CANDIDATES FOR BDA TRUSTEES


We wouldn’t be where we are today without our Board of Trustees who are elected at the BDA’s AGM once every three years to serve three year terms.

To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that BDA fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries to deliver on our vision, mission and values.

BDA Membership on hold - Election 2017UPDATE: BDA MEMBERSHIP ON HOLD

Election information

Hello! My name is David Buxton. I’m the Election Returning Officer for the BDA.

I oversee the BDA trustee election process. Thank you very much for all the nominations that were sent in. The nomination process has now finished, the results have been collated, and candidates for the board have been shortlisted. There are nine candidates standing before the board.

The board newsletter we have sent out looks like this. Inside are statements made by prospective candidates as to why they would like to be selected for the position. If you would like to view the statements in BSL, then you can take a look at our website for a signed version by each candidate.

If you would like to know what the role of a successful candidate(s) on the board would entail, then please see the trustee job description, which is on the BDA website.

This is an example of what the trustee job specification looks like. Full details regarding this in BSL will be provided in a separate video.

It is important that you take the time to look at and weigh up the skills, experience and competencies of each the candidate statements so you can make an informed decision. If you have any questions you would like to ask of the candidates then you can contact them directly. Alternatively, you can send me an email with your question. I will then forward it on to the candidate and also defer any responses back to you so that you have the answers you need.

After this, you will need to cast your vote on the ballot paper which looks like this. You can only vote for up to 8 candidates. However, you can also vote for fewer than eight candidates. It’s your decision.

It is important to remember – you can only vote on your assigned ballot paper. You cannot photocopy or share your ballot paper with others as this will invalidate it. If your ballot paper is invalidated, then it will be removed from the election count. Your vote is also invalidated and therefore cannot be counted if you vote for all 9 of the nominated candidates.

The voting deadline is the 1st of December at 5 pm sharp.

Trustee job description and person specification

To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that BDA fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries to deliver on our vision, mission and values.

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

• To ensure the BDA complies with its governing document – sometimes known as constitution, or articles of association

• To ensure that the BDA pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document

• To ensure the BDA applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’
those activities are

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• To safeguard the good name and values of the BDA

• To ensure the financial stability of the BDA

• To protect and manage the assets of the BDA and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.

In addition with other trustees to hold the BDA “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the BDA has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these

• Being responsible for the performance of the BDA and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the BDA complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

• Ensuring that the BDA’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our mission at the BDA. Experience, skills, and expertise in governance and an interest in the Deaf BSL Community combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the BDA, its financial standing, of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

• Understanding of how a Board operates in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

• Ability to make sound judgement and effective decision making

• Ability to be impartial, fair and have the ability to respect confidentiality

• A commitment to promoting equality and diversity

• Understanding of the Deaf BSL Community.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind

• Willingness to be available to staff as a sounding board and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive Officer.

Download Trustees job description and person specification in PDF - tap here.

CANDIDATES FOR BDA TRUSTEES


We wouldn’t be where we are today without our Board of Trustees who are elected at the BDA’s AGM once every three years to serve three year terms.
UPDATE: BDA Membership on hold

To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that BDA fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries to deliver on our vision, mission and values.

Election information

Hello! My name is David Buxton. I’m the Election Returning Officer for the BDA.

I oversee the BDA trustee election process. Thank you very much for all the nominations that were sent in. The nomination process has now finished, the results have been collated, and candidates for the board have been shortlisted. There are nine candidates standing before the board.

The board newsletter we have sent out looks like this. Inside are statements made by prospective candidates as to why they would like to be selected for the position. If you would like to view the statements in BSL, then you can take a look at our website for a signed version by each candidate.

If you would like to know what the role of a successful candidate(s) on the board would entail, then please see the trustee job description, which is on the BDA website.

This is an example of what the trustee job specification looks like. Full details regarding this in BSL will be provided in a separate video.

It is important that you take the time to look at and weigh up the skills, experience and competencies of each the candidate statements so you can make an informed decision. If you have any questions you would like to ask of the candidates then you can contact them directly. Alternatively, you can send me an email with your question. I will then forward it on to the candidate and also defer any responses back to you so that you have the answers you need.

