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Trustees and Roles
ABSLTA Trustees, Subcommittees, and Working Groups
ABSLTA is led by its Trustees, who are responsible for decisions on behalf of all members. To support them, we also run Subcommittees and Working Groups, which allow members to contribute in specific areas without taking on full trustee responsibility. Members who are interested in contributing are welcome to join a Subcommittee or Working Group by contacting the relevant Chair.
How ABSLTA Trustees Work
ABSLTA Trustees are members of the organisation who are elected by fellow members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Trustees are responsible for the governance of ABSLTA and make decisions on behalf of all members.
Each Trustee serves a fixed term, during which they oversee specific areas of ABSLTA’s work. Trustees may stand for re-election when their term ends, in line with ABSLTA’s constitution.
Trustees are supported by Subcommittees and Working Groups, where members can also participate and contribute without taking on full trustee responsibilities.
Members of Trustee (2025-2026)
Matt Jenkins
Chairperson & Governance Lead
Matt leads ABSLTA and oversees governance, membership, and strategic planning. He also chairs key subcommittees and ensures ABSLTA stays aligned with its long-term plans.
Stuart Parkinson
Secretary & Fundraising Lead
Stuart manages trustee meeting administration, records minutes for the Governance Committee, and supports external partnerships. He also leads fundraising and applications alongside other trustees.
Angela Barringer
Finance & Membership Lead
Angela manages ABSLTA finances, membership records, and Charity Commission reporting. She also supports the Strategic and Fundraising Subcommittee.
Hamza Shaikh
Administration & EDI Lead
Hamza supports ABSLTA administration, calendar and event oversight, mentoring, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. He records minutes for the Professional Development Subcommittee.
Dolapo Akande
Communications & Digital Lead
Dolapo manages social media, video content, and Zoom sessions, while supporting EDI initiatives.
Agnes Dyab
CPD & Curriculum Lead
Agnes oversees mentoring, curriculum and resources, and external working groups such as BSL Allies and DCAL. She chairs the Professional Development Subcommittee.
Members of Trustee (2025-2026)
ABSLTA Trustees are supported by Subcommittees and Working Groups, which focus on specific areas of work. Members can contribute to these without taking on full trustee responsibilities.
Subcommittee Group
Strategic & Fundraising Subcommittee (SFS)
Purpose: Supports ABSLTA’s strategic planning, business development, fundraising, and membership growth.
Key Roles:-
Oversee business plan and website development
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Lead fundraising and applications
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Monitor membership and finances
Who’s Involved: Matt (Chair), Stuart, Angela
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Professional Development Subcommittee (PDS)
Purpose: Develops and maintains high-quality CPD opportunities for BSL teachers and educators.
Key Roles:-
Plan workshops, TeachHub, and Expert Series
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Update Educator Hub content
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Review all CPD provision and ensure progress
Who’s Involved: Agnes (Chair), Hamza, Dolapo
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Working Group
Mentoring Working Group
Purpose: Supports ABSLTA’s strategic planning, business development, fundraising, and membership growth.
Key Roles:
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Oversee business plan and website development
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Lead fundraising and applications
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Monitor membership and finances
Who’s Involved: Agnes (Chair), Matt, Stuart, Angela
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Curriculum & Resources Working Group
Purpose: Develops high-quality teaching resources and curriculum guidance for BSL educators.
Key Roles:
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Create and review teaching materials
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Support curriculum development
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Work with external experts as needed
Who’s Involved: Agnes (Chair), Matt, Stuart
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Professional Standards Working Group
Purpose: Maintains and promotes high professional standards for BSL teaching and assessment.
Key Roles:
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Set and review professional standards
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Ensure alignment with CPD and accreditation
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Collaborate with Fellows on quality assurance
Who’s Involved: Matt (Chair), Sylvia (for Fellows), Emma, Alison, Hamza,
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Purpose: Ensures ABSLTA operates inclusively, fairly, and supports diversity across all its work.
Key Roles:
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Monitor and promote EDI initiatives
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Support inclusive governance and programming
Who’s Involved: Hamza (Chair), Dolapo
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Fellow Forum Working Group
Purpose: Provides input and feedback from ABSLTA Fellows to support governance and professional standards.
Key Roles:-
Represent Fellow perspectives
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Collaborate on CPD, mentoring, and professional standards
Who’s Involved: Sylvia (Chair of Fellows), Emma, Tessa, Feras and Matt (Chair of ABSLTA)
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We Welcome Your Involvement
Subcommittees focus on ongoing operational areas (strategy and CPD), while Working Groups tackle specific projects or support areas (mentoring, curriculum, professional standards, EDI, and Fellows).
Members are encouraged to get involved: if you are interested in joining a Subcommittee or Working Group, please contact the Chair to learn more and get involved.
