An Introduction to British Sign Language Training for HETV Freelancers

Are you working in high-end TV and passionate about accessibility and inclusivity, making the industry a place where all are welcome? Then this programme is for you.

This specialised training program is designed to address the growing need for BSL-skilled professionals within the High-End Television (HETV) industry, supporting both accessibility requirements and the diversification of freelance skill sets in the sector.

This course is an introduction to BSL and is designed to equip television freelancers with BSL skills.

Core Components:

● Introduction to BSL fundamentals and deaf culture

● Basic conversational BSL skills; including industry specific terminology

● Understanding accessibility requirements in television production

● Working with BSL interpreters and translators on set

Skills Shortages Being Addressed

The training will address several critical skills gaps in the television industry:

1. Accessibility: there is a shortage of freelancers who understand how to integrate

BSL services into production workflows.

2. Inclusivity: production training programs often focus on breaking down barriers for people passionate about television but there's still a gap in freelancers who can work effectively with deaf and hard-of-hearing talent and crew.

This programme is fully funded by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Fund, made up of contributions from high-end television productions made in the UK.

Who it's for

This training programme is open to those working in freelancer roles in HETV, including unscripted, and is mainly aimed at:

● HoDs

● Line producers

● Production managers

● Producers

● Coordinators

● Assistant directors

What it covers

The programme consists of six mandatory online sessions of up to 2 hours each, with a total of 12 training hours.

These sessions, which are offered with flexible delivery dates and times to meet scheduling demands, build around the following key areas:

● Deaf culture awareness

● An Introduction to BSL vocabulary and grammar,

● Fingerspelling, greetings, numbers, everyday communication

● TV/Film specific signs.

Participant Support

In addition, you will receive:

● Accessibility: Qualified BSL Interpreter at each course

● Learning materials provided weekly for ongoing practice via Telegram

● Access to wellbeing resources and HR documents

● Connections - small group sizes to enable effective learning and support

The training dates for each cohort are as follows:

Cohort 1 (Group A)

Sessions: x6 Monday evening sessions

Dates: 

Monday 12th January 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Monday 19th January 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Monday 26th January 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Monday 2nd February 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Monday 9th February 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Monday 16th February 2026 from 18:30 - 20:30 

Cohort 2 (Group B)

Sessions: x6 Saturday morning sessions

Dates: 

Saturday  17th January 2026  from 10:00 - 12:00

Saturday  24th January 2026  from 10:00 to 12:00

Saturday  31st  January 2026  from 10:00 to 12:00

Saturday  7th February 2026  from 10:00 to 12:00

Saturday  14th February 2026  from 10:00 to 12:00

Saturday  21st  February 2026  from 10:00 to 12:00

How to apply

Applicants are expected to have a minimum of 4 credits from HETV.

The programme is offered as six weekly sessions on either a Monday evening (A) or a Saturday morning (B). It is not possible to switch between groups.

To apply, please select your preferred Group A or B. Click the 'Apply Now' button.

This course is curated by Solas Mind and the lead trainer is Lorna McIntyre, supported by a BSL interpreter.

Lorna is a passionate advocate for British Sign Language (BSL) and a dedicated BSL tutor whose mission is to help break down communication barriers by teaching British Sign Language with care and purpose. Lorna’s approach to teaching is centered around fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Beyond teaching, Lorna leads ‘Sign with Lorna’, offering signature accredited courses for all levels of BSL learners. Their mission is to unlock the world of sign language and empower individuals to communicate with confidence and empathy.

Lorna’s mission is deeply personal: to share her native language - BSL and to help others see it not just as a tool, but as a rich, beautiful language and culture.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, or would like support completing the booking form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email Hebe here. 

This is a nationwide programme so we welcome applications from across the UK.

Judging information

Hebe Field (Course Coordinator) has been with Solas since 2024, working as an assistant and subsequently coordinator to form part of the Solas Mind team. Hebe is the main point of contact across productions and will be the best person to reach out to for anything relating to this Intro to BSL programme. Any questions about the programme and schedule can be directed to either Hebe or Solas Mind.

Contact information

Name: Hebe
Email: hebe@solasmind.com