to provide
Famity Signing at Home. early years BSL support for1>5-year-olds and their families, including I ,, I
home visrts and group sessions.
Joseph Roundtreo (£111,648 for 2 years awarded February 2024) for a projert that will pilot
focused local action by fonning two Regional Member Forums based in England's South-East and
North-East ￿giOnS.
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
64

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE ANDMANAGEMENT
Legacies
We are so appreciative of the continued generosty of our benefactors and can ￿pOrt that, due to
their kj'ndness our Legacy income in 2024125 was £1 ,356,641 which, although a decrease compared
to £1 ,457,726 in 23124, is still exceptionally high.
Although the backjog at the probate ￿giStry has cleared significantly this year wrth OLrtPLrt improved
by 20%, there still remain significant delays in the administration of e5knites due to delays at HMRC
which is now having an impact on chariiies, cashflow from legacies, rather than accrual5.
BDA received 20 notifications in 2024125, and together wrth our pipeline of legacies from previous
financial years that have not concluded yet, the estimated value associated with all legacies still
outstanding at the end of 31 st March 2025 was £1 ,593.421 . The amount of cash income received for
legacies in 2024n5 was particularly strong in 2024125 at £2,059.856.
202512026 is off to a good start with several legacy notifications received already that will help drive
the pipeline for the remainder of the year.
Thank you for your support
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks faced by the charty are the unpredictable legaq income.
reductions in govemment funding and possible reduced donations due to the
financial stability of donors being affected by inflation arKI the current cost of living
crisis,
We maintsin a risk register that is reviewed and updated annuajly. In addttion, the
tharty has a Business Continuty Plan that covers how the BDA identifies key
activities, evaluates risks, and considers and plans for Business Continuty in the
event of an unplannedlemergency event which affects our abilty to function
normally.
Left. International Pre5iderrts of the
WFD, Abigail and Robert with Rebecca.
Right: Signing the Declaration on the
Rights of Déaf Children.
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
65
£4

STRUCTURE.
SCANMEFORBSL
OR CLICK HERE
• Ply
DÈAF PARCNTS
Qiir ILifvl"
OUA, EYES
ou&l.
rARS
,JR NAWt45
ALS[ IFIIL
OULF(J
Plans for the future
Taklng BSL Forward: Brltlsh Deaf Asso¢latlon'$ l O-year Strategic Yision 2022-2032
Our language has now been recognised by the UK Government. We must seize this opportunty to
prepare the ground for the world we want, promote the nationwide learning of BSL and protect our
language to ensure rt flourishes long into the fLtture.
There is a shared ambition that the BSL Act 2022 wll serve as a turning point to bring about social
thange to dismantle the barriers that have resiricLed Deaf people's lives for more than 130 years,
ever since the BDA was established.
Member5 overwhelmingly called on the BDA to work wrth the UK Government to introduce bold
new measures over the next decade that wll make progress towards equal civil rights for Deaf
people in the Unrfced Kingdom. The top priority mugc be for Deaf children and their families to have
access to fluent BSL language models from birth and throughout the education Wem, setting them
up to become equal and valued members of society.
'.2-. 0*2g-,4-..: .
T*
66

STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE ANDMANAGEMENT
Deafne55 is nothing to be ashamed of. We Deaf people can excel at anything, just like the hearing
people around us, if our hands are not tied by unnecessary and discriminatory language and
communication barriers.
Building on the groundbreaking BSL Act (Scotland) in 2015. our language, BSL now has official status
across the whole of Great Brrtain with the BSL Act (2022). Legislation is finally in place that recogni5es
BSL and commits the Government to actively promote and facilitate ts use,
The hard work now begins to build the #BSL2032 movement, We need to deliver our vision for a
world in which Deaf people no longer struggle, but instead posf(ively thrive from birth to old age,
playing a full part in Brrtish society, and British Sign Language is promoted. protected and preserved
for future generations,
The l O-y&Y Strategic Vision tskes as rts starting point the date at which the BSL Act, which recognised
British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain in law for the very first time, received Royal
Assent. 28 April 2022. That date will now be celebrated annually as National BSL Day.
You can view our bilingual Strategic Vision public*(ion below. Please navigate using the arrow keys at
the bottom of the page. You can also view this publication in full screen by clickj'ng the icon at the
bottom.right,
https:Ilbd&ory.uWstrategic-vlslonl
Small Company Exemptions
The report has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies, exemption of *ction 415A
of the Companies Art 2006.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Chalr:
Dr Robert Adam
Date:
12 Sept 2025
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
67

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT
Opinion
SCANMEFof¢esL
OR CLICK HERE
We have audrfced the financial statements of Brrtish Deaf Association (the 'charitable company,) for
the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activf(ies (including income
& expenditure account), the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows. and notes to the financial
slatements, including significant accounting policies, The financial reporting framewod< that has been
applied in their preparation is applicable law and Unff(ed Kingdom Accounting Stsndards, including
Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic
of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and the Charrties SORP 2019.
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the g(ate of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025, and
of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expendtture, for
the year then ended.,
have been properly prepared in accordance with Untted Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice: and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the
Charities SORP 2019, the Chartties and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8
of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audtt in accordance with International Standards or) Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK))
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of
the charf(able company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of
the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our
other ethical responsibilities in accordance wrfch these requirements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trusiees, (who are also the directors
of the company for company law purposes) use of the going concern basis of accounting in the
preparation of the financial ststements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charrtable
company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least ￿e1ve months from when
the financial statements are authorised for issue,
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
68

