Ruth Griffiths – Exec Chair

Ruth Griffiths has worked in broadcasting for more than 25 years, notably building the BBC’s subtitling, Sign Language interpretation and audio description services. Since leaving Red Bee Media in 2006, Ruth has been working on research and consultancy projects, in both the access and translation arenas.

Terry Riley – CEO

Chief Executive of the newly set up British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT). Terry has a wealth of experience specialising in Deaf Television. He started his career as a researcher with the BBC’s ‘See Hear’ in 1987, gradually working his way up the ladder to become its Editor in 2000. He was instrumental in setting up the European Deaf TV & Video network which now involves over 20 countries including Japan, Greece, Australia and the USA. Terry is a firm advocate in promoting new and up-and-coming Deaf talent both on and off screen.

Maggie Swinfen

Maggie Swinfen is production manager at BSLBT. She has worked as a PM and line producer in film and television for over 18 years, starting her career in pop videos with UB40.

She has worked across a wide range of genres in both feature films and television and she brings skills in drama and factual programmes to this job. She also worked in young people’s programmes for several years, running the small indie, Squeeze Productions.

Joanna Fitzgerald

Joanna is a broadcast sector advisor with special interest in access services. She worked at Channel 4 for 12 years as Deputy Head of Broadcast Technology Management where her responsibilities included the provision of BSL interpreted programmes. She was also responsible for the presentation, playout and video on demand operations. Prior to being at Channel 4, Joanna worked at BSkyB for over a decade, latterly as Head of Transmission. Joanna is married with 2 children.

Oliver Foster

Oli has been Head of Corporate Affairs at the UK Film Council since 2009, where he works closely with politicians and officials in Westminster and Brussels, national and international journalists, and other key figures from across the creative industries. Before the UK Film Council, Oli worked in the Corporate Affairs team at ITV plc, responsible for lobbying on public policy issues including the Public Service Broadcasting Review, Digital Britain, reform of advertising rules, and accessibility.

Nicholas Padden

With an interest in politics, law and corporate issues, Nicholas has substantial experience of board and charity work, and loves looking for opportunities to support and improve what groups can do for the community.

Austin Reeves

Austin was born partially deaf and has 3 children, two of whom are also partially deaf. He was a Civil Engineer with Coventry City Council, responsible for highway bridges, but is now retired. Former Secretary of the Deaf Broadcasting Council and Chair of British Deaf Association, he is currently a Governor for The Royal School for the Deaf in Derby.

Patsy Newey

Patsy Newey worked for 30 years at the BBC, mostly in television. Between 1994 and 2000 she was Series Editor of talk shows. Four of her programmes were nominated for BAFTA and RTS awards. Between 2001 and 2006 Patsy was Executive Producer, ‘See Hear’ and was thrilled to gain her Level 1 certificate in BSL during this time. Patsy now works freelance in event management, facilitation and editorial training.

Penny Beschizza

Penny has been in the teaching profession with Deaf learners for two decades, after doing voluntary work with young deaf people. She is part of the Deaf Broadcasting Council (currently being restructured) and has participated in several broadcasting events concerning deaf TV audiences. Penny’s Board skills encompass Deaf people’s human rights and their personal development.

David Jackson

After his first employment as a quantity surveyor, David moved to computing with IBM, Unilever, ICL and Fujistu. In 1987 he took a one year sabbatical leave to work for Euroaction, training Deaf Associations in the fifteen member states on emailing. Currently he delivers English in BSL to Deaf students/adults; mentors Deaf students at the University for the West of England, and is doing various voluntary work within the Deaf Community.

David has made several TV appearances and is writing a book on the history of UK’s Deaf Telecommunications.

Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson is currently Head of Editorial Operations at UKTV (joint venture between the BBC and Virgin), a network of 10 channels covering entertainment, factual and lifestyle genres. He has responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of all editorial operations.

He has worked in broadcasting for more than 25 years in both the public and commercial sectors and his experience covers a range of disciplines from market research to the running of channels. He also is an executive leadership and management coach at the BBC.

Alan D Murray

Born Deaf, a life-long member of Deaf Community. Strong interest in and access to Arts, Media & Heritage, Deaf Culture & History, BSL campaign. Previously employed in mainstream tertiary education management.

Now a consultant in education management and a freelance teacher/trainer, also a NVQ assessor/internal verifier.

Currently Deputy Chair, deafPLUS; Governor, Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children; and member of the London Organising Committee Deaf Community Outreach Team. Formerly: Vice-Chair – British Deaf Association; Trustee – United Kingdom Council on Deafness; Trustee – Shape Arts and Trustee – London Disability Arts Forum.