BRITISH DEAF ASSOCIATION

BDA Northern Ireland Manager

Candidate Brief

January 2026

WATCH IN BSL

Overview

We promote the advancement of human rights and equality for Deaf people by collaborating
with  our  members  and  stakeholders  to  influence  governments  to  ensure  we  can  access
services in our own language: British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL),
the first or preferred language of c.87,000 Deaf people in the UK.

The  BDA  was  instrumental  in  securing  the  BSL  Act  in  April  2022.  BSL  is  now  legally
recognised as a protected UK minority language. This was seismic, and we hope it can lead
to  Deaf  people,  marginalised  for  so  long,  participate  and  contribute  as  equal  and  valued
citizens in wider society.

We are proud that all our Board of Trustees and 88% of our staff are Deaf and our working
language is BSL/ISL. We are proud to invest in BSL/ISL training for hearing staff and our
onboarding programme includes a range of workshops delivered by our experienced staff.
As an organisation, we know on a personal level how much work is needed to deliver equity
for Deaf people.

We are a membership organisation, advocating for our sign language rights across the UK:
we are embedded in the Deaf communities of all four UK nations and have a diverse, fully
representative team.

Trusted by the Deaf communities of all four nations, we have shown through our campaign
successes  that  we  have  the  respect  of  the  UK’s  governments.  Everything  the  BDA  does
goes towards ensuring that the language, culture, community, diversity and heritage of Deaf
people in the UK is respected and fully protected.

About the British Deaf Association (BDA)

Founded  in  1890,  the  British  Deaf  Association  (BDA)  is  the  UK’s  only  official  national
representative organisation of BSL and ISL. The BDA has been an Ordinary Member of the
World Federation of the Deaf (a United Nations consultative organisation) since 1957 and a
member  of  the  European  Union  of  the  Deaf  (a  participatory  member  of  the  Council  of

Europe)  since  its  foundation  in  1985.  Our  BDA  Youth  section  are  members  of  the  World
Federation of the Deaf Youth Section and European Union of the Deaf Youth, representing
young Deaf people in the UK.

As a Deaf-led membership charity, led and represented by Deaf people for Deaf people, we
campaign and advocate for equal rights to fully participate and contribute to society as equal
and valued citizens.

The  passing  of  the  BSL  (Scotland)  Act  2015  and  the  BSL  Act  2022,  was  the  absolute
pinnacle  of  our  work  and  why  we  exist.  We  are  entering  an  exciting  new  chapter  in  our
history, with the launch of our 2022-2032 strategic vision setting out the BDA’s aspirations
for  Deaf  people  in  the  UK  for  the  next  decade  and  beyond,  following  the  historic  legal
recognition  of  our  language.  You  can  read  more  about  our  strategic  vision  here:
https://bda.org.uk/strategic-vision/.

Our work

Our work is centred around 4 key programmes:

1.  Community & Advocacy
We work with our members and the Deaf community to empower them to have their views
heard and listened to. We bring Deaf people together to take action around their concerns
and overcome social injustice.

As  Deaf  community  organisers,  we  provide  training  and  workshops  with  members  of  the
Deaf  community  to  build  their  collective  power  and  to  seek  representation  on  decision-
making boards and platforms. This community involvement is crucial: we are utilising our
voice as a strong leader in the UK to tell decision-makers that there is no longer anything
about us, without us.

2.  Training & Consultancy
We conduct Human Rights and Capacity Building training with our members and the Deaf
community. Additionally, we provide BSL Awareness training to provide participants with a
greater understanding of BSL as a language and an insight into Deaf culture.

Additionally,  we  formed  an  independent  BSL  Alliance,  a  coalition  of  Deaf  organisations
across the UK to strengthen BSL in Britain.

The BDA produces policy papers, statements, and guidelines so that members have up to
date tools to inform the BSL Alliance and our stakeholders of Deaf people’s rights and how
to achieve them.

3.  Human Rights & Equality
As  the  representative  body,  the  BDA  works  to  ensure  Deaf  people  across  the  UK  are
equipped with the knowledge, tools and strategies to advocate for, achieve and defend their
rights including:

•  Gaining recognition and respect for BSL/ISL and Deaf culture
•  Achieving  their  rights  across  all  areas  of  life,  including  equal  opportunity  and

accessibility

Through the Sign Language Charter, we connect the Deaf community with public services
giving them the confidence to share concerns about issues that affect them, and to ensure
that Deaf people have access to clear and full information to make informed decisions when
dealing with service providers.

