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HSBC UK Empowers Staff with Sign Language Training
27 Apr
Summary
- HSBC UK provides BSL training to all 23,000 employees.
- Training aims to support customers and staff who use BSL.
- Partnership with RNID ensures accredited e-learning course.
HSBC UK is implementing a comprehensive British Sign Language (BSL) training program for all 23,000 of its employees. This initiative is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment for both customers and staff. The accredited e-learning course, developed in collaboration with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), will provide employees with fundamental BSL vocabulary and phrases.
The program was championed by Christopher Stafford, channels support manager at HSBC UK, who was motivated by a desire to ensure deaf colleagues felt fully integrated. Harriet Oppenheimer, CEO of RNID, highlighted the importance of deaf awareness, noting that one in three people in the UK experience hearing loss or tinnitus. Sally Williams, head of branch network at HSBC UK, emphasized the bank's dedication to removing communication barriers in all interactions.
HSBC UK acknowledges that this training does not replace the need for BSL interpreters but views it as a crucial contribution to a more accessible experience. The bank continues its collaboration with RNID to enhance accessibility through expert guidance, training, and online resources, with further developments anticipated later in the year.