After this, you will need to cast your vote on the ballot paper which looks like this. You can only vote for up to 8 candidates. However, you can also vote for fewer than eight candidates. It’s your decision.

It is important to remember – you can only vote on your assigned ballot paper. You cannot photocopy or share your ballot paper with others as this will invalidate it. If your ballot paper is invalidated, then it will be removed from the election count. Your vote is also invalidated and therefore cannot be counted if you vote for all 9 of the nominated candidates.

The voting deadline is the 1st of December at 5 pm sharp.

Trustee job description and person specification

To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that BDA fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries to deliver on our vision, mission and values.

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

• To ensure the BDA complies with its governing document – sometimes known as constitution, or articles of association

• To ensure that the BDA pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document

• To ensure the BDA applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’
those activities are

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• To safeguard the good name and values of the BDA

• To ensure the financial stability of the BDA

• To protect and manage the assets of the BDA and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.

In addition with other trustees to hold the BDA “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the BDA has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these

• Being responsible for the performance of the BDA and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the BDA complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

• Ensuring that the BDA’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our mission at the BDA. Experience, skills, and expertise in governance and an interest in the Deaf BSL Community combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the BDA, its financial standing, of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

• Understanding of how a Board operates in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

• Ability to make sound judgement and effective decision making

• Ability to be impartial, fair and have the ability to respect confidentiality

• A commitment to promoting equality and diversity

• Understanding of the Deaf BSL Community.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind

• Willingness to be available to staff as a sounding board and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive Officer.

Download Trustees job description and person specification in PDF - tap here.

CANDIDATES FOR BDA TRUSTEES


We wouldn’t be where we are today without our Board of Trustees who are elected at the BDA’s AGM once every three years to serve three year terms.
UPDATE: BDA Membership on hold

Election information

Hello! My name is David Buxton. I’m the Election Returning Officer for the BDA.

I oversee the BDA trustee election process. Thank you very much for all the nominations that were sent in. The nomination process has now finished, the results have been collated, and candidates for the board have been shortlisted. There are nine candidates standing before the board.

The board newsletter we have sent out looks like this. Inside are statements made by prospective candidates as to why they would like to be selected for the position. If you would like to view the statements in BSL, then you can take a look at our website for a signed version by each candidate.

If you would like to know what the role of a successful candidate(s) on the board would entail, then please see the trustee job description, which is on the BDA website.

This is an example of what the trustee job specification looks like. Full details regarding this in BSL will be provided in a separate video.

It is important that you take the time to look at and weigh up the skills, experience and competencies of each the candidate statements so you can make an informed decision. If you have any questions you would like to ask of the candidates then you can contact them directly. Alternatively, you can send me an email with your question. I will then forward it on to the candidate and also defer any responses back to you so that you have the answers you need.

After this, you will need to cast your vote on the ballot paper which looks like this. You can only vote for up to 8 candidates. However, you can also vote for fewer than eight candidates. It’s your decision.

It is important to remember – you can only vote on your assigned ballot paper. You cannot photocopy or share your ballot paper with others as this will invalidate it. If your ballot paper is invalidated, then it will be removed from the election count. Your vote is also invalidated and therefore cannot be counted if you vote for all 9 of the nominated candidates.

The voting deadline is the 1st of December at 5 pm sharp.

Trustee job description and person specification

To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that BDA fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries to deliver on our vision, mission and values.

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

• To ensure the BDA complies with its governing document – sometimes known as constitution, or articles of association

• To ensure that the BDA pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document

• To ensure the BDA applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’
those activities are

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• To safeguard the good name and values of the BDA

• To ensure the financial stability of the BDA

• To protect and manage the assets of the BDA and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.

In addition with other trustees to hold the BDA “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the BDA has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these

• Being responsible for the performance of the BDA and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the BDA complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

• Ensuring that the BDA’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our mission at the BDA. Experience, skills, and expertise in governance and an interest in the Deaf BSL Community combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the BDA, its financial standing, of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

• Understanding of how a Board operates in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

• Ability to make sound judgement and effective decision making

• Ability to be impartial, fair and have the ability to respect confidentiality

• A commitment to promoting equality and diversity

• Understanding of the Deaf BSL Community.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind

• Willingness to be available to staff as a sounding board and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive Officer.

