Latest News

The Royal Association for Deaf people and Professional Training solutions announce partnership to accelerate the advancement of deaf people and enhance access to high quality BSL training

28th June 2024

The Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and Professional Training Solutions
(Pro-train/PTS) today announce their partnership to accelerate the advancement of
deaf people. This collaboration aims to enhance access to high quality BSL training
and the development of highly skilled BSL tutors, ensuring that future BSL learners
receive the best possible education and support.

“In partnership with Professional Training Solutions, we are creating an opportunity for the
deaf community to access high-quality training and development programmes. In addition,
we are committed to the provision of high quality BSL courses to parents/carers of deaf
people and for those communities where the cost of accredited BSL training is not
accessible to them,” says Mark Wheatley, CEO of the Royal Association for Deaf
people. “This partnership is an important step towards making sure that deaf people have
the resources and support they need to succeed in their professional and personal lives”.

“We are delighted to be working with RAD, to open up opportunities in Apprenticeships and
government funded training, including BSL, to the deaf community, their families and their
carers” says Jackie Denyer, Founder and Managing Director at Professional Training
Solutions. “Our commitment to inclusion and ensuring every person realises their true
potential is reflected in the work that we will be doing through this partnership, and we are so
excited about where this can lead as we champion with RAD the training opportunities for
the deaf community”.

Overview
Deaf people often are not able to access the same opportunities due to lack of access or
measures put in place. RAD and PTS’ partnership will provide deaf people with a wide range
of opportunities to fast-track learning, development and qualifications, enabling them to
excel. This partnership will also provide the opportunity for more people to learn BSL,
improving access for the deaf community and providing BSL training to families.
Who we are

RAD are one of the oldest deaf charities, who work directly with deaf people to provide a
wide range of services to support deaf people to live independently, with equal access to
information and opportunities. They are a deaf-lead charity.
PTS are a leading training provider across a range of sectors.

Background
RAD and PTS’ relationship began in 2023, when PTS piloted a project to deliver the Level 3
Diploma in Adult Care to carers who are deaf. The organisations worked closely together,
enabling PTS to provide significant support so their learners could work in their first or
preferred language with interpreters.

Andree Iland, a RAD employee, undertook this training, becoming a rising star who
consequently was nominated for the NCFE learner of the year. Andree, who is deaf herself,
currently works as a Support Worker for RAD, supporting deaf people with additional support
requirements. Andree’s training provided her with tools and resources to provide better care
to those she works with, and she immediately saw the impact on her professional
development, how she approached her job, and the impact it had on those she supports.

As the result of the success of Andree’s experience, the companies decided to embark upon
a long-lasting partnership which will expand the offer to the wider deaf community.
About the partnership – 2024 and beyond

The partnership launches in July 2024 with several pilots (and dependent on the government
funding). The following courses will be free to learners, with enrolment opening in July for a
September start:

• BSL courses for parents and carers of deaf people who live in London
• BSL courses for deaf people who live in London, but we hope extend to the home
counties in the autumn.
• BSL tutor development programme for deaf people who live in London
• BSL courses for hearing people who are unemployed or on a low income
• Adult Care Courses for those working in health and social care.
• Team Leading courses for those wishing to undertake roles as a supervisor or team
leader.

Further courses, including remote and distance learning, will be announced later in the year
as we continue to access more funding.

For more information about courses, please contact training@royaldeaf.org.uk

More information about the Royal Association for Deaf people
Founded in 1841, RAD are one of the oldest charities working with deaf people in the UK.
Celebrating deaf culture and community is an essential part of what they do. With deaf people,
and in collaboration with others, RAD innovate and deliver services that deaf people want and
need. Their vision is to create a future of opportunity, achievement and equality for deaf
people.

RAD provides a wide range of services to support deaf people to live independently, with equal
access to information and opportunities. They deliver award winning Deaf Awareness training,
accredited BSL courses and bespoke Consultancy services for individuals and organisations
who wish to ensure they are accessible to deaf people.

Website: https://royaldeaf.org.uk/