Overview

The British Sign Language Bill officially recognizes British Sign Language (BSL) as a language of England, Wales, and Scotland. It mandates the Secretary of State to report regularly on government efforts to promote and facilitate BSL use and to issue guidance on best practices for BSL communication.

Description

This bill achieves the following:

• Recognition of BSL: Legally recognizes BSL as a language in England, Wales, and Scotland. This recognition is symbolic but aims to raise BSL's status and promote its use.
• Reporting Requirements: The Secretary of State must produce regular reports detailing how government departments are promoting and facilitating the use of BSL in public communications (e.g., announcements, publications, press conferences, social media). These reports will cover all UK government departments, except for matters relating solely to Scotland or Wales that are not reserved matters.
• Guidance on BSL: The Secretary of State must issue, or arrange for the issuing of, guidance on promoting and facilitating the use of BSL. This guidance will cover best practices for communicating with BSL users and include examples of how to provide BSL interpretation in public communications.
• Designated Departments: The bill lists specific UK government departments (detailed in the Schedule) that are required to report on their BSL initiatives. The list can be amended by regulations.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate specific funds. The cost implications will depend on the resources government departments dedicate to meeting the reporting and guidance requirements. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Deaf community: The bill could significantly benefit the deaf community by increasing BSL visibility and promoting its use in government communications and services.
• Government departments: Government departments will need to adapt their communication strategies to meet the reporting and guidance requirements, potentially involving additional costs and training.
• BSL interpreters and related professionals: Increased demand for BSL services may arise from the bill’s implementation, creating more job opportunities in this field.

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