Welcome to Deaf Umbrella
Everything you need to start your journey with us.
Our Story
Supporting Deaf people. Developing professionals. Raising standards.
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Deaf Umbrella was founded in 2000 with a clear purpose: to provide Deaf people with high-quality, reliable communication support while giving the professionals delivering that support the guidance and development they need to succeed.
More than 25 years later, we support Deaf people across education and the workplace, working with organisations throughout London and the South East. Alongside our communication support services, we provide specialist training, resources and professional development designed to raise standards and create better experiences for Deaf people.
Our Journey
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2000 — It All Begins
Deaf Umbrella is founded, initially providing communication support within one local college.
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2005 — Into the Workplace
We begin supporting Deaf people in employment through Access to Work.
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2010 — Growing Our Reach
We move into larger premises and expand our communication support services across the M25 area.
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2015 — Investing in CSWs
We develop a university-level Level 4 course for Communication Support Workers, helping raise professional standards within education.
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2020 — Taking Training Online
We develop online Deaf Awareness Training and industry-specific BSL training, making specialist learning accessible to more organisations.
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2025 — A New Era for CSW Development
We launch our online CSW training platform, providing flexible CPD and professional development for CSWs wherever they are.
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2026 / TODAY — And We're Still Growing
25+ years later, we continue to develop our services, training and resources while keeping Deaf people at the heart of what we do.
What Makes Deaf Umbrella Different?
We Believe in Quality Over Quantity
We focus on providing the right support, with experienced professionals who genuinely make a difference.
We Invest in Staff Development
We help our team grow through training, guidance and ongoing professional development.
We Provide Real Support
Our Communication Support Services
The right skills. The right experience. The right environment.
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We work across two key domains: education and the workplace. We carefully consider the skills, qualifications, experience and specialist knowledge required for every assignment.
Education
BSL Level 3 → Level 6+
Our education team includes Communication Support Workers (CSWs) with BSL qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6 and above.
Specialist knowledge matters
Where required, we match CSWs with relevant subject knowledge and experience to help provide effective support within the learning environment.Â
Workplace
Level 6 BSL → TSLI → RSLI
Our workplace professionals include Level 6 BSL practitioners, Trainee Sign Language Interpreters (TSLIs) and Registered Sign Language Interpreters (RSLIs).
Experience for the environment
We consider workplace-specific knowledge and experience when matching professionals, providing the right level of communication support for each setting.Â
Supporting Deaf People Into Work
Our Online Job Club supports Deaf BSL users with practical, accessible guidance to help them prepare for work, find opportunities and move into employment with confidence.
🎯 Preparing for Work
CVs, employment planning and building confidence.
🤝 Connecting with Employers
Helping Deaf job seekers engage with employers and access opportunities.
đź’¬ Interview Support
Accessible support to help people prepare for and attend interviews.
đź’Ľ Access to Work
Guidance to understand and access the support available when moving into employment.
Deaf Awareness Training
We help organisations build confidence, improve communication and create more inclusive environments for Deaf colleagues, customers and students through practical, engaging Deaf Awareness Training.
Deaf Awareness Training
3 hours | Face-to-face
Our full training session explores Deaf awareness, communication, Deaf culture, workplace inclusion, reasonable adjustments and practical BSL.
Short Deaf Awareness Training
1–1.5 hours | Face-to-face
A shorter option covering key Deaf awareness and communication principles for teams with limited time.
Online Deaf Awareness Seminar
1 hour | Online
A practical online introduction to Deaf awareness, covering communication, accessibility and Deaf culture.
Professional Training
We invest in the people who support Deaf people. Our online training platform offers practical, CPD-accredited courses designed to build the skills, confidence and professional knowledge CSWs and interpreters need in the real world.
Becoming a Professional CSW
Handle Nerves & Build Confidence
Notetaking for CSWs
Memory Boosting Strategies for CSWs
Self-Employment for R/TSLIs
Explore our full range of professional training and discover what's next for your development.
Your Future With Deaf Umbrella
Grow your skills. Build your experience. Develop your career.
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Working with Deaf Umbrella is an opportunity to keep developing. As your BSL skills, qualifications, specialist knowledge and experience grow, so can the assignments available to you and your earning potential.
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Your Progression
We want you to keep moving forward. Build your BSL level, develop specialist knowledge, strengthen your professional skills and gain experience across different environments.
Level 3 → Level 6 → TSLI → RSLI
Your development opens the door to new opportunities.
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The Benefits
Being part of Deaf Umbrella means more than receiving bookings. We want our professionals to feel supported, valued and able to keep developing throughout their careers.
Flexible working
Opportunities to work flexibly, including remote assignments where available.
Good rates of pay
Competitive rates that recognise your skills, qualifications and experience.
Travel inclusive
Travel is considered as part of your work with us.
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PAYE or freelance opportunities
Different ways of working with Deaf Umbrella depending on your role and circumstances.
Pension contributions
Helping you invest in your future as a PAYE member of our team.
Holiday & sick pay
Additional security and benefits for eligible PAYE staff.
Continuous training & development
Opportunities to strengthen your skills, develop professionally and keep progressing.
Personal support
Real people you can contact for advice, guidance and support when you need it.
Broaden your horizons
Gain experience across different environments, subjects and assignments while continuing to develop your professional career.
A positive working environment
Be part of a team that values quality, professional development and the people behind the service.
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What We Ask From You
In return, we expect professionalism, reliability and a commitment to providing excellent support.
Keep developing your BSL. Prepare for your assignments. Maintain professional boundaries. Complete your paperwork on time. Share feedback with us. Ask when you're unsure. And above all, remember that the quality of your work directly affects the Deaf person you're there to support.
Your career doesn't stop when you join Deaf Umbrella. It's where the next stage can begin.
Essential Documents
Before you begin working with Deaf Umbrella, please take some time to read through the documents below. They explain our policies, procedures and expectations, and include the forms you'll need to complete and return. These resources will help you understand how we work and give you everything you need to get started with confidence. Click and download
Smart Guides:
Welcome to the team!
Office Team
0333 700 7474
office@deafumbrella.com
Admin
amanda@deafumbrella.com
Postal Address
Deaf Umbrella PO Box 340
TN40 9LJ
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
from 9am to 5pm
