Dear Members of the ABSLTA Community,
I am writing to share an important update: I will be stepping down from my role as Chair of the Association of British Sign Language Teachers and Assessors (ABSLTA), effective Saturday, March 16th. After a rewarding decade in this position, it’s time to pass the baton to someone who will lead ABSLTA into its next chapter.
Reflecting on my tenure, I am proud of the milestones we’ve achieved together. Our dedicated members and colleagues have significantly advanced the field of sign language teaching and assessment. It has been an honor to be part of such a passionate community.
I am thrilled to announce that Matt Jenkins will be succeeding me as Chair. An independent election panel, led by Jemima Buoy, conducted a thorough evaluation process and found Matt exceptionally qualified for the role. We are confident in this choice and grateful to have Matt lead us forward.
Matt’s dedication to ABSLTA is evident from his impactful work as Secretary and Social Media Officer since 2023. His efforts in enhancing our social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn have been instrumental in boosting our membership. As a younger sign language teacher, Matt’s enthusiasm and commitment serve as an inspiration to the next generation of educators in our field.
Please join me in congratulating Matt on his new role. I am confident in his ability to lead ABSLTA with integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to our shared goals.
While I am stepping down as Chair, I remain dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition over the next six months. I will actively support Matt and the committee team during this period.
I encourage all ABSLTA members to extend their full support to Matt and our entire committee team as they continue their crucial work in supporting British Sign Language teachers and assessors.
Best wishes,
Emma Iliffe
Past Chair of ABSLTA (2014-2024)