Download Trustees job description and person specification in PDF - tap here.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Robert Adam

Trustee Candidate
“

I have always believed in our rights as a language community. British Sign Language (BSL) and our shared culture and history are what make us a community. While we have made a lot of progress in recognition of our language and culture, there is still a lot more work we must do.

I have always believed in our rights as a language community. British Sign Language (BSL) and our shared culture and history are what make us a community. While we have made a lot of progress in recognition of our language and culture, there is still a lot more work we must do.

I am concerned that what we stand for is not understood by people in government and we need to work to make our language rights known. Deaf children are not receiving access in BSL through appropriate language models, and deaf people do not always receive access in hospitals, medical and legal settings.

I have had a long experience with Deaf organisations - I was a Board member of the Australian Association of the Deaf (1988-2003) and I have been involved with the World Federation of the Deaf Expert Group on Sign Language and Deaf Studies since 2011. I am also Chair at Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children. I am proud of the school because the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are both deaf as well. I have a PhD in linguistics and work at DCAL.

I would like to build on the fantastic work done by previous Chairs and Trustees of the BDA. We have come this far in 125 years - the way ahead is through a BSL Act. We must throw all our efforts into achieving this. This will only be possible by close cooperation with government, non-government organisations and the wider Deaf community.

Jeff Brattan-Wilson

Trustee Candidate
“

I am standing for election because I believe in the BDA. We know that BDA has a long history but some Deaf people are feeling left out, others are at risk of becoming isolated. As a community we must do everything we can to make sure this never happens.

I am standing for election because I believe in the BDA. We know that BDA has a long history but some Deaf people are feeling left out, others are at risk of becoming isolated. As a community we must do everything we can to make sure this never happens.

As a community member and previously as BDA staff, two popular phrases I have come across have been: 'What is the point of the BDA?' and 'Why should I join?' I will always take time to answer these questions in a positive way.

I organised the BDA's "125 Years Celebration"- the feedback that I had was remarkable: that regardless of what was happening, most people know that the BDA is there. It is my aim to make sure that the BDA is not just 'there' but becomes more visible within the community.

I believe the BDA is our last line of defence when it comes to protecting Deaf people's rights and I will make sure that all strategies, policies and projects ensure that Deaf people and the community are at the heart of everything.

I believe that in order for the BDA to succeed, membership needs to be improved-engagement from the BDA has to be for everyone, not just for those who use BDA projects.

I will ensure that BDA considers how to engage with everyone effectively, despite being a small organisation. I will use my experience of managing different projects and budgets to assist the BDA in remaining financially stable.

Alexy Dury

Trustee Candidate
“

I have a huge passion for the Deaf community. I feel that I have the relevant skills and experience to contribute to the BDA as a Trustee. I believe I would be a good team-player and would be able to support the BDA Trustees and Chair to continuously develop the BDA.

I have a huge passion for the Deaf community. I feel that I have the relevant skills and experience to contribute to the BDA as a Trustee. I believe I would be a good team-player and would be able to support the BDA Trustees and Chair to continuously develop the BDA.

I grew up with the BDA after school, starting with attending BDA Brighton 1990 and many other BDA events all over the UK.

I have worked with many different deaf organisations for 20 years since leaving University and obtaining a Business Degree. I have also participated in a variety of volunteering work, supporting DSPY as well as organising Deaf balls, conferences, workshops etc.

I have obtained many skills and experiences through working now with SignVideo as a Business Development Manager and working in Marketing. I also worked as a Heritage Officer with the BDA in 2016. Along with this, I have experience of working at Deafconnect (Northampton), Deaf Direct (Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre), South Gloucestershire Deaf Association, and the Deaf Studies Trust (I worked closely with Centre for Deaf Studies, University of Bristol).

In addition to this, last year I established Deafriends CIC, an organisation providing befriending services for local deaf & HOH people.

I am based in the Midlands area and feel that I could offer a lot in increasing the BDA's presence in this area of the country.

Abigail Gorman

Trustee Candidate
“

The BDA has achieved a lot in the last 125 years, yet to move it forward into its next phase, in alignment with today's community, a new dialogue is needed. An open dialogue that fosters honesty and transparency between the community and its Board, one that calls us to collective, responsive action.