By  promoting  human  rights  and  access  to  BSL/ISL,  the  BDA  is  improving  the  lives  of
thousands of Deaf people who face inequality every day. We collaborate with Deaf leaders
and  policymakers  to  implement  human  rights  mechanisms  such  as  the  United  Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and BSL
Act 2022 as well as other legislations. We also take direct action by providing Equality &
Rights training and representing Deaf people’s interests in the UK.

4.  Sign Language & Culture
We work with our members and partners to shape our world into a more equitable place
through the following campaigns and events to promote our language:

•  Sign Language Campaigns

As the national representative organisation of BSL and ISL in the UK, we exist to protect
and  preserve  our  language  through  activism,  lobbying  and  campaigning  for  our  human
rights. An example of our work includes leading the BSL Act Now! campaign which went on
to win several awards. During Sign Language Week 2024, we launched a new campaign
called BSL in Our Hands which is calling on the government to fund free access to BSL and
ISL for every family of deaf children.

•  BSL Conferences

Takes place annually, the BDA’s BSL Conference is an official event of the BDA, designed
to bring together public services and the Deaf community who seek to partake in national
exchange of information and furtherance of the BDA’s campaigns.

•  AGM Weekends

The  annual  BDA  AGM  brings  together  members  to  further  the  objects  of  the  BDA,  elect
candidates to our Board of Trustees and have a say on key organisational decisions. The
weekend usually includes a Friday night gathering at the local Deaf club, a prestigious Gala
Dinner on Saturday evening and concludes with a local BSL walking tour on the Sunday.

•  Sign Language Week

Sign Language Week is BDA’s flagship awareness week celebrated every year in March to
commemorate the first time BSL was acknowledged as a language in its own right by the
UK Government on 18 March 2003. The aim is to celebrate and educate the British public
about BSL and to encourage more people to start learning our language.

•

International Week of Deaf People

International Week of the Deaf is an initiative of the WFD and was first launched in 1958 in
Rome,  Italy.  It  is  celebrated  annually  by  the  global  Deaf  Community  on  the  last  week  of
September  each  year  to  commemorate  the  same  month  the  first  World  Congress  of  the
WFD was held.

“The BDA is the Deaf community.” –  Roundtable participant, 2022

WATCH IN BSL

WATCH IN ISL

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  BDA Northern Ireland Manager

Salary:

£37,000 – £55,000 per annum (Band C), based on experience, skills, and
relevant qualifications.

Hours:

35 hours per week

Reports to:  Head of Community

Manages:  Northern Ireland Community Team

Location:  Hybrid – part-home and part-office based at the BDA’s Belfast office, with

occasional UK-wide travel.

Contract:  Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week). Some evening and weekend work

may be required.

Holidays:

25 days a year plus 10 bank holidays

Pension:

The BDA operates a contributory pension scheme and will auto-enrol you in
line with its obligations.

About Us

We are a membership charity that exists to champion British Sign Language (BSL) and
Irish Sign Language (ISL) celebrate Deaf culture and identity, and fight for the language
rights of Deaf signers.

We believe BSL is more than a language - it’s a community, a culture, and a source of
pride and identity. From campaigning for rights to creating spaces where Deaf identity and
culture are celebrated, everything we do is about championing the rights of the Deaf
signing community, securing the future of BSL/ISL as a recognised, thriving language, and
celebrating Deaf history and culture.

About the Role

As part of the BDA Leadership Team, you will lead Community and Advocacy services in
Northern Ireland. You will shape future services, support ongoing projects, and drive
initiatives that advance BSL/ISL rights. You will play a key role in delivering the BDA’s
Human Rights & Equality and Community & Advocacy strategies.

What You’ll Do?

Key Responsibilities

Lead regional projects and services

•  Provide strategic and operational leadership for all BDA community, advocacy, and

human rights activity in Northern Ireland.

•  Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of Deaf
projects and services that reflect community need.

led, rights

based regional

•  Ensure services meet agreed quality standards, safeguarding requirements,

‑

‑

contractual obligations, and internal governance processes.

•  Line-manage and support the Northern Ireland Community Team, fostering a

collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing working culture.

Strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting

•  Develop and implement annual regional delivery plans aligned with the BDA’s UK-

wide strategy and programme priorities.

•  Prepare, manage, and monitor regional budgets, ensuring effective use of

resources and value for money.

•  Produce clear, timely reports for senior leadership team, funders, and trustees,

demonstrating impact, outcomes, and learning.

•  Contribute to funding proposals, tenders, and business cases to sustain and grow

services in Northern Ireland.

Advocacy, safeguarding, and community engagement

•  Collaborate with the Policy team to lead advocacy and lobbying in Northern Ireland,

influencing public bodies, elected representatives, and key decision
BSL/ISL rights.

makers on

•  Act as a designated safeguarding officer within the region, ensuring robust policies,

‑

training, and reporting mechanisms are embedded across all activity.

