Focus on ensuring equal rights for British Sign Language users with launch of new network 

The ALLIANCE is delighted to support the launch of a new BSL network for public bodies.

As part of Scotland’s national British Sign Language (BSL) plan, the Scottish Government has funded the launch of a new support network for public bodies. It’s open to everyone with a responsibility to provide public services to BSL users in Scotland, for example local authorities, health boards, universities, and colleges 

The aim is to share good practice and provide tailored support for the implementation of local BSL plans, to ensure that Scotland can deliver on the ambitions of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015. We’ll provide greater support to public bodies and help with the delivery of local BSL plans – working to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to live, work, visit and learn.  

The network is facilitated by the ALLIANCE’s Scottish Sensory Hub and supported by an expert group of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users, who ensure specialist insight into key topics relevant to local BSL plans. 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes launched the network, attending its first meeting on 15^th December 2025. At this, she outlined the importance of local BSL plans in promoting BSL users’ equal access to public life. Her introduction was followed by contributions from over 60 representatives from across Scotland, with discussions centring around their key achievements and challenges in implementing BSL plans. 

Going forward, the network aims to address the day-to-day inequalities many Deaf and Deafblind people face and key concerns raised in the recent Scottish Parliament report on the impact of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015. 

The ALLIANCE believes that local delivery and support planning is key, with public bodies playing a vital role in ensuring equality for BSL users across Scotland.  

Chief Officer of the ALLIANCE, Sara Redmond, stated that: 

“We are delighted to support this work via the BSL network. We look forward to working in partnership with the network members and expert group to address the range of inequalities BSL users experience.”  

If you have any questions or are interested in discussing the work of the network, or being involved in the expert group, please get in touch with the ALLIANCE’s Scottish Sensory Hub team by emailing sensory@alliance-scotland.org.uk.  

End of page.