The BDA has achieved a lot in the last 125 years, yet to move it forward into its next phase, in alignment with today's community, a new dialogue is needed. An open dialogue that fosters honesty and transparency between the community and its Board, one that calls us to collective, responsive action. For a community to thrive, it needs a sense of shared values and aspirations. My passions lie in bilingualism, access and rights for all including people of different gender, race and sexualities.

Working as Vice-chairperson of the Irish Deaf Youth Association and recently the Chair of the Organising Committee for BDAY YouthFest, I have seen how community events creates strong communities. Watching the decline of Deaf clubs in recent years has led me to play a lead role in managing festivals such as Bristol Deaf Festival and Sencity. I feel that it's here in event planning and marketing that my skills excel.

I have recently studied an International Deaf program focused on analysing problems in the Deaf community with Frontrunners in Denmark, learning how to develop new approaches in grassroots and at organisational levels. Inspired by the course content, I have embarked on a BSc Social Sciences, exploring the theory and practice of applying strategy to organise and campaign for social justice in local, national and global contexts. I am passionate about applying my experience and knowledge to develop initiatives and policies, and am confident that I have much to give to the BDA.

Ashley Kendall

Trustee Candidate
“

As a young person I strongly believe it’s important to have a young voice and perspective on the Board to make sure the organisation represents all generations. I am extremely passionate about representing the younger generation and their primary care.

Hello, I’m Ashley Kendall. I’m currently a Trustee of the BDA and have served for the last 6 years. I would like to offer myself up to be involved in a wonderful organisation, the BDA, once again.

I’m 23 years old and I come from a Deaf family. I’m currently living in London and I work in the media industry.

As a young person I strongly believe it’s important to have a young voice and perspective on the Board to make sure the organisation represents all generations. I am extremely passionate about representing the younger generation and their primary care. During my two terms as a trustee on BDA Board I’ve successfully re-established the BDAYouth and also was the chair for 4 years.

BDA was established 126 years ago to preserve our language and to fight for deaf education. Today we are still fighting and those issues haven’t been fully resolved. That’s why if I am elected, I will fight for my visions:

  • Expand the campaigning team to increase our voice in the Parliament, to push and achieve BSL Act to protect our language.
  • Bring Deaf education back to the top of our agenda. We need to increase our presence and to protect the quality of deaf education using the bilingual model. We must protect the future generations.

After overseeing the BDA 125th celebrations last year, its made me more determined than ever to continue the legacy. I hope I will have your vote to serve the BDA again.

Sarah Lawrence

Trustee Candidate
“

A long-time supporter and advocate of the BDA, I am seeking nomination to offer up my skills and to throw myself energetically behind its ambitions.

My name is Sarah Lawrence and BSL is my first language. I have been teaching BSL for over 20 years from introductory level through to degree level. In addition to being a college teacher, I also run two businesses, the first, a Deaf consultancy which was set up 21 years ago, and the second, a bilingual (written and signed) magazine which I started 6 years ago. Through my teaching and business ownership, I believe I have a wide range of knowledge, experience and business acumen to offer the BDA.

Interested in a wide range of Deaf-related topics, I am most passionate about Deaf education, equality of access to information and BSL. Over many years, I have given my time voluntarily to pursue better standards of service for deaf people with public officials and other bodies, an example being the All Wales NHS Standards for Communication with People with Sensory Loss. I was one of only a few unpaid people sitting around the table each meeting, helping to generate a commitment to high standards of communication within the NHS. Meeting with the Health Secretary since, I challenged the lack of action against these standards by NHS Boards and held him personally responsible. In that respect, I am no shrinking violet and challenge policy leads intelligently and thoughtfully if needed.

A long-time supporter and advocate of the BDA, I am seeking nomination to offer up my skills and to throw myself energetically behind its ambitions.

Dawn Marshall

Trustee Candidate
“

The BDA was born out of the necessity for Deaf people to defend and promote BSL and Deaf Education. 127 years later, we are still campaigning for the same things, battling for equal access to education, jobs and services. We must re -grow and motivate BDA membership for a new generation, in every corner of the UK.

