Inspectas supports British Deaf Association with safety-focused BSL training
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Inspectas begins year-long charity partnership with British Deaf Association
Inspectas has announced its support the British Deaf Association (BDA) for the next 12 months.
The UK-based compliance firm said the partnership aims to improve communication when visiting customers by introducing British Sign Language (BSL) training for its staff.
Inspectas stated that its support includes an initial £1,000 donation and a pledge to organise fundraising activities throughout the year.
The company said the initiative was led by business apprentice Faye Oxley, who identified the need for BSL skills among team members visiting customer sites.
According to Inspectas, BSL learning has already begun with signage at its headquarters and staff participation in an introductory session during Sign Language Week in March.
Staff training initiative to enhance communication safety
Inspectas Accounts Manager Paula Candlish said: “Our Bradford College business apprentice Faye Oxley identified a need for members of our team to learn British Sign Language (BSL) to overcome possible communication barriers when out visiting customers on site.
“Faye’s commitment to this endeavour saw her liaising directly with the British Deaf Association and we’ve already begun the first stages of introducing BSL with information on signage around our headquarters and staff attending an introductory BSL session during Sign Language Week in March.”
Candlish added: “When you consider that just £10 could pay for the costs of a Deaf child to participate in socialising session with other Deaf children, our £1k donation should make a significant difference to the charity and its aims.”
British Deaf Association response to business support
The British Deaf Association said it campaigns for equal rights and promotes equality for Deaf people by collaborating with members and stakeholders to influence government.
According to the association, it works to empower Deaf people and improve access to information and public services.
BDA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Mansell said: “The British Deaf Association are very grateful for the donation received from Inspectas. It was only three years ago that our language, British Sign Language, became law, as a language of Great Britain and we are still campaigning for our sign language rights 135 years after sign language was banned in education.
“The support of businesses and organisations like Inspectas is so important – not only for awareness of our campaigning, but also in helping to fund the resources we bring to the families and individuals who need our support.”
Fundraising activities to continue throughout the year
Inspectas said that alongside the donation, apprentice Faye Oxley is leading the team on a programme of fundraising events.
Oxley said: “I really am delighted that the need I identified has now led to us making a real difference to a charity which campaigns so tirelessly for the Deaf community and which actively encourages businesses like ours to learn BSL.
“I’m looking forward to championing the charity within Inspectas and to having the whole team onboard whether that’s learning BSL, baking, running or taking part in our upcoming mystery item sale to raise even more funds!”
Inspectas operations and safety services
According to Inspectas, the business employs 40 staff and has more than a decade of experience working across public and private sectors.
The company said its work covers asbestos surveying and consultancy, fire safety, health and safety compliance, and water safety.
Inspectas added that in 2023 it doubled its office space by moving to new premises near Leeds to enable further growth.
Inspectas supports British Deaf Association with safety-focused BSL training: Summary
Inspectas has committed to a 12-month partnership with the British Deaf Association.
The UK firm said it will provide BSL training for staff to improve communication during customer visits.
The company stated that the initiative was led by apprentice Faye Oxley.
Inspectas confirmed it has donated £1,000 to the charity.
The business said it will hold fundraising activities over the next year.
BSL training began with signage changes and an introductory session in March.
The BDA said the donation supports its campaign for equal rights for Deaf people.
BDA CEO Rebecca Mansell said the support helps fund resources for families and individuals.
Inspectas employs 40 people.
The firm works in asbestos surveying, fire safety, health and safety compliance, and water safety.
In 2023, the company doubled its office space with a move near Leeds.