Gibraltar Introduces 24/7 British Sign Language Interpretation Service

Gibraltar Government Press Releases

Published March 20th, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

The Government of Gibraltar, through the Supported Needs and Disability Office, has launched a new 24/7 British Sign Language (BSL) video interpretation service in partnership with Convo. This service aims to empower d/Deaf individuals by providing immediate access to interpreters for communication with government departments and healthcare services.

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What changed

The Government of Gibraltar, via its Supported Needs and Disability Office (SNDO) and in partnership with UK-based Convo, has introduced a new 24/7 British Sign Language (BSL) video interpretation service. This initiative, launched during BSL Week, allows d/Deaf individuals to connect with qualified BSL interpreters via video call within approximately one minute using a smartphone or tablet. The service facilitates communication with various government departments, including emergency services and the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA), ensuring greater autonomy and accessibility for the d/Deaf community.

QR codes will be distributed across all government departments, and staff training on technical support and d/Deaf awareness will be provided. The SNDO has also engaged with BSL users and the Gibraltar Hearing Issues and Tinnitus Association (GHITA) to gather feedback and ensure the service meets user needs. This rollout represents a significant enhancement to existing accessibility provisions, building on previous initiatives like SpeakSee and SignCode.

What to do next

Distribute QR codes for the BSL interpretation service across all government departments.
Conduct staff training on technical support and d/Deaf awareness.
Ensure integration of the service into critical response pathways for emergency services.

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+ Reset ## New 24/7 British Sign Language Service Introduced to support Gibraltar’s d/Deaf Community - 194/2026

March 20, 2026

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This week, in recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) Week, the Supported Needs and Disability Office (SNDO), operating under the Ministry of Equality, has introduced a new British Sign Language (BSL) video interpretation service for persons who are d/Deaf.

The service is delivered in partnership with Convo, a UK-based company operating a global platform designed to empower d/Deaf individuals. Convo enables users to communicate independently, take control of their interactions, and access services with greater autonomy.

Using a smartphone or tablet, users can simply scan a QR code, which instantly connects them via video call to a qualified BSL interpreter, typically within one minute. While similar services have previously been available in Gibraltar through other providers, Convo offers a significant enhancement with its 24-hour, 7-day availability.

In addition, Convo provides a user-friendly telephone directory service. Users can select the department they wish to contact, triggering a video connection to a qualified BSL interpreter within one minute. The interpreter then facilitates communication by placing a three-way call: the user signs their message via video, while the interpreter relays it through a voice call to the relevant department. This ensures seamless and effective communication across services.

Representatives from Convo have been in Gibraltar this week to meet with key stakeholders and support the rollout of the service. The SNDO hosted an introductory meeting with all HM Government of Gibraltar departments and their disability coordinators, where Convo demonstrated how the system works. QR codes will soon be distributed across all departments, including public counters and meeting rooms, and further staff training, covering both technical support and d/Deaf awareness, will take place in the coming weeks.

Engagement, spearheaded by the Gibraltar Health Authority’s (GHA) Neurodevelopment and Disability Office, has also taken place with Director General Paul Bosio and Medical Director Mark Garcia alongside other clinical and operational key stakeholders, to ensure the service is fully aligned with Gibraltar’s healthcare priorities.

Separate discussions were held with emergency service representatives, including Civil Contingencies, 999, 111, Police, Fire and Ambulance services to determine whether we could integrate Convo into the critical response pathways.

Crucially, the SNDO also hosted a dedicated session with BSL users and members of the Gibraltar Hearing Issues and Tinnitus Association (GHITA), giving individuals with lived experience the opportunity to learn about the service and provide feedback. This collaborative approach ensures the service is shaped around the real needs of its users.

The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “The Supported Needs and Disability Office has been working for some time to enhance services for those with hearing impairments. In December, we introduced SpeakSee, and we continue to work with SignCode, who provide in-person interpreters and produce pre-recorded BSL video content for Gibraltar.

“This new partnership with Convo represents the next step in empowering d/Deaf individuals to communicate independently and advocate for themselves, should they wish, without relying on others. I am delighted to see this initiative come to fruition. I look forward to meeting with service users in the coming months, once they are familiar with the platform, to gather feedback and ensure the service continues to meet their needs.”