Jeff McWhinney has resigned from the post of CEO, at the British Deaf Association. A copy of the Press Release, can be found here.

Due to relocation of the BDA to the Midlands, Jeff is putting his family commitments first. He has 4 Deaf children, and he wants to put his family first. Moving, would put their Education at risk, in the sense that we still have a postcode lottery in the UK. Not all Local Education Authorities support bilingualism, or at the very least choice, and parents are forced to move or remain in a particular area not to risk gambling the education of their choice in respect of their child.

Jeff has been instrumental in pressing the Deaf agenda over the past 9 years, and this has spilled into the legal field.

He campaigned for Deaf people to serve on juries, and was behind the test case R v A Juror (1999) (Jeff McWhinney), which clarified the meaning of the Juries Act 1974, which prohibits a 13th person being present in the jury room.

Jeff certainly brought his humour to the BDA too, which enabled the organisation to reach the core Deaf community, and respond appropriately.

Under Jeff’s leadership, the BDA established an annual Film Festival, which was a highlight of the Deaf social calendar, and has had supported up and coming film makers.

The BDA has lobbied in appropriate parliaments, as part of the wider campaign for BSL recognition.

I certainly shall miss his presence, especially chatting to him at conferences. Jeff, thanks for everything you’ve given over the past 9 years. I hope that you will not leave the scene completely, as you have got too many skills.

Being Deaf, there is no possible way you can escape the role that charities play in your life; unless of course you live as a hermit. Influence ranges from campaigning, the direction of BSL, the charitable status of deaf schools, policy direction over statutory services, influence over legislation and even influences over interpreters. The power is great, and sometimes individual Deaf people feel powerless.

The draft Charities Bill was published on the 27 May, which largely draws on recommendations in the Strategy Unit?s report Private Action, Public Benefit: A Review of Charities and the Wider Not-For-Profit Sector; dated September 2002.
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