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT
Our re5ponsibiltties and the responsibilrties of the trustees wrth respect to going concem are
described in the relevant sections of this reporL
Other information
The other information comprises the informth'on included in the trustees annual report, other than
the financial statements and our audttor's report thereon. The trustee5 a￿ responsible for the other
information contined within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not
cover the other information and, except to the extert otherwise explicitly stated in our report we
do not express any form of assurnnce conclusion thereon, Our re5ponsibilty is to read the other
information and, in doing 50, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent wtth
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audtt or otherwise appears
to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misststements, we are reqUI￿d to determine whether this gives rise to a materiaj misstatement in the
financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is
a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that facL
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.
the information given in the trustees, report (which includes the directors, report prepared for
the purposes of company law) for the financial year for which the financial statemerrts are
prepared is consistent wrf(h the financial ststements., and
the directors, report has been prepared in accordance wrth applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by
exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and Tts environment
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors,
report
We have nothing to report in ￿sPeCt of the following matters in relation to which the Companies
Act 2006, the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charrties Accounts
(Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires us to ￿pOrt to you if, in our opinion:
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audrf( have not
been received from branches not visried by us,. or
the financial statements are not in agreement wtth the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors, remuneration specified by law are not made,. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit or
the trustees vrfere not entitled to prepare the financial ststements in accordance with the small
companies, regime and tske athlantage of the small companies, exemption and from the
requirement to prepare a strategic reporL
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement the trustees (who are also the
directors of the charrtable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the
preparation of the finanoal statements and for being satisfied that they gnie a true and fair view, and
for suth internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial
statements that are free fmm material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financia] statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable
company's abilty to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable. matters related to going
concern and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the trustees erther intend to liquidate
the charttable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the
financial statements
We have been appointed as audrcor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charrties and Trustee Investment
(Scotland) Act 2005 and under Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance wrth the Acts and
relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtwn reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an audttor's ￿pOrt
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurdnce is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that
an audtt conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when tt
exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are conside￿d material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be experted to influence the economic decisions of users taken on
the basis of these financial statements.
AN N UAL REPOR T 2024 2025
70
"IV ¥"T.-
.}1 Ll.,_è4

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS'REPORT
Irregularrfcies, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance wrth laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line wth our responsibiltties, outlined above, to detecl material misstatemerrts in
respect of irregularrties. including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting
irregularriies, including fraud is detailed below.
We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charrtable
company and the sector in which rt operates and considered the risk of the charrtable company not
cOmpl￿ng with the relevant laws and regulations including fraud; in particular th0￿ that could have a
material impact on the financial statements. This included those regulations directly related to the
financial statements, including financial reporting and tax legislation. In relation to the oper3tions of the
charitable company this included compliance wtth Companies Act 2006, Chartties Act 201 l and the
Chartties and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
The risks were discussed with the audit team and we remained alert to any indications of non-
compliance thmughout the audrL We carried out specific procedure5 to addre55 the risks identified,
These included the following:
Review of legal fees incurred:
Reviewing minLrtes of Trustee Board meetings;
Agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentstion;
Enquiring of management, including those charged with governance;
Reviewing key accounting policies and estimates
To add￿$$ the risk of management override of controls, we carried out testing of joumal entries and
other adjustments for appropriateness. We also assessed management bias in relation to the
accounting policies adopted and in determining signbficant accounting estimates.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audrt, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities,
including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with
regulatton. This risk increases the more that compliance wrth a law or regulation is removed from the
events and transactions reflected in the financial Statements, as we will be less likely to become aware
of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud
rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery. collusion, omission or
misrep￿SentstrOn.
A further description of our responsibilrties is available on the FRC'S websrte at:
https:Ilwww.frc.org.uWauditorSlaudit-assurancelauditor.￿re$P0n5IbIIit•e￿for4he•
audit-of-the-fildescription-of-the•auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for
description forms part of our audrior's report,
This
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
71
l-i .*
ei
¥1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT
Use of our report
This report 15 made solely to the charttable companls members, as a body, in accordance with
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the charttable company's trustee5, as a body,
in accordance with Regulation l O of the Charrties Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit
work has been undertaken so that we might stste to the charrtable company's members those
matters we are reqUI￿d to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpo*. To the
fullest extent permrted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the
charrtable company and the charttable companls members as a body, for our audfc work for this
report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Michael Cooper-Davis FCCA ACA (Senior Ststutory Audrtor)
For and on behalf of., Price Bailey LLP
Chartered Accountarrts
Statutory Audrtors
24 Old Bond Street
London, WIS 4AP
Datt: 15 October 2025
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
72
-l*
.'lj t ¥'.11.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and
expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025
G•n•Trl
F¥n
0•118nat•d
Unr••trirt•d
Fund*
1015
Fuhd•
T•rt
Donab'on5 and le8acies
1.445554
1.445554
1.980
1,447,534
Othertradwvd actfvfrhes
41724
41724
320
4J,044
1&830
Investment wieome
12280
12280
12300
IQ291
1SW558
150)558
239)
1,50U5•
1541,032
Incomefrom charit*4e
67,097
67.097
907,717
97U14
997,405
1567,655
1567,655
910P17
2.417￿11
2538,437
Costs ofrllilnz thnd•
JndrnS￿l costs
147567
147567
147,567
111,116
147367
147,567
147J07
111,236
ChvTt•bl• •cti¥iti•i
917,692
93,903
1.011395
914,816
1297,494
99595
99395
9gJgS
3,230
Tot•1 •xp•ndlturn
93.903
.258.757
914,11fj
2,17JJ73
1.411.960
Not In￿rn•
402N)I
3,903)
308,898
(4,799)
Jo4.0
1.126,477
Tran•f•Th betw•on funds
Not mov•m•nt In fvnth
40UOI
193,903)
308A98
14,799)
J04.099
1,126,477
Fundi *t 31 M•r£h 2024
1.789270
121.203
1.910.473
1,383,147
3.293.620
2,167,143
Furtd• It J l M*rch 2025
1191071
27JCO
1219J71
1.378.348
3,S•7.71•
3293,620
All movements derive from continuous activrties during the above financial year. The notes on pages
80 to 104 form part of these financial statements.
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
73

BALACNE SHEET
Balance Sheet- As at 31 March 2025
2025
Nat•
Tanwble frxed assets
9,73(1
9,998
Curr•rt w•t•
Debtor¥
10
936,8•5
1,688,813
Cash at bank and in hand
3,106,289
1,988.324
4.043.175
3,677,137
Cr•dltov&' •mounts f•llln8 du•
wlthln one year
(J14.654)
<393515)
N*t ¢yrv•nt
3.658,520
3,283,622
Credltorn. amounts fvlllng due
after on• yov
12
I70￿31)
TO￿ as￿￿ Iws cuvr•nt
Ilabllltl•i
3.597,719
3293,620
Fundi
Restricted funds
14
1,378,348
lJ83.147
Unr••tslrt•d fundi
De5iKrHted funds
Gen￿￿ Fund5
15
27,JOO
1.99llJ8
199,932
121,203
1.489,743
299,527
15
Tot41 fijnds
3.597,7 59
3293,620
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wtth special provisions applicable to
companie5 subject to the small companies, regime.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 6 September 2025 and signed on rf(s behalf by,,
Dr Robert Adam (Chair)
Company Registration No. 2881497
The notes on pages 80 to 104 form part of these financial statements.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
74

