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Progress and impact in the last 12 months

External communications

We want our publications to be accessible to everyone. Our documents can be requested in an alternative format, such as British Sign Language (BSL), by submitting an accessibility request.

We also understand the critical role of high-quality BSL interpretation, particularly for our most widely-viewed public content. To ensure our main campaigns reach as many people as possible, we regularly produce information in BSL video format. Recent examples include:

• Remembrance Sunday Service public guidance for those wishing to watch or attend
• COVID-19 Day of Reflection guidance

Internal communications

We continue to promote BSL awareness and learning opportunities to staff though a wide range of internal channels. We have widened awareness of some of the issues faced by BSL users and provided a forum for DCMS colleagues to learn BSL. Recent internal videos for our digital screens in reception areas were also filmed in BSL.

Recruitment

Applicants for DCMS roles are able to ask for a reasonable adjustment to bring or request a BSL interpreter during their interview.

Training

We introduced a BSL learning programme for colleagues, including a structured Level 1 Certification course and sessions on inclusive communication to improve awareness of accessibility needs across the organisation.

Following positive engagement, we expanded the training with additional BSL enrichment sessions run in multiple locations, enabling more colleagues to continue developing their skills and knowledge.

Through this continued commitment, BSL learning has become increasingly embedded within the organisation’s inclusion activity, supporting a more accessible and inclusive working environment.

Priorities for the next 12 months

External communications

The department’s forward priorities include ensuring that there are accessible formats for all published documents. This includes considering requests to provide BSL versions of these documents where possible.

We will continue to identify relevant public-facing communications and moments where BSL will help us reach a wider range of audiences and ensure our communications are accessible to everyone.

Specifically, we will again ensure that Remembrance Sunday Service guidance on Sunday 8 November 2026 is available in BSL video format (ahead of the day, for audiences to plan in advance).

We will also ensure BSL content is factored into the COVID-19 Day of Reflection plans as needed in March 2027.

Internal communications

We will promote BSL awareness and learning opportunities to staff through a wide range of internal channels. We will continue to:

• consult our human resources (HR) team and Ability Network (staff network) before major staff events
• enable staff to make accessibility requests for key staff events and engagements
• find creative ways to enable staff to engage with the Deaf BSL community – this might include hosting events with guests from the Deaf BSL community to educate colleagues about Deaf culture and inclusion

Recruitment

We will regularly review our processes to ensure that our recruitment continues to be accessible and inclusive at all stages of the application process. 

Training

To support long-term sustainability, colleagues who achieved their BSL certification will continue to lead monthly lunchtime BSL enrichment sessions in a hybrid format. These sessions will help maintain learning, encourage wider participation and build confidence in inclusive communication across teams.