Bedford Borough Council is proud to announce the launch of a new British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation service in partnership with SignLive, enabling BSL users to access council support and advice more easily and inclusively.
SignLive connects BSL users with professional interpreters via a video link, completely free of charge during office hours. This innovative service ensures seamless communication, with interpreters signing with BSL users, relaying messages to council staff, and signing the responses back.
This partnership underscores Bedford Borough Council’s commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity for deaf residents who use BSL.
How to Access SignLive:
Using SignLive is simple and convenient. Customers can:
- Download the SignLive app from the App Store or Google Play
- Access the service through a web browser
- Find Bedford Borough Council in the SignLive Community Directory and complete a one-time registration process for account setup and callback facilitation, if needed.
For in-person visits, an iPad equipped with SignLive is available at Bedford Borough Council’s Customer Hub at 2 Horne Lane, Bedford. Visitors can request assistance from reception staff to connect with a BSL interpreter on the spot.
All SignLive interpreters are highly qualified, with a minimum of five years of professional experience, registration with the National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), and valid DBS certification. This ensures professional, confidential, and reliable service.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience said; “We are thrilled to introduce the SignLive service, making our council more accessible and inclusive for BSL users.
"This is a step forward in ensuring that all residents can engage with council services and access the support they need.”
For more information about this service, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/signlive.