STATEMENTOF CASH FLOW
Statement of Cash Flows - For the year ended
31 March 2025
202S
2024
Cash flow from •por4tlnz •rtlvttl••
Net cash provided by yrnting adNrt
1.126.248
321,222
Cuh Ilow from IntMrtlDg &ttfvltl••
Purthase oftan@ble frxed a55et5
(8,213)
.436)
N•t cuh ui•d by Inv•rtlng •rtlvltl••
Ch•nz• In c*sh and c•8h •qul¥alènts In th• ye
1.117.905
311.786
Ca•h And ¢ash ¢quSv*l•nts at l Aprll 2024
1,988.324
1.676,538
Cuh and ¢￿h •qulv*l*nts *¢ 31 Mv¢h 2025
3,106.219
1,988,324
Notei to th6 cash flow stat•m•nt for th• y•v 31 Plvch 2025
A- A•¢onclllatlon of n•t rnov•m•nt In lundl to not flo
from operntlng activkies
2025
2024
Net mOV￿￿nts in the funds for the
Dep￿￿￿￿1n tharge
(Inolase) in debtors
Increase in awiitors
304.D99
•.551
751.928
61,070
1.126.4
4.832
(899.345)
89,258
N•t cuh provld•d by op•r•tln¥ actlvltlei
1,126.148
321,222
- Analyd• of cuh and •qulvAl•Thts
Cash at ￿nk and in hand
3,106,219
1.988,324
The notes on pages 80 to 104 form part of these financial statements.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
75

NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
l . Accounting policies
l. l Basis of preparntion
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the
Charities and Trustee Investrnent (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations
2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, Statemert of Recommended
Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective from l January 2019. The
chartty is a public benefrt entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charty had a dormant subsidiary company, Big D Company Limrted, whose regstered office was
St John'5 Deaf Communty Centre, 258 Green Lanes, London N4 2HE. The company has been
dormant for many years and the trugcees decided to close the company and it was subsequently
dissolved on 24 January 2023, The charty has not prepared consolidated accounts as inclusion of the
resuFts of its subsidiary undertaking, Big D Company Limrted, as it would not be material to the
consolidated financial statements.
1.2 Goinz concern
The Trustees of the charty have considered their obligation5 to prepare these financial statements on
an appropriate basis, having specific regard to the charitys unrestricted funds at 31 March 2025,
which includes ri's closed multi-employer defined benefrt pension scheme that was previously available
to participating staff. The charrws funding commrtment to the pension scheme remains long term,
however at the 31 March 2025 the pension scheme reseryes are in surplus. Therefore overall,
unrestricted funds are considered adequate to meet all working caprtal needs for the loreseeable
future.
The Trustees have agreed to make a number of investments to ensure the charty increases rts
income over the medium to long term, as well has having the infrastructure to support the charty's
growth. Going concem is dependent on future income continuing at an acceptable level and the
Trustees a￿ confident that this ￿MaInS achievable.
Therefore, at the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable
expect3tion that the charty has adequate resources to continue in operationaj extstence for the
foreseeable future, Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the* financial statements.
li
ANN UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
76
l.ly ijl:,-.L•.
,11. .lJ?t*.
IT

NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.3 Critical accounting estimate5 and judgements
To be able to prepare financial statements in accordance with FRS 102, the charty must make certain
estimates and judgements that have an impact on the policies and the amount reported in the annual
accounts. The estimates and judgements are based on historical experiences and other factors
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable at the time such estimates
and judgements are made. The ttems in the accourrts where these judgements have been made
include:
Estimating the liabilty of the mutrti-employer pension scheme.
1.4 Income
Income for both restricted and unrestricted funds are recognised in full in the Statement of financial
attivities in the year in which they are receiwable. Voluntary income is received by way of legacies and
donations and is included in full in the Statement of financial activities when receivable. Volunteer time
is nLY£ included in the financial statements.
Legacies are recognised at the earlier of actual receipt or on receipt of Estste accounts which confirm
the 8DA's entttlement to receive the funds, the pmbabilty of receipt and provide an accurate
measure of the legacy. If the legacy is in the form of an asset other than cash or an asset listed on a
recognised stock exchange, recognrtion is subject to the value of the asset being able to be reliably
rneasu￿d and title to the asset has passed to the charty. Recognition is not taken for legacies subject
to a life interest as they do not meet the SORPS recognrtion crrf(eri&
Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. All grants (including from government) are
accounted for when the charty has entttlement to the funds, and performance related condttions
attached to the grants have been met, tt is probable that the income will be received and the amount
can be measured reliably.
1.5 Expenditure
The costs of raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charttable company in raising funds for rts
charrtable work Governance costs are primarily associated wrth constrtutionaj and statuiory
requirements. Expendrf(ure is recognised in the period in which they are inCur￿d. Resources
expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. Resources expended are allocated to
the activty where the cosi relates directly to that activty. Other costs represent the cost of charttable
actiwties that cannot be directly attributed (Directors, Administration. Finance, Human Resources and
Information Technology) bLrt which are incurred to deliver our services are apportioned across other
activities on the basis of their use of those resources.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
77

NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at COSt less depreciation. Items of equipment are caprtalised where the
purchase price exceeds I I ,000. Depreciation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of
the related assets in those activrties. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances irbdicate
their Garrying value may exceed their net reaisable value and value in use, Depreciation is provided at
rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over tts experted
useful life using the siraght-line method. The depreciation rates in use are a5 follo
Computer equipment
Fixtures. frttings & equipment
2 years
2 years
Leasing and hlre purchase commitments
Rentals payable under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership
remain wrth the lessor, are charged to the Statement of financial activtties in the year in which they fall
due,
Cash and cash equlvalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturty
of th￿e months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposrt or similar account.
1.9 Penslons
The charitable company participates in a multi-employer pension scheme, the Pension Trust's Gro
Plan. The assets of the Scheme are held in an independently administrated fund. (see note14), In
accordance wrth FRS 102 section 28, the SOFA includes;
The cost of benefits accruing during the year in respect of current and past service (charged
againrt net income).
The increase in the present value of the scheme's liabilrties arising from the passage of time (also
charged against net income:
The charty also has a defined contribution pension scheme for existing staff. The amount charged in
the Statement of financial activities in respect of the defined contribution pension scheme is the
contributions payable in the year All allocations (income or expenditure) arising from the pension
Schemes are charged to unrestricted funds.
l. l O Accumulated funds
Unrestricted funds a￿ donations and other income receivable or generated for the objects of the
charty.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as lad down by the donor. Expenditure which
meets these crrteria is charged to the fund together wrth a fair allocation of support costs. Designated
funds are unrestrirted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes,
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
li
78