•  Build strong, trusted relationships with Deaf communities, Deaf clubs, members,
and grassroots groups, ensuring lived experience shapes BDA priorities and
campaigns.

•  Support Deaf people to develop skills, confidence, and leadership to advocate for

their rights locally and nationally.

Partnerships, representation, and external engagement

•  Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Government, statutory bodies,

Deaf organisations, voluntary and community groups, funders, and allies.
•  Represent the BDA at regional, national, and cross-border meetings, forums,

consultations, and public events.

•  Act as a visible and credible spokesperson for the BDA in Northern Ireland,

strengthening the organisation’s profile and influence.

•  Ensure collaboration is values-led, respectful of Deaf leadership, and aligned with

the BDA’s role as the national representative organisation.

Promoting BSL/ISL awareness and empowering Deaf communities

•  Champion the status of BSL and ISL as living languages, central to Deaf culture,

identity, and human rights.

•  Lead and support awareness-raising activity, campaigns, and training that improve

understanding of Deaf culture and linguistic rights.

•  Empower Deaf people and communities to shape policy, services, and public

narratives affecting their lives.

•  Contribute to national initiatives such as Sign Language Week, International Week
of Deaf People, and major BDA campaigns, ensuring strong Northern Ireland
visibility and participation.

Funding development and sustainability

•  Support the development of grant applications, and tender submissions to secure

•

funding for BDA activity in Northern Ireland.
Identify and develop relationships with trusts, foundations, statutory funders, and
commissioners to support long-term sustainability.

•  Work with the Head of Community and central teams to develop compelling funding
proposals, budgets, and impact frameworks grounded in Deaf-led evidence and
outcomes.

•  Oversee delivery against funded agreements, ensuring compliance with funder

requirements, accurate monitoring, and timely reporting.

About You

Are you passionate about making a real difference for the Deaf community in Northern
Ireland? We’d love to hear from you if you meet the following person specification:

•  A strong understanding of community, local or national politics and how they impact

Deaf people and BSL/ISL.

•  Knowledge of Deaf issues, Deaf culture, and diverse communication methods.
•  Experience in advocacy, lobbying, and campaigning to drive positive change.
•  The ability to develop compelling business cases, create strategies for new

projects, and manage budgets effectively.

•  Excellent organisational skills – able to plan, prioritise, and lead teams to deliver

results under pressure.

•  Experience managing staff and volunteers, with a collaborative and supportive

approach.

•  A positive, solutions-focused mindset and the confidence to work independently and

as part of a team.

•  Strong IT, communication, and presentation skills.
•  Flexibility to travel across the UK, attend events, and occasionally work evenings or

weekends.

•  A clean driving licence.

It’s a bonus if you also have:

A proven track record in securing funding and developing tenders.
•  Level 3 Sign Language qualification or native BSL/ISL skills.
•  Experience using CRM systems.

Why Join Us?

WATCH IN BSL

•  Make an Impact: Be part of a mission-driven team championing BSL/ISL and Deaf

culture, creating real change in communities.

•  Lead Change: Shape community and advocacy services in Northern Ireland and

drive major campaigns.

•  Collaborate & Thrive: Join a supportive, inclusive organisation where your ideas

are valued.

How to Apply

•  Send your CV (including two referees) and a supporting statement, outlining how
you meet the person specification (max two sides of A4 or a BSL video up to 10
minutes).

•  Closing date: 16th February 2026 at 12:00pm
Interviews: The week commencing 2nd March

•  Email your application and diversity monitoring form to recruitment@bda.org.uk

(include your name in the subject line).

•  For an informal discussion, contact Jaz Mann, Head of Community, at

jaz.mann@bda.org.uk to arrange a BSL video call or email conversation.

•  We strongly encourage applications from Deaf people.

All documents should be emailed to recruitment@bda.org.uk. Please include your name in
the subject field.

Acceptance
I understand that my signature below indicates that I have read and understood the above
job description for my position.

I  understand  that  the  job  description  not  an  exhaustive  list  of  duties  and  that  I  will  be
expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the organisation.  I also understand
that the job description is subject to change at the discretion of my employer at any time.

Signed:

Date:

WATCH IN BSL

The BDA’s Vision and Mission

Our vision is Deaf people fully participating and contributing as equal and valued citizens
in the wider society.

Mission

Our Mission is to ensure a world in which the language, culture, community, diversity, and
heritage of Deaf people in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is respected and fully
protected, ensuring that Deaf people can participate and contribute as equal and valued
citizens in the wider society.

