Welcome to NHS Forth Valley’s and Falkirk Council’s joint BSL Plan 2023 – 2029. This section shows our commitment to our British Sign Language (BSL) community, and the strength that comes from working together.

We recognise the success of our past work in creating a solid foundation that we can continue to build from. This joint plan is a living document that will continue to change because of ongoing conversations, ongoing dialogues, partnerships with representative organisations, and the continual support, feedback and experiences of our BSL community.

This plan seeks to further improve services that interact with the language, culture, and unique needs of Deaf and Deafblind BSL and Tactile BSL users across NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council.

We have involved Deaf, Deafblind BSL Users, Deaf organisations, partner organisations, local communities and our staff when developing this BSL Plan and proposed actions. We will continue to engage throughout the lifetime of this plan, we will report locally on our progress via our governance structures and equality frameworks.

Over the next six years, we will focus on the nine priority areas, as laid out in the Scottish Governments National Plan, making sure our combined efforts are in line with these key goals.

Our goal extends beyond basic accessibility; we aim to create an environment where every BSL user can live, work, learn, and visit with ease and inclusion.

Working in partnership, we strive to create the best overall outcomes for individuals across Falkirk & Forth Valley. We acknowledge our joint services and multi-disciplinary teams are complex, and recognise the importance of promoting knowledge sharing. This ensures that working together is productive, effective, and efficient; making sure we give the best support possible to our BSL community.

The BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 offers us a chance to demonstrate our shared dedication to recognising and appreciating BSL as a distinct language. It’s an opportunity to truly integrate the needs of Deaf, Deafblind, and Tactile BSL users into the core operations of our organisations.

Both NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council are committed to joint working to improve the lives of BSL users. Whilst this plan recognises the importance of our partnership, it does not take away the responsibility of individual organisations.

In conclusion, this BSL Plan represents a joint commitment to shaping a better future. A future where diversity and inclusivity are integrated into every aspect of our organisations and BSL users can thrive as engaged, informed, and empowered citizens. This is a transformative journey as we work together to make Forth Valley a hub of BSL-friendly excellence, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals.

Policy Context and Key Legislation

The development of our BSL Plan is guided by key legislation and policies that ensure the rights and needs of BSL users are recognised and addressed.

The primary foundation is the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires public bodies to promote BSL and publish plans every six years, outlining how they will support BSL users.

Our approach also aligns with the Equality Act 2010, which mandates eliminating discrimination and advancing equality of opportunity for all, including those with disabilities. This Act emphasises accessibility and inclusiveness in service delivery.

The Health and Social Care Standards (2018) shape our BSL Plan by ensuring high-quality, tailored care and support that promotes respect, dignity, and inclusiveness.

Additionally, the Scottish Government’s National Plan for BSL (2023-2029) sets a framework for improving the lives of BSL users across Scotland, emphasising accessible information, services, and opportunities.

By adhering to these key policies and legislative requirements, we are committed to creating an environment where BSL users can fully participate and thrive in our communities. Our BSL Plan ensures fair access to services, information, and opportunities, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.

Falkirk Council

At a local level, the Falkirk Council Plan 2022 – 2027, sets out what the Council aims to achieve over a five-year period. To reflect the current social, economic and environmental challenges that our area faces, the vision for Falkirk is to be a place of “Strong communities where inequalities are reduced and lives are improved”.

This refreshed local BSL plan supports the following Falkirk Council’s priorities:

• Supporting stronger and healthier communities
• Promoting opportunities and educational attainment and reducing inequalities

NHS Forth Valley

NHS Forth Valley BSL Plan 2023 – 2029 outlines our goals and commitments over the next six years, in response to the specific needs of our BSL community. Our vision is to create an inclusive environment where BSL users have equitable access to healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes. We are dedicated to reducing communication barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring that every BSL user feels supported and respected within our healthcare system.

This is an integral part of our Equality Objectives April 2024 to April 2025;

• Our People Strategy and Values
• Our Workforce Wellbeing Plan 2022 – 2025
• Person-Centred Care priorities
• Culture Change and Compassionate Leadership Programme
• Scottish Government Escalation Plan
• Anchor Plan
• Once for Scotland policies