Information Bulletin 6 from The Deaf Sector Partnership

National Advisory Group (NAG)

What is the NAG?

The National Advisory Group will be made up of Deaf BSL users and public bodies who are covered by the Act. It will advise Scottish Ministers on the content of the BSL National Plan and the Progress Report. And it will also help ensure that the views of the wider range of Deaf BSL users and public bodies are heard.

How is the NAG being set up and who will be involved with the selection/recruitment?

We are currently working with the Deaf Sector Partnership to develop detailed plans for the National Advisory Group and will provide more information on this soon.

What is the aim and remit of the NAG?

1.  To advise Scottish Ministers on the development of BSL National Plans and National Progress Reports.

2.    To reflect the views of the BSL community/public bodies in developing the national plan and compiling the national progress report.

Are members of the NAG paid for their work?

No. But reasonable expenses will be covered, for example if people have to travel or stay overnight for meetings.

How will the NAG work with the Scottish Government and Deaf community?

The NAG will be co-chaired by the Scottish Government Equality Unit and a Deaf BSL user. It will meet five or six times over the first two years of the Act to provide expert advice Scottish Ministers on the National Plan. Deaf and deafblind BSL users on the group will be supported by the Deaf Sector Partnership to ensure that they are able to represent the views of a wider and more diverse range of Deaf and deafblind people in Scotland.

Please consider whether you would like to apply to be part of the NAG. We will announce plans for the NAG before Christmas, including how to apply.