Deaf Accessibility & BSL Services Manager
Location: Hybrid / Remote with occasional travel to London
Job Type: Permanent
Help Shape Accessible Communication Across the UK
Are you passionate about improving accessibility for Deaf people? Do you have experience delivering inclusive services, working alongside the Deaf community, and championing accessible communication?
We're looking for an experienced Deaf Accessibility & BSL Services Manager to lead and develop our British Sign Language (BSL) and accessibility services, ensuring Deaf people receive exceptional support and organisations have access to high-quality, inclusive communication solutions.
This is far more than an operational management role. We're looking for someone who understands the challenges faced by Deaf communities and is committed to removing communication barriers through innovation, collaboration and service excellence.
Whether your background is in Deaf accessibility, inclusive communication, interpreter management, disability services or accessibility leadership, you'll become our subject matter expert for Deaf accessibility and BSL services, helping shape strategy, influence clients and drive meaningful change.
Working with clients across the public, private and third sectors, you'll play a pivotal role in developing accessible services that improve communication, promote equality and create lasting impact.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving accessibility and creating positive outcomes for Deaf people and BSL users. What we’re looking for in you:
- Strong working knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL), Deaf culture and the communication needs of Deaf people
- Experience working within Deaf accessibility, BSL services, interpreting, inclusive communication or a related accessibility environment
- Demonstrable experience working with Deaf individuals, Deaf organisations or accessibility services
- The ability to provide expert advice on accessible communication and BSL best practice
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across operational, commercial and quality teams
- A genuine passion for improving accessibility, inclusion and equality for Deaf communities
- Experience of Business Development, ideally in the Public Sector.
Key role responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Manage and support BSL interpreting requests, ensuring suitable professionals are allocated.
- Provide expert advice on BSL-related enquiries and accessibility requirements.
- Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Quality Assurance
- Assess new BSL professionals to ensure they meet required standards of proficiency and professionalism.
- Support the onboarding and quality assurance process for BSL interpreters.
- Keep up to date with industry standards, qualifications and best practice.
- Provide ongoing feedback and recommendations to support quality and professional development.
Business Development
- Support client meetings, proposals and tenders by providing BSL expertise.
- Identify opportunities to develop and expand BSL service provision.
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, Deaf organisations and community stakeholders.
- Contribute to marketing initiatives and service promotion.
Community Engagement
- Champion accessible communication and advocate for Deaf people and BSL users.
- Represent the organisation positively within the Deaf and BSL communities.
- Stay informed of developments and emerging needs within the BSL sector.
- Help ensure services continue to meet the expectations of BSL users.
Internal Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with operational, recruitment, quality and commercial teams.
- Share knowledge and promote best practice across the organisation.
- Support ongoing accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
- BSL Level 3 qualification (or higher), or equivalent practical experience using British Sign Language within a professional environment
- Experience working within a Language Service Provider (LSP)
- Experience managing or supporting networks of BSL interpreters or accessibility professionals
- Knowledge of NRCPD registration requirements, BSL qualifications and professional interpreting standards
- Experience supporting business development, client engagement or tender submissions
- An established network within the Deaf community, accessibility sector or BSL profession
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010, accessibility legislation and inclusive communication best practice.
Thisa new position in the company and pivotal to their future growth. You will be in at the start of very interesting journey for the company and have the opportunity to influence the direction and impact of the company in the deaf community.