A new online training course designed to help employers recruit, manage, and support deaf staff has been launched by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications, in partnership with RNID – the national charity supporting the 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
The course, titled Recruiting, Managing and Supporting Deaf Staff, is aimed at employers, HR professionals, line managers, and diversity and inclusion practitioners. It provides practical knowledge and tools to help organisations create inclusive workplaces for employees who are deaf or have hearing loss. Whether an organisation is looking to improve accessibility, meet legal obligations, or foster a more inclusive culture, this training provides the practical tools and understanding needed to create a workplace where deaf employees feel supported to thrive.
The one-hour CPD-accredited online course explores how to recruit, manage, and support deaf staff effectively, covering topics such as:
- Understanding hearing loss in the workplace
- Legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland)
- Inclusive recruitment practices
- Accessible communication and workplace adjustments
Delivered through a series of engaging videos, quizzes, and online resources, the course equips learners with the confidence and skills to create accessible and inclusive workplaces. Participants will receive a CPD accredited certificate upon completion.
Developed collaboratively between Signature and RNID, the course draws on RNID’s expertise to ensure the content is authentic, relevant and impactful, as well as Signature’s experience in deaf qualifications and learning. It is a jointly branded and promoted course which is fully endorsed by both parties. This builds on the existing success of other collaborative course, such as Deaf Awareness.
Lindsay Foster, Executive Director at Signature, said:
“We are proud to deliver this new course which aims to make organisations across the country more inclusive, deaf aware, and accessible. Every workplace could benefit from the practical tools taught in Recruiting, Managing and Supporting Deaf Staff.”
Teri Devine, Associate Director of Inclusion at RNID, said:
“People who are deaf or have hearing loss bring unique perspectives, creativity, and a wealth of talent to organisations and deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.
This course is a fantastic opportunity for employers to unlock that potential and strengthen their commitment to inclusivity. By ensuring that every employee can grow, whatever their role, organisations can build stronger, more innovative teams and a culture where everyone’s contribution is valued and celebrated.”
The Recruiting, Managing and Supporting Deaf Staff course is available to purchase on the Signature shop from today, the 10th November 2025.
https://shop.signature.org.uk/products/recruiting-managing-and-supporting-deaf-staff