FINANC*lAL
TEME.NTS
. I I Constitution. address and legal 5tatU5
The Brrtish Deaf Association is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and
Wales (company registration number 2881494, and also a registered charty (charty registration
number 1031687, England and Wales, SC042409, Scotland). The registered Offi￿ is, St. John's Deaf
Communty Centre. 258 Green Lanes, London N4 2HE, The charitsble company is limited by
guarantee and has no share caprtal. The liabilty of each member in the event of wnding up is limtied
to 25 pence.
1.12 Functional currency
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charty.
Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest L
1.13 Financial instruments
The charty only has financial assets and financial liabilrties of a kind that gualify a5 basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instnjments are initially recognised at transartion value and subsequently
measured at their settlement value. Fixed assets are recorded at depreciated historical cost and all
other assets and liabilities are recorded at cost which is their fair value.
#J
IWDP 2023 Jane Hmt MS addr¢ssingthe BDA and Disabilrty Wale
ims DaMe5 MP fomier Minister for Di5a>led People, Health and
Work
79

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. Donation and Legacies
Unrestrkted
Fynds
Deilznated
Fund$
2025
Total
Funds
88,912
90.892
Le8aaes reCe￿￿￿e
135&642
1,356.042
Totwl
,445,554
1.980
1.447.$34
| Unr•slYlrt
Funds
D•slxnat•d
Funds
2024
Tatal
Funds
Donati¢fjg and wfts
54.18S
S4,18S
831,726
626.0
1.457,716
Totxl
885,•11
626.000
3. Charitable Activities
Rertrfrt•d
Fund• . I
2015
Totsl
FuAd•
Fyn
Si8n i￿Re Prciects
Deaf OMk4ren, Ytyjth and Familtes Proierts
56,254
56,254
Deafcommunty PrDFcts
74,003
74.003
Deafctynmunlty Develowient
730
602,020
IOL750
DeafAccess and PrOj￿ts
175,440 1
175.440
Other5
67
06,367
Total
67,097
907.717
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
80

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unr•strlrt•d
Funds
D•slinated
Funds
Re•tslrt•d
Funds
2024
Sign i￿vale Projects
Deaf ch1hj￿n, Y¢xrth and Families Projects
DeafCc¥YYnunty Adw Prcietts
DeafCLxINnunty Developmerrt
833,717
BJJ.717
. Deaf Access and Indushx Projects
83510
83.510
. Others
80,178
10,178
Total
80.178
917,227
997,405
Included within income from charitable activities are govemment grants received amounted to
£361,0 18 (2024.. £327,818). There were no unfulfilled condrtions or other contingencies attaching to
these grants (2024: none).
4. Expenditure
Unrertrtrted
Funds
Dulimted
Funds
R•rtrlrt*d
Funth
2015
Costs of railing funds
147.567
147.567
Charitable expendttu
917.692
93.903
914.816
Other- p*ision scheme costs
99595
99.595
Tot41
.164,•54
93.90J
914.116
2.173,S73
Ufivertrlrt•d
Fundg
DMl¥nated
Fundi
R¢strirt•d
Funds
2024
Totsl
Costs of rdi%ngfunds
111,236
111.236
. Charii*le expendthjre
395.481
78,490
823523
1,297,494
Other- pengon schrJne costs
3,230
3.230
509.947
78,490
823.52J
1.411.960
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
81

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2025
Totsl
Deprecbation
Other5
Costs of ￿￿ing furKIs
I OZ794
44.773
147.567
Ch•rlt•ble artlvltl•&'
Direct Costs
899.090
273,827
1.171.917
SUP￿ c951s
165,509
8550
531,433
7•5,492
639
47,363
48.002
1,065,238
8550
897,396
1.920.41
Oth•r axp•ndStw
Per&ion finance charge5
I￿31
i.oJi
Rerneawr￿ents of scheme ￿luatI1)n
626
026
Rernea5uremerts- knendments to the corrtributions
5thedule
97,938
97.938
1267.627
]zii
8,550
097,396
Iin.s73
2024
Total
Staff
D•pr•clatlon
Othe
Cosls of rai5irq f￿d$
86,lJ95
25,141
111,2J6
Dirert costs
718.923
179,443
190,366
Support Costs
61,779
4.832
294290
J60.901
1,340
36,887
J8.227
7811)42
4132
510,620
1.297.494
Oth•r •xp•ndltur&'
Pertsion finan￿ th￿ge5
3.201
3,101
Remewrements ofstheme v￿UatI¢￿)
29
29
Penyon stheme admiThrtration eypenses
871.367
4,8J2
53S.761
1,411,960
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
82

NOTES TOTHEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Anatygls of charltabl¢ exPendI￿rn
Dlr•ct
Indlr•rt
2025
(ex¢ludlng EoY¢rn4n¢0 ¢0sts)
Others
Othors
' Si8n Lankuage Projects
11112
9,125
15,433
50.171
86.841
Deaf ChildreiL Y(th and
9&590
7.967
63.866
39,034
109.457
.' Deaf ConThnty Projects
108.228 1
7A459
&105
42.311
233.103
Deafcomnwnty Developrrwrt
34B68
&105
34.592
85.025
Poliq and carn￿
103.396
13,970
24,762
60,458
202.586
Deaf Acoss Indusirx)
379,068
90,166
13.850
92,395
575.479
FIJ￿ICation. Membership & Communi13tion5
26265 1
39,405
12,324
118,072
196.066
Oeaf TraInI￿ Pml•cts
23,590
7,871
9,214
31645
73,320
' BSL Medid Go4tmantt, Accessto Work and Others
111973
19.404
13,850
70J05
216,532
Penslon Cort
99,595
99.59$
199.090
273,827
165.509
039.578
1,978.004
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
83

