Dr Joanna Atkinson Appointed Co-Chair of BSL Advisory Board
Dr Joanna Atkinson has been appointed as the new co-chair of the British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board, following the conclusion of Craig Crawley’s term. The board’s recent meeting held on 4 December 2025 aimed to enhance opportunities for the Deaf community and address pressing issues affecting them.
New Leadership and Goals
Dr Atkinson, a professional psychologist with extensive experience in various sectors—including health, education, and medicolegal contexts involving Deaf BSL users—takes the helm at a crucial time. The BSL Advisory Board is tasked with continuing the momentum set by its former members while exploring new avenues to engage with government on issues pertinent to Deaf individuals.
Government Acknowledgment
Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, expressed gratitude towards the outgoing members, particularly Craig Crawley, for their contributions to diminishing barriers faced by BSL users. He emphasized the board’s role in connecting the government with the Deaf community, stating, “The BSL Advisory Board is crucial in bridging the gap between the government and the Deaf community and provides valuable advice.”
Advocacy for the Deaf Community
The BSL Advisory Board is an integral part of the UK government’s initiative to ensure that the voices of Deaf and disabled individuals are central to policymaking. Its efforts include addressing various issues that affect the Deaf community, such as education, health, social care, and technology.
A significant achievement of the board was the recent publication of a health and social care report, developed in collaboration with over 60 Deaf organisations, professionals, and academics. This report serves as a resource to better understand the challenges encountered by Deaf individuals in accessing health services.
Building on the BSL Act 2022
The government is committed to advancing the objectives set forth in the BSL Act 2022, which mandates that ministerial departments release a report every three years detailing their efforts to promote BSL usage. This year, departments were also instructed to draft a five-year BSL plan outlining strategies to improve BSL accessibility within their operations.
Future Legislative Commitments
In addition to addressing the needs of the Deaf community, the government is also focused on promoting equality in the workplace for disabled individuals and those from ethnic minorities. Upcoming legislative measures will introduce mandatory reporting on ethnicity and disability pay gaps for larger employers, all part of the proposed draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill.
New Board Members
The newly appointed members of the BSL Advisory Board include:
- Co-Chair – Dr Joanna Atkinson
- Matthew Adedeji
- Damian Brewer
- Theresa Devine
- Catherine Drew
- Marcella Dwek
- Helen Foulkes
- Abigail Gorman
- Laura Hawksworth
- Sabina Iqbal
- Hassan Moinuddin
- Ahmed Mudawi
- Jemina Napier
- Dai O’Brien
- Kate Reed
- Sarah Reed
- Christopher Reid
- Lucy Wox
Conclusion
With Dr Atkinson’s leadership and a diverse array of new members, the BSL Advisory Board is poised to make significant strides towards ensuring that Deaf individuals have equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-boosts-opportunity-for-deaf-people-with-refreshed-bsl-advisory-board
