Resource content
Context:
SCRA is committed to ensuring that all children, young people, and families — regardless of communication needs — have equal access to the Children’s Hearings System. SCRA identified specific barriers faced by British Sign Language (BSL) users and took proactive steps to improve accessibility and inclusion.
Approach:
SCRA developed a suite of targeted measures to address BSL accessibility across its services and communications, anchored by a dedicated BSL Action Plan 2024–2029. This was developed in collaboration with the British Deaf Association and is designed to meet obligations under the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and the Equality Act 2010.
Implementation:
• Published a dedicated BSL Action Plan 2024–2029 outlining commitments to BSL users, with an accompanying BSL video with subtitles.
• Working with the British Deaf Association, developed a suite of BSL information films with subtitles, available on the SCRA website, including: a BSL video dictionary explaining common terms used in the Children’s Hearings System; BSL videos for adults covering key processes and rights; and BSL videos for children and young people, including a walkthrough of the Children’s Hearing process.
• Trained 15 staff members across Scotland in introductory BSL to improve communication and awareness within the organisation.
• Introduced a text service for complaints and promoted Contact Scotland BSL as a direct communication channel.
• Enabled BSL users to request interpreters for Hearings, with SCRA accommodating preferred interpreters where possible.
Impact:
• Increased awareness and understanding of the Children’s Hearings System among BSL users.
• Improved user confidence and participation in Hearings.
• Enhanced staff confidence in engaging with BSL users.
• Strengthened compliance with the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and the Equality Act 2010.
Key Learning:
• Co-production with BSL users and Deaf community organisations is essential for meaningful accessibility.
• Providing information in multiple formats (video, text, subtitles) ensures broader reach and usability.
• Staff training builds internal capacity and fosters a more inclusive culture.
• Ongoing feedback mechanisms are vital to refine and improve services.