Governance
We are proud of our status as a deaf-led and user-led organisation, leading by example with a deaf Chief Executive Officer and a Board that is representative of the communities we support. At present, almost half our workforce is deaf. We believe that this allows us to honestly position ourselves as experts on deafness.
Annual reports
Every year we issue our Annual Report and hold our AGM. This not only provides facts and figures for our funders but also shines a light on the work we do throughout the year to support the deaf community.
“Since 1835, Deaf Action has performed an integral role in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people in Scotland. Together with my fellow Board members, I am a proud ambassador for Deaf Action, leading the charity’s strategic direction, working towards our shared vision of a better future for deaf people.”
– Rosie Addis, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Our Trustees
Our Trustees share our values and are passionate about improving the quality and conditions of life for deaf people. Our Board and Trustees are responsible for Deaf Action’s governance and strategic direction, as well as overseeing our financial health.
Rosie Addis – Chair
Rosie is the longest standing member of the Board, having joined in November 2014. She brings with her a wealth of experience working in deaf communities. She worked as a registered BSL/English interpreter for 19 years, was the National Deaf Development Officer for the Church of Scotland, and Chaplain to Albany Deaf Church. She also set up The Kisoro Trust in 1998, which provides primary school education to deaf children in Uganda. She was previously Chair of SASLI and is currently a Trustee of The Stewart Lochrie Memorial Fund.
Rosie currently holds the position of chair on the Board at Deaf Action. As Chair she is responsible for leading, chairing and overseeing performance of the Board. This includes running quarterly board meetings and ensuring the Board is both accountable and meeting legal responsibilities, as well as providing support to the CEO.
Sheenagh Adams – Trustee
Sheenagh joined the Board in March 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in governance and leadership. She has been a member of multiple boards over many years, including being Chair for twelve years. She brings with her extensive experience in setting strategic direction, monitoring operational performance and evaluating board effectiveness. She has held many senior positions, including Chief Executive at Registers of Scotland. She believes boards are there to actively create positive futures for organisations, and not just to ‘mind the shop’.
Leslie Banks – Trustee
Leslie joined the Board in March 2024. He is a deaf BSL user from Edinburgh, currently working as a Draughtsman for Stena Drilling Ltd. He is a community-minded person, volunteering and being the Chair of Committees supporting deaf groups. Has supported the organisation of the World Deaf Squash Championships in 2012.
Alison Dines – Trustee
Alison joined the Board in March 2021. She is an engineer by trade and brings with her experience in managing businesses. She also sits on the board of another charity, Women Walking with God. Alison has a personal interest in deafness as she is a hearing aid user, having lost her hearing as a young adult. She recognises there are many different types of deafness and is passionate about reducing isolation in the community. Alison is our lead Trustee for specialist equipment in Deaf Action.
Andrew Philip – Trustee
Andrew joined the Board in February 2022. He is an established leader with over 28 years of financial management experience and leadership gained within the NHS, Education and Charity sectors. He has 20 years of experience as a Director, and currently works as Director of Finance and Resources at Capability Scotland. He brings with him experience of leading and developing departments of Finance, HR, IT, Estates, Fundraising, Communications and Health and Safety.
He has a passion for working in the voluntary sector and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. He is committed to Deaf Action’s aim of improving the lives of deaf people, and uses his extensive experience to guide the charity’s senior management financial decisions.
Alison Rogers – Trustee
Alison joined the Board in March 2024. She is a deaf BSL user who works within a deaf school in the south of England and has progressed in her career from Teaching Assistant, to teaching Science Key Stage 1 and 2 with Form Tutor responsibilities. Alison has also been involved in the BSL Curriculum working group. She has a keen interest in the Deaf Arts sector being part of the Flare Festival steering group and also working as a museum guide at the Tate Modern and Tate British as well as diversity consultant for Brighton & Hove Museums Team.
Philip Gerrard – Company Secretary
Philip acts as our Company Secretary and is also Deaf Action’s CEO. He is a deaf BSL user with years of experience within deaf charities.