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Analysls of thwit•bl• •xp¢nditure
Dir*rt
Indir•ct
2024
Staff
Others
Sign Lryage Projects
7.07T
3592
9.254
16,T12
36.695
Deaf Children. Youth arNI Families
ncB3
40,472
9,004
26,799
141.448
Deafcommunty Advtoq Projects
164.479
71.822
Q71)
33.021
269.051
Deaf Commurtty Developmert
42,831
6,265
f271)
14,222
43.047
Policy and carT￿l&n5
48.623
3.271
18.779
29,777
100.450
Deaf Access aThJ In¢lusv)n
264.775
90.269
6.011
63￿18
424.873
Publntson, Membership & Communi¢2tions
1,142
1,178
10278
39.ns
5L373
Deaf Trwning Pfoiects
4,914
(35)
2,904
21,076
28.159
SL Medii Gwnance. A¢cessto Work and Others
111989
<37J95)
6,011
53,866
l J5.471
718.923
179.439
61,779
199.126
,259.207
ATh*￿11 of iupport corts
2Q25
2024
Prwnises and re￿•d costs
11,520
SZ482
Travel and xc¢>nmo&tion
83.761
61.830
133.539
87.303
48,002
38.227
Consuftan
217.496
83516
325.070
212403
897.396
535.701
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
84

NOTES TOTHEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. Costs of generating donations and legacies
2112S
2024
Other costs comprls•:
I Costs of genernting don*'ons and le8a¢ies
44,77J
25.141 1
44.77J
25.141 |
6. Governance costs
2025
2024
.' Other gov•rnanc• cort$ compl1￿ of.
12.164
11597
' L￿1 and wofe5sionl fees
3.495
1907
Truste￿ costs (induding staff costs)
31.643
l&ll3
48,002
31.227 1
Included wrthin Trustees. costs is £5,687 (2024.. £3,775) paid to 6 P024: 6) Trusiees, wrth respect to
reimbursement of travel, hotel and subsistence expenses ￿lating to the business of the charty. None
of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) ￿ceiVed any remuneration during the year
(2024: £Nil).
ANNUAL REPOR T 2.024-2025

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7. Employees
2025
2024
The average head count of ¢mployèèt durfng the
year WA¥:
Deaf COmmuntyA￿0Ca
Deaf ComrThJnty DeNrlopment
10
Deaf Chilthen, Youth and Families
BDN I BSL Media arKI C¢)mmunI￿￿On5
Policy and Cryaigns
5JPF￿rt Staff
Secondrrwrt
24
23
8. Employment costs
2025
2014
Wage5 and salaries
911769
643.775
Social se£urrty costs
66.CO7
60,341 i
Redundw ¢osts
25.354
19,096
Sub totsl
,024.130
n3212
Other staff relatsd costs
143.902
144,925
FRS 102 Valuation mwnent on defined benefrt ￿herne
99595
3.230
871J67
171J67
2015
2024
The number of employees whose annual
remuneration was £60.000 or more were:
Between ￿0.000 £69,99*
B•twe•n £70.000 and £79.999
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
86

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The key management and personnel of the charty was the Chief Executive, The Board of Trustees
and the Head of Finance. Totsl remuneration wrth respect to key management and personnel
amounted to £151.234 (2024: £103,006). These amounts include gross pay, employers Nl, employer
pension contributions, bonuses and any benefrts in kind.
9. Tangible fixed assets
Comp￿•r
•qulpm•ftt
Fixtur•4 fittin
& •qulprn•rt
Totsl
At l April X$24
41166
15(L)
44,666
Additk)r
41166
&283
Di1pos￿5
1265W)
At JI Mwfh 1015
13.949
2,510
16.449
D•pMelatloTh
At l Awl 2024
31168
uc
34,668
Dmpos
Q65(IW
(2450))
Owge forthe year
8551
8551
At 31 M•r¢h 21JZS
uoo
1fj,71?
Net book vAIu•
At JI m￿h 2015
*,7J•
9,730
At 31 Mvth 2024
9,998
9,998
l O. Debtors
2025
2024
Trade debtors
45,415
80.407
857.71
1,561218
Prepayrnents and accnjed income
33.761
4&188
930￿10
I,oB4113
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
87

NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
I l . Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
2025
2024
Trade creditors
61,4•0
101756
Taxation gxiol securTty costs
J,242
5.751
Deficit repayYRnt ￿an on muhithemployer pen%on scheme
28,301
39,081
Other creAiéot3
248
Accrual$ and deferred income (see below)
291.J53
245.927
Trt
384.654
393.515
Included wtthin creditors,. amounts falling due within one year are the following movements in
deferred income.,
2025
2024
Deferred inccYr* brouort fonhwd
200,734
124,397
Incame defewed in the year
224.é•J
2CQ,734
Deferred irKome released from prvJr year
(200.734)
(124.397)
Deferred Inco￿ carried forward
224.683
200.734
Deferred income is disclosed in the financial statements to show to what extent income h&$ been
received by the charty but recognised ￿ income in a future accounting period. Income deferred
lates to grants received in the current year, bLrt which relate to a future period.
12. Creditors: amounts falling due after one
year
2025
2024
Defic(i repayTh￿￿t plan on muhi*mployer pen5K)n Kheme
70,532
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
13. Pension and other post-retirement benefit
commitments
The company participates in the scheme, a multi-employer scheme which provides benefrts to some
521 non-associated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefrt scheme in the UK. It is
not possible for the company to obtsin sufficient information to enable ri to account for the Scheme
as a defined beneffc scheme. Therefore rt accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.
The scheme is subjeci to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into
force on 30 December 2005. This, together wtth documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and
Technical Actuarial Stsndards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for
funding defined benefffc occupationat pension scheme5 in the UK
The scheme is classified as a 'last-man stsnding arrangement,. Therefo￿, the company is potentially
liable for other participating employers, obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share
of the sdieme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Partiapating employers are legally
required to meet their share of the scheme deficrt on an annuty purchase basis on withdrawal from
the scheme.
A full artuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2023. This valuation
showed assets of £514.9m, liabilrfcies of £531.Om and a deficit of £16.1 m. To eliminate this funding
shortfall, the Trustee has &£ked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the
scheme as follows:
Dellclt contrlbutions
Fr•m l Aprll 2025 to 31 f4•r<h
2028:
£2.100,000 per •nThum
Payabl• monthty
unle￿ a concession has been ag￿ed wrth the Trustee the term to 31 March 2028 applie5.
Note th*( the scheme's previous valuation was carried out wrth an effectNe date of 30 September
2020, This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilrtie5 of £831.9m and a deficit of Q1.6m. To
eliminate this funding shortfall. the Trustee asked the participating employers to pay addttional
contribLStions to the scheme as follows..
Deficit contributions
From l Aprfl 2022 to 31 J•nu
2025:
£3.3 IIIJOO pr.annum
Payable monthly
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
89

