Social Work Scotland response to Scottish Parliament British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 Inquiry
7 May 2025
INTRODUCTION
Social Work Scotland is the professional body for social work leaders, working closely with our partners to shape policy and practice, and improve the quality and experience of social services. We welcome the opportunity to provide a response to the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 Inquiry.
BACKGROUND
The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee will be considering the impact of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015.
The Act led to the development of a British Sign Language (BSL) national plan and listed authority plans. The listed authorities that must produce and implement their own plans for promoting and facilitating the use and understanding of BSL include local councils, NHS boards, colleges and universities, and the Scottish Parliament. The Committee wants to understand if these changes have improved the lives of BSL users and are interested in finding out of any changes could be made.
The Inquiry posed 5 questions and the following document presents Social Work Scotland’s response to these.