This will be achieved through:

Improving the quality of life by empowering Deaf individuals and groups.

•
•  Enhancing freedom, equality and diversity.
•  Protecting and promoting BSL and ISL.

Our Values

The BDA is the only national Deaf People’s Organisation representing a diverse, vibrant,
and ever-changing community of Deaf people. Our activities, promotions, and partnerships

with other organisations aim to empower our community towards full participation and
contribution as equal and valued citizens in the wider society. We aim to act as guardians
of BSL and ISL.

1.  Protecting our Deaf culture and Identity

We value Deaf peoples’ sense of Deaf culture and identity derived from belonging to a
cultural and linguistic group, sharing similar beliefs and experiences with a sense of
belonging.

2.  Asserting our linguistic rights

We value the use of BSL and ISL as a human right. As such, BSL and ISL must be
preserved, protected and promoted because we also value the right of Deaf people to use
their first or preferred language.

3.  Fostering our community

We value Deaf people with diverse perspectives, experiences and abilities. We are
committed to equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination with a special focus
on those affecting Deaf people and their language.

4.  Achieving equality in legal, civil and human rights

We value universal human rights such as the right to receive education and access to
information in sign language, and freedom from political restrictions on our opportunities to
become full citizens.

5.  Developing our alliance

We value those who support us and are our allies because they share our vision and
mission and support our BSL community.

What we stand for

Deaf Equality

This means that Deaf people are able to access information, services and support in their
preferred language, to have the same opportunities to achieve the same life outcomes as
anyone else. Legal recognition of both BSL in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland and
ISL in Northern Ireland are key step in raising recognition, awareness and respect, and
achieving equality of access and opportunity for Deaf people.

Access

Every Deaf person must have access to services from Government level down to their
local council in their preferred language.

Freedom of Choice

Every Deaf person should be able to use BSL and/or ISL without sanction and without
obstacles.

We believe that every Deaf

•  person has the right to communicate in their preferred language
•  child has the right to bi-lingual education

Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world,
from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or
how you choose to live your life. They can never be taken away, although they can
sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of
national security.

These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and
independence. These values are defined and protected by law. In Britain our human rights
are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

The BDA has been an Ordinary Member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
since September 1957, and a Full (and founding) Member of the European Union of the
Deaf (EUD) since 1985.

WFD  is  an  International  Non-Governmental  Organisation  in  official  liaison  with  ECOSOC
(Economic & Social Council), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation), ILO (International Labour Organisation), WHO (World Health Organisation)
and the Council of Europe (CoE). It also has a consultative status in the United Nations (UN)
and is a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA).

EUD is a supranational organisation representing Deaf people at European level and is one
of  the  few  ENGOs  representing  associations  from  all  of  the  27  EU  Member  States,  in
addition to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EUD aims to establish
and maintain EU level dialogue with its relative institutions and officials, in consultation and
co-operation with its member national associations of the Deaf (NADs). EUD is a full member
of  the  European  Disability  Forum  (EDF)  and  is  a  Regional  Co-operating  Member  of  the
World  Federation  of  the  Deaf  (WFD)  to  tackle  issues  of  global  importance.  It  also  has
participatory status with the Council of Europe (CoE).

The BDA remains a permanent member of EUD; the UK's withdrawal from the EU has had
no impact on BDA's membership of the EUD, which is not limited to member states of the
European Union.

BDA Youth is a committee of the BDA which represents young Deaf people across the UK
is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS), and European
Union of the Deaf Youth (EUDY).

The  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  (CRPD),  adopted  by  the  UN
General Assembly in 2006 and ratified in June 2023 by 186 UN Member States, is the latest
international  human  rights  convention  emanating  from  the  UN.  It  is  also  one  of  the  most
ratified conventions in the UN legal system.

The motto of the CRPD, “Nothing About Us Without Us”, places persons with disabilities,
including Deaf people, and their representative organisations - national associations of Deaf
people - at the forefront of the decision-making processes related to them.

CRPD  Article  4.3  requires  national  governments  to  actively  consult  and  collaborate  with
national representative associations of Deaf people regarding any legislation, programme
or  policies  related  to  Deaf  people  and  national  sign  languages. The  BDA  is  the  official
National  Representative  Organisation  of  the  UK  representing  the  Deaf  and  BSL/ISL
community, and holds this status at WFD, WFDYS, EUD and EUDY.

Read  more  about  the  WFD’s  Guidelines  for  Achieving  Sign  Language  Rights  here:
https://wfdeaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Guidelines-for-Achieving-Sign-Language-
Rights.pdf

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