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The recovery plan contribution5 are allocated to each participating employer in line wrth their
estimated share of the Series l and Series 2 scheme liabilities.
+Vhere the scheme is in deficit and where the company has agreed to a deficrl funding arrangement
the company recognises a liabilty for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value
of the deficit ￿ductIon contributions paydble under the agreement that relates to the deficiL The
present vajue is calculated using the discount rate detailed in these disc105ures. The unwinding of the
discount rate is recognised as a finance cost.
Present Values of Provision
31 March 202S {£OOO•)
31 Mwrth 2024 (£OOPs)
31 MArch 2023 {£0001)
Present ￿ue of pmmsion
98.833
39,080
83h61
Reconciliatlon of Opening and Closlng Positlons
Y•w Endln8 jl M•rch 2025
(£OOOs)
Y•v Endlnz 3 l Marth 2014
(£OOOi)
Provlilon at rt•rt of p•rlod
39.010
83.661
Unwnding of the di%count factor (Interert e<pense)
1.031
3,201 i
Deficit contrbution pah
{J9.842)
<47,811)
Rwnea5urwnents- Smpart ofany chary in assumptior
621
29
Remeasurernents- ameNJryRnts to the cOr￿lbu￿On
xhedule
97.931
Provlslon at end of perlod
98.•33
39.080
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income and Expenditure Impatt
Year Eft￿ing 3 l M•rth 2025
(£OOOs)
Year Ending J l March 2024
{£OOOi)
Interest expense
1.031
3201
R&neaSUr￿lents- impact of any th￿ge in a55UrnPt¢ons
626
29
Remea5urements-am￿drnents tothe c0rrtribJt￿n
schedule
9Y.9J8
Scheme adm1n1strnti￿ exp2n5es
56.695
55,044
Total
156.290
58,274
Assumptions
3 l March 2025
% pèr annum
J l Mwth 2024
3 l M&rch 2023
X pèr *nnum
% annum
Rate of di5COWrt
4.84
s.ji
5.52
The discount rates shown above are the equivalent single discount rate5 which, when used to
discount the future recovery plan contributions due, would give the same resuFts as using a full AA
corporate bond yield curve to discourrt the same recovery plan contributions. The following schedule
details the defictt contributions agreed btheen the company and the scheme at each year end
period.,
Deficit Contributlon Schedule
Y•ar Endlnz
J l Marth 2025 (£0001)
JI March 2024 {£000s)
3 l 2023 (£0001)
Year I
35
39
48
Year 2
35
40
Year 3
35
Year 4
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
91

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The company must recognise a liabilty rneasu￿d as the present value of the contributions payable
that arise from the deficrt recovery agreement and the resu￿Ing expense in the income and
expendriure account i,e. the unwinding of the discount rate a5 a finance c05t in the period in which rt
arises. It is these contributions that have been used to derive the company's balance sheet liabilty.
The company also operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are
h'eld in a separate fund from the company. Amounts charged during the year from this scheme are
£19,096 (2024., £19,096) and the amount OLrtstanding at 31 March 2025 was £Nil (2024: £Nil).
14. Restricted Funds
MoY•mert In fund$
B￿*•£* at I
APTII 2024
Exp•ndltur•
Transfer
Mvch 2025
Legacie51 ADAS
,067,328
3.343
1,063,985
JIS,819
910,017
911.4n
314,36J
lJ8J.147
910.017
914.•16
l J70.J48
BalAnc• at I
APAI 2024
B￿•n¢• at J I
MwrGh 2015
L•pcl¢• l ADA•
Incom
Expendltur•
TrJn¥fer
l GrEyJp Legacy fijnds
97,044
97.044
Youth FU￿rf$
4,416
4.416
Fvnds
680,￿9
010.259
Greater London FurK
40.000
Research Fund5
69,774
69,774
Holiday Sthemes ￿ndS
119,993
3343
16,650
Other RestricLed ￿ndS
25.030
25.030
30,812
30.812
1.067J28
616,000
J343
1.003.985
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
92

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
B414rfè at I
April 2024
Balanc• at 31
Mvch 2025
Current Proi•rt Grnnts
Income
Expenditure
Trwsf•r
Scottish Govemrnent. EqL￿lity
81,246
2￿,172
201473
78.945
Dementm Projert (S(dar￿)
28,223
4,2CO
24.023
Dementia Research (SCo￿a
3J35
3,335
BSL Case Scewos (Scdand)
I1￿82
11,812
Northem Irel￿- C￿ner
(4.520)
37.245
31n5
W￿e5. GeJ)er
337
15CN)
J37
Deaf Acce5¥lndu￿0n (Enland)
59,402
155,126
155,781
58.747
Deaf ACc￿Inclusion (Wale5)
7.953
5.7Q)
11955
098
Deaf Access11￿1￿$1on (Scotlanrf)
1754
1,504
DeafAthoca¢y IN. Irel￿d>
(622)
101,639
103,654
(2,637)
DeafAdvocaq (Wales)
25.524
21355
J,169
Deaf Rcth and Pride {knlJand)
21253
40,195
39349
23.099
Self-Hami Projert
10,359
10.253
Cty Bridge Trusi
9,029
34,401
31603
10,827
Propel
11555
29,108
36,S28
4,135
Masonic Chwitable FoundatKJn
5.240
41,327
3&608
9.959
t)eafPIus
1,966
23,832
17573
,225
S(￿and Isolatw and Lor*lin
7.191
24,123
11848
18.466
Sthtlsh Hw5in8 Regulator
(1.671)
5.814
3.943
Scotland- General
350
7.940
4.764
3,526
Farni￿ Si8n5 * Home (N. Irel￿
6.338
37.$25
45.411
(1.548)
ISA.. Dementia (Age Scot
5,664
5.380
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 2025
93

NOTES TO THEFINANCIALSTATEMENTS
Balanc8 *t I
April 2024
Balanc• at J I
March 2025
Currert Prolert Grants
Income
Expendlthre
Transfer
. Wetsh Government- 8SL Charter
6542
8,473
13,789
1,226
Loneline55 Engagemert (En&•d)
559
1 S,380
RO￿ttree Foundation
56,254
32.858
2J.396
Heritage (untokl Sknes)- Nl
8384
8.955
(571)
ATW- Northern Irel￿d
68.1)62
67,571
491
Deaf Cynru A¢¢ess
5,942
7,132
(1.190>
Tacwing Inequalitie5-Wa
17,CN)4
17.642
(OJ8)
315.119 j
910,017
911,473
314,J6J
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
94

