OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As unpaid volunteers, their commitment and contribution are pivotal to the work and support that BDA provides for Deaf communities throughout the UK..
DR ROBERT ADAM (Scotland)
CHAIR
Hi, my name is Robert Adam and I am the chair of the BDA. I have been part of the BDA for quite a long time, but more recently as the chair of the board of trustees. I am really excited about all the work the BDA is doing for the Deaf community. It is great that the BDA has a 135-year history, but we need to make sure that we continue to work hard and improve the better lives for Deaf people within the UK.
IRFAN YUSUF (England)
VICE CHAIR
I joined the BDA as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2017 and was appointed to the Board again in 2023.
I feel it is a fantastic way to give something back to a cause that I have always cared and been passionate about. I am dedicated to upholding the spirit and principles enshrined in the BDA's constitution and offer a robust skill set focused on governance, strategic problem-solving, and effective communication. I possess strong interpersonal and team skills and focuses on promoting trust and building constructive relationships with fellow trustees, staff, and external bodies. I am heavily involved in voluntary and charity work as well as studying.
HAMZA SHAIKH (England)
BOARD
MEMBER
JONATHAN EVANS (England)
BOARD
MEMBER
As honorary Treasurer since November 2022, I am an appointed trustee who holds accountabilities for the financial well-being of the BDA.
I'm a qualified chartered accountant for >15 years and am a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales. I also bring with me 20 years' experience in auditing or working for a range of businesses in the financial services sector, including general and life insurers as well as asset managers. This experience gives me the ability to oversee and comment on financial matters at the BDA.
In addition to the above, I am also passionate about equality of access and opportunity for all deaf people, including access to fair pay and a fair pension, since poor financial outcomes have a knock on effect on deaf people's own well-being, confidence and self belief.
AHMED MUDAWI (England)
BOARD
MEMBER
My name is Ahmed Mudawi and I have had many years of experience both in the Social Care Sector and the Entertainment Industry as a TV Presenter and on In-vision. My hobbies include socialising in Deaf Clubs and Deaf Football. I also love to watch Deaf made films and media content for e.g on BSL zone and world deaf media.
My new passion is now training and becoming a qualified Translator and Intralingual Relay Interpreter. I received a Certificate of Merit Award from the BDA for my voluntary work on the BSL Act Campaign.
VICTORIA NELSON
BOARD
MEMBER
I am an elected Trustee and joined the Board in November 2024.
I am a practising psychotherapist and director of a Deaf organisation and bring my specialised knowledge of mental health and strategic leadership to the BDA Board of Trustees. I am committed to championing the rights and culture of Deaf people across the UK by prioritising their often underrepresented mental health and well-being needs.
My primary goal is to ensure Deaf individuals not only have access to better services but also a strong, dedicated voice in national policy conversations about health and social services.
As a psychotherapist, I understand the mental health challenges many Deaf individuals face, including issues related to identity, accessibility, and emotional well-being.
In my role as a director of a deaf organisation, I have high-level experience in running a non-profit, building partnerships, and creating sustainable, impactful programs.
I have extensive experience engaging with Deaf individuals one-on-one and in broader advocacy and am committed to amplifying community voices in critical discussions around policy, education, and healthcare.
CAROLINE DOHERTY (Northern Ireland)
BOARD
MEMBER
I have been a BDA Trustee since 2023 and am a dedicated professional with many years of strategic involvement in the Deaf community of Northern Ireland, with a strong focus on grassroots community development. My extensive experience in strategic planning across various Deaf organisations over the past 30 years, combined with my deep understanding of regional needs, positions me well to serve as a BDA Trustee.
I am an ardent advocate for the preservation of ISL and am acutely aware of the urgency surrounding both the BSL Act and ISL preservation in Northern Ireland. Based in Derry, I work to ensure that the BDA’s strategy remains relevant and visible across all regions, particularly within communities that have historically felt excluded.
I have served on and remain involved with numerous committees, including my current role on the Hands That Talk (HTT) committee, where I focus on strategic development and community support. I previously held a Director role with Action Deaf Youth, and I am currently working with the Health Trust, supporting mental health services for deaf children and young people.
My work as a Trustee is guided by the belief that our community needs transparency, accountability, and dedicated leadership to foster a strong sense of belonging and shared values.