I'm Dawn Marshall, 46 years old, BDA life member, born and bred in Newcastle. I've worked for BDA and other organisations in Hampshire, London and Northern Ireland - diverse parts of the UK.

I attended a PHU, then deaf secondary school, so I understand Deaf people's different educational experiences. I'm from a Deaf family but have a hearing partner and daughter, so understand the challenges Deaf people face for their families.

I'm Director of Becoming Visible, a local Deaf organisation at the heart of the Deaf community. We provide critical services and fun community events where Deaf and hearing people of all ages can share our language, culture and heritage. We work closely with politicians, businesses and community leaders.

I've worked with strong, traditional Deaf clubs in northern England, and with Northern Counties School, to preserve Deaf history and traditions and build for the future. I want the same for the BDA. l'll involve all Deaf people, old and young, male and female, from every section of society.

The BDA was born out of the necessity for Deaf people to defend and promote BSL and Deaf Education. 127 years later, we are still campaigning for the same things, battling for equal access to education, jobs and services. We must re -grow and motivate BDA membership for a new generation, in every corner of the UK.

The BDA needs the vision, ability, grassroots understanding and work ethic to lead a fully inclusive, representative, forward-thinking, campaigning, Deaf organisation.

Together, we can!

Tessa Padden

Trustee Candidate
“

The BDA must work to bring together the whole British Deaf community. Although I have many international contacts, the real work of rebuilding the Deaf community begins at home. I believe everyone should have equal rights in our very diverse British society.

I'm Tessa Padden. My parents were Deaf Irish. I grew up in London, using Irish Sign Language and BSL from infancy. I attended Deaf schools in London, Dublin and Newbury.

After working as a laboratory chemist at Marks and Spencer, I trained on the BDA's BSLTA course at Durham University to teach BSL, and later train other Deaf people to teach. I've been a BSL teacher and teacher-trainer for 30 years, training Deaf people to teach sign language in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I've trained Deaf people to become teachers in Malawi, funded by the Scottish Government; in Iran, invited by the Iranian Deaf Association; and elsewhere. I've delivered training to sign language interpreters in the UK and Iran. I'm a registered, qualified sign language interpreter and translator and have an MA in Human Resource Management.

In 2012 I helped organise a successful first world conference for Deaf managers in Edinburgh. I've trained Deaf managers in Arab countries for the WFD. I've been a TV presenter, interpreter, researcher and producer in Newcastle for 25 years, with ITV, Channel 4 (Sign On) the BBC (See Hear) and BSLBT (Close Up). I will use my skill-set to bring benefits to the BDA and Deaf people all over Britain.

The BDA must work to bring together the whole British Deaf community. Although I have many international contacts, the real work of rebuilding the Deaf community begins at home. I believe everyone should have equal rights in our very diverse British society.

Sylvia Simmonds

Trustee Candidate
“

I have been a leading campaigner in tackling barriers and discrimination that Deaf people face and making Deaf people aware of their rights and the steps in tackling discrimination, barriers and exclusions.

I have been an active member of the British Deaf Association for 40 years and have made a significant contribution to promoting the BDA as specialists in equality. I have been a leading campaigner in tackling barriers and discrimination that Deaf people face and making Deaf people aware of their rights and the steps in tackling discrimination, barriers and exclusions.

I bring a wealth of experience from being vice chair of the BDA from 2007-2009, and being active at local, regional and board levels.

I am very eager to bring my skills to the Board of Trustees on the following points:

  • Represent the views of the BDA membership and to ensure that the BDA remains a member-led organisation and give members more influence in shaping the BDA.
  • My expertise as a successful Youth and Community worker, general and legal advocate to gather all ages, from children to the elderly back to the heart of the deaf community and bring social values close to BDA again
  • Knowledge in governance, legal, financial and management skills.
  • Enable the BDA to increase their diversity, covering all ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities and disabilities, across the grassroots Deaf Community and make BDA more accessible for all.

If elected, I pledge for the Board of Trustees, the BDA colleagues and BDA members to show a united front and for the BDA to continue growing in strength and enabling the grassroots Deaf community to influence the shaping of the BDA’s services, events, training.

Please vote for me.

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