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
B￿antÉ at I
April 2023
Balanc• at J I
2024
Cofflpar•tlve 2024
Incom•
Expendlture
Tr4n•fer
Legaaes l ADAS
441,328
626,C
1.067.328
Current PrO1￿t Grants
221115
917,227
823,523
315.•19
Total
603,443
1,543.227
823.'523
lJ8J,147
L•za¢io1 l ADAS
l(A Group Le8w Funds
97.044
97,044
YoLrth Funds
4,416
4.416
Scgdand Funds
54,259
626,lJ))
680.259
Greater londl￿ Fund5
40.QOQ
Researth Funds
69,774
69.774
Holiday Sthemes ￿ndS
119,993
119.993
Other Restricted fiJnds
25.030
25.030
OearA￿l4t￿s
3Q812
JO.•12
Totsl
441 J28
626,000
1.007,321
4A
l)
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024 "2025
95
LIS
J•
14.-
Ll

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ma1￿¢• at I
April 2023
anc•at31
Mar¢h 2024
Curr•nt Prolect Grnrts
Income
Expendlture
Transfer
Sc(rttith Gov¢mmenL. Equalty
41903
230,963
191620
11,246
Demerf&3 Projeci (Scotland)
28223
28,223
Demento Research (Scthand)
3335
3.335
BSL Case knnarios (Scovan
11,882
11,882
Northern Ireland- GpJw71
3.648
34,191
42.3S9
(4,520)
Wles- C￿neral
450
337
Deaf Access/Incl￿iQn (En8knd)
37513
149.953
128.064
59.402
Deaf Accessnnclu5ion (Wle5)
7.6C
1067
7.953
Deaf Accewlnclusion (Scdand)
5,5C
1746
2,754
Deaf {N, Irdand)
14,882
152,726
168,230
(622)
DeafA￿CK￿ (w￿e5)
9,701
104,382
88,559
2S,524
Deaf R¢>)ts and PrKle (knuand)
&106
53,463
37,316
21251
Self.Harm Project
losn
213
10.35?
City 8rid8e Trurt Fourthtyon
28,608
19,579
9.029
Propel
20.792
9,237
11.555
Masonic Ch¥itable Found*bn
12,398
7,158
S.240
Deafftus
5.750
3,784
1.966
Scdand l%)tstion and Lts￿ineSs
1 S,963
8,7n
7.191
Scottish HO￿11ng Regubtor
1.871
(1.871)
Scdand. Gener
869
519
350
Famity s￿ at Home (N. Irela
16582
26.644
36,888
6,338
Covid.19 hyect (Wales)
4.260
8.633
7,229
5.604
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
96

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balanc• at I
April 2023
Balance •t 31
Mapth 2024
Current Project Grnnts
Income
Ewnditure
Transfer
Welsh Governm¥rt- BSL Charter
1670
16220
11348
6,542
Loneliness Enga8emert {En8land)
9.487
32,￿)
25,798 .
15,649
Deaf Children's Literacy
27,681
27,681
Deaf Heritage Filrr6 Project
352
Totsl
222,115
917.227
823.S2J
315.818
The membership of the Association has been divided into geographical areas. each of which is headed
by an Area Deaf Association which operdtes separate accounts. These a￿ consolidated into one
account as a restricied fund, since the Trustees have ultimate control over these funds. The following
splits out the summary resuFts by area.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
98

NOTES TOTHEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At l Aprll 2024
At31 M•rth
1015
Ey•Dthur•
East ofE￿d DCafAty)aa￿l (EDAI
2.116
652
152
271
271
13,731
13.731
4,510
4.51•
2,990
2.**0
DeafAs%c<S*kn Wales IOAW)
2,693
Z.6*>
1419
2,41•
E•sl MldlkTr& ffMOA)
4n
472
W¢rt DeArA￿C￿ (WNOAI
958
95•
South E4rt D•f A#ochthn ISEDA)
YoAthlre& Humber4de OeafknrKIth CfHDA)
T•tal
30.•12
30.112
At l Aprfl 201J
•&Jl Mvrh
io
In¢•rn•
1116
652
271
1).7)1
4510
4JlO
kntbth (SDA)
2,990
2.990
1693
g)thWe51WAssoi*iThi1SWDA)
1419
Eart MithaThth Oe6A4tr2*i&i (EMDA)
4n
472
West M*Jknk (WNC)A)
Y5B
950
South Eut t)￿All0[￿n IWA)
YorkshrE&HLKntwsde DeafA%￿￿￿￿ (YHDA)
30.011
JO,B12
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
99

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The nature of the restricted funds is shown below,.
Derbyshire BSL Helpline
The BDA'S Derbyshire BSL Helpline is a three-year Lottery-funded project supporbng deaf individuals
in Derby and Derbyshire through advocacy, information. and guidance services.
Know Your Rights
Funded by deafPLUS, we carry out Know Your Rights Roadshows for deaf clubs and communty
groups in England, educating deaf people about their rights under the EqU￿ty Act.
Family Signing at Hom¢ (FSH)
The FSH projects offer sign language classes taught by Deaf tutors for family members of deaf
children in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, funded by Masonic Charrtable Foundation and
Department for Communities Nl.
Advocacy Services for Deaf Adults
The Advocacy Service helps Deaf aduFts access heaFthcare confidently by providing one-to-one
advocacy, information, and training for healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland. funded by the
Department of Health.
Untold Stories
Funded by the National Lottery Herttage Fund. this 2-year projec( Untold Stories, aims to raise
awareness wrthin the deaf communty of the importance of preserving our herriage, cuFture, and sign
language for future generations.
Equality & Human Rights Fund (EHRF)
Funded by the Scottish Government's Equalty and Human Rights Fund (EHRQ, the project focuses
on the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and BSL National Plan 2023 - 2029, wrth a focus on BSL Rights and
Equalty for Deaf people.
Deaf Root$ & Pride (DRP) Transltlons
DRP Transttions, funded by the National Lottery Communty Fund and The Robertson Tru¢
supports Deaf children and young people (8-25 years) in Scotland during educational transrftions.
Scottish Housing Register
Commissioned by Scottish Housing Register, we carried out the consultations with deaf communty in
Scotland regarding their housing issues.
Self-Harm Awareness Project
Funded by Scottish Government, we created *veral videos in BSL for deaf communty to raise
awarenes5 about self-harm.
Soclal Isolation and Loneliness (SIAL)
This project is funded by Impact Funding Partners (IFP), tackling isolation & loneliness in the Deaf
communty in Scotland.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
100

