Specsavers nominated for national award

Specsavers has been nominated for a national award in recognition of its work to improve communication between its staff and deaf customers.

Earlier this year, staff at a number of Specsavers practices across Scotland completed a British Sign Language (BSL) course to support them in developing their knowledge and skills so that they could better support deaf patients.

As a result, the multiple has been shortlisted for a ‘Workplace Commitment’ accolade at the national deaf charity Signature’s Annual Awards.

On learning of the nomination, store director at Specsavers in Buchanan Galleries, Arlene Stephenson, said: “I am thrilled that we have been shortlisted for the ‘Workplace Commitment’ title at the Signature Awards. Specsavers is continually looking for ways to train staff to make sure we are able to communicate effectively with any customer that walks into store to ensure their experience is as easy and pleasant as possible.

“We are really proud to have members of our team who are trained in BSL and it is great to see their skills being put to use.”

Other shortlisted nominees include Macmillan Cancer Support for its BSL interpreted content, Transport for London for supporting Deaf Awareness Week, and BSL student Mark Stock, who uses his skills to educate his colleagues at Barclays in Canary Wharf.

The winners will be revealed at an Awards ceremony in Newcastle on 9 November.