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Deaf Health Project
This is a 3-year, AHRC funded projert 'Taclding Health Inequalrties wrth and for the Deaf BSL-Using
Communtties in Wales" It ams to improve heaFih and healthcare services for deaf cornmunty in
Wales.
Your Democracy - Your Rights
The project, funded by Welsh Government's Democratic Grant scheme, empowers the deaf
communty in Wales, to activety engage with elected representstives and participate meaningfully in
democracy,
Deaf People are Herel
The 2-year project funded by Joseph Rowntree Trust, empowers the Deaf community, developing
and delivering regional member forums in the North Eas( and SoLrth Elfi.
Deaf Voices and Leadershlp
Funded by the Cty Bridge Foundation, the project delivers the series of leadership and campaign
workshops for deaf communty living in London.
Propel Explore
The projett is to explore the systemic issues faced by the deaf communty in London and create a
theory of change, funded by the Cty Bridge Foundation.
Local Group Legacy Funds: Set up a specific project and local funds for Deaf people bequeathed
through Wills to fund acLivriies.
Hollday Schemes Fund: Set up a respite fund for Deaf people to fund specific aclivfcies.
ANN.UAL REPOR T 2024-2025
101

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15. Unrestricted Funds
The income funds of the charty include the following designated fund£ which have been set aside out
of unreg(ricted funds by the Trustees for specific purpO￿s..
1015
Mov•m•nt In fund
Restated
Balance At I
Aprll 2024
B￿ance at 31
Mvch 2025
Incom¢
Exp•nd)¢ur•
Tr￿sfer
Gener￿ RJrKI
1,489,743
1.567,655
(1,065,259)
1.992,139
Dev¢k)went Fund
111.2113
(93.903)
27.JOO
Pension FuTrJ
299,517
(99,5951
1 •9,932
Tot•1
,910.473
,567,655
(1,258,757)
2J19,371
2024
MoY•mert In .
Rostat•d
alance at I
April 202J
Balance at 31
M•rch 2024
Income
Exp•ndltvr•
Tran•f•r
Generl Fund
1,001,250
995,210
(506.717)
1.489.743
Development Fund
199.69J
(78.490)
121.203
Pen%ion Fund
J02,757 1
(3.230)
219.527
.503.700
995,210
(588.437)
1.910.4n
Pension Fund: Since April 2013. the Pensions Trust has required the BDA to pay addrtionaj
pension contributions. Our pension liabilty debt at 31 March 2025 is approximately £99,000,
however our pension reserve at the same date just under £300,000 and therefore we currently have
a surplus position. Based on the September 2020 actuarial valuation a new payment plan was agreed
commencing in April 2022. The new plan require5 the charty to make defictt reduction payments of
£35,266 per year to 2027, and, to pay scheme administration expenses of £58,396 per year,
(increasing by 3Yo per annum) until the scheme winds down or when the last member has pa￿d
away- whichever comes firsL The charty's unrestricted income is unpredictable. especially unknown
legacy income, hence why the Board's priorty is to protect the BDA'S long-temi future by ensuring
there are sufficient funds allocated to its Pension Reserve Fund.
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
102

NOTES TOTHEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Development Fund: The main purpose of the Development Fund is to cover new business
development opportuntties, such as consultancy to help re4esign the charty's datsbase and a
strategic review of our fundraising position,
16. Analysis of changes in net debt
Balanc• at I
April 2024
Ot￿￿ Trt)n￿$h
BalaTre• at 31
M￿h 2025
C￿h Ilowi
Cash •nd c￿h •qu1V￿•rtl
Cash
1,988,324
1,117,965 1
3.100.219
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund Bal￿¢•9 at 31 Mv¢h 2025
Generril
Fun
D•slgn*ted
Pen4•n
Funds
Rortrlrt•d
Totsl
Tarv&ble F￿4 Assets
9,730
9.730
2,114.079
298.765
27.300
1.603.030
4,043.175
Credrtor5: amounts fdling due within one year
(131,670)
Q8JOI)
(224,683)
(384.0S4)
Creditor5.' amourrts f￿11r¢ due after year
(70.532)
<70.532>
.991,1 Jg
199.932
27.JOO
l.J71.347
3.5•7.718
Fund a￿1n¢¢I at J l M•r¢h 1024
repre$entsd br.
G•n•rnl
Funds
Do￿¥￿at•d
Pen5i0n
D•il8nat•d
Funds
Total
Taryble Frxed A%sets
9.998
9.998
Current Assets
1,633.445
338.608
121,203
1.583,881
3h77.137
Credttors., amourrts falling due within one year
(153,7QX))
(39,081)
(200,734)
(393.51 S)
Creditot3.' amounts falling dJe after one year
1.489,743
299.527
121.293
1.38J.147
3.293.020
AN.NUAL REPOR T 2024-"2025
103

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
18. Operating lease commitments
At the 31 March 2025, the charty had outstanding commttments for future minimum lease payments
under non-cancellable operating leases. which fall due as follows:
LaDd #nd 8uildin8S
Othor
2015
2024
2025
2024
Wrthin l y
3,120
Between 2 and 5 year5
Total
3.120
19. Related party transactions
During the year the trustees made donations which totalled £Nil (2024: £Nil)
20. Post Balance Sheet Events
The BDA ceased to participate in the TPT Growth Plan and exited the scheme on I. April 2025. This
resulted in a Section 75 debt liabilty of £259,534. which was paid in August 2025. Additional liability
may occur as a result of a legal review regarding the application of changes to scheme benefrts. The
charty wtll be made aware of any addttional labilty relating to this by December 2025. Following this,
a final bajancing payment and pension reserve adjustment will tske place
Ill
Ii.rytsK'IA
ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-2025
104

British Deaf Association
St John's Deaf Communty Centre, 258 Green Lanes, London N4 2HE
ww.bda.org.uk I bda@bdlorg.uk
BRITISH DEAF ASSOCIATION
The BDA stands for Deaf Equality, Access and Freedom of Choice
Comwy limrf(ed b¥￿￿tee number 2881497 Regitued th￿l￿AurI￿ 1031687 {Ergknd and W*s) and SC042409 {Wand)