Meet the team

Taslima

PA to CEO

Supports Gail in keeping on top of her busy schedule by managing her calendar and day-to-day office life.

Jess

Learning and Development Coordinator

Ensures our staff and volunteers across the organisation are kept up to date with their training & development.

Roz

Finance Assistant

Ensures our teams are paid on time each month and allocates any external funding received.

Afia

Lead Worker

I chose this job because growing up, I face lots of barriers so working with clients means I can help remove some of those barriers. I love my team!

Bhav

Senior Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Officer

I have worked at BID Services for 20 years now and have always felt passionately about my job. As I have been in a number of different roles during this time, I have had the opportunity to develop new skills.

Noel

Advocacy Worker

Ensures people can make informed choices about their mental health and have control over their care and treatment.

Mark

Business Development Executive

My proudest achievement was developing, setting up and sustaining our Employment Service for over 12 years.

Safina

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officer

Part of the BASS team, supporting local D/deaf and hard of hearing clients with bills, housing issues and much more.

Fatemah

Lead Worker

Rabia

Employment Administrator

Helps to process the paperwork, keeping the employment database up to date and allocating referrals to the appropriate team members.

Liz

Business Support Administrator – Facilities, Training & Finance

I enjoy the variety of my role here at BID where every day is different. I might be launching a new BSL Training course, purchasing equipment or organising quotes from suppliers. I find it rewarding to work for BID whose purpose is to enable and empower people.

Loredana

Finance Assistant

Lisa

Marketing and Multimedia Specialist

I’ve been here for over 20 years without getting into too much trouble! When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, cooking and decorating the house. I have two dogs who enjoy taking me for walks!

Georgia

Marketing Officer

I’ve really enjoyed learning about different sensory impairments and learning BSL. I’m proud of the part I’ve played in revamping our social media presence and using these platforms to connect with, celebrate and inspire our communities.

Alex

Employment Coach

Supports clients with a visual impairment with interview practice, enrolling onto training courses and Access to Work.

Ned

Full-time Working Boy

I’m a guide dog for Alex and I love coming into the office and getting lots of attention when I’m off-duty.

Amina

Independent Mental Health Advocate

Helps people understand their rights, express their views, and participate in decisions about their mental health care.

Jock

Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Supports our clients with job searching, Access to Work (ATW), ongoing in-work support and maintains relationships with employers.  

Laura

Mental Health Advocacy

In charge of our Building Community Advocacy (BCA) Service, helping people to understand their rights when it comes to accessing mental health services.

Denise

Employment Team Manager

I joined BID in 2019 and my proudest achievement is gaining qualifications in BSL. Working here gives me the opportunity to work in an innovative way.

Emma

Service Manager for Birmingham and Solihull IAG Services

My colleagues are my friends and we work together to support citizens to achieve their outcomes – no matter how big or small. I like to spend my spare time with my two children.

Richard

Youth and Transitional Worker

Organises fun activities for our weekly Youth Club and half term activities to help keep the kids entertained during the holidays! He also manages a brilliant team of volunteers.

Kayleigh

HR Officer

I’ve had many different roles since joining BID in 2018! When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my children and family.

Andrew

Community Trainer

I like working here and being part of a community. When I’m not here, I enjoy working on my project cards and being a dad to my three children!

Jet

Training Officer

Teaches Level 1, 2 and 3 BSL courses at our Deaf Cultural Centre, as well as Deaf Awareness Training.

Karl

Training Officer

Teaches Level 1, 2, and 3 BSL courses, intense BSL courses and delivers Deaf Awareness Training.

Rubina

Lead Worker

Sarah

Play Worker

A crucial part of our Youth Service, running fun weekly sessions and supporting with the half term holiday activities.

Gillian

Independent Mental Health Advocate

Helps people understand their rights, express their views, and participate in decisions about their mental health care.

Bronagh

Youth Club Worker

Abdul

VI & HOH Employment Coach

Emily

Wellbeing Worker/BSL Employment Coach

Bailey

Communicator Guide/Technology Officer

I joined the team in 2021. My proudest moment is achieving a level 3 apprenticeship in customer service. I really enjoy helping people and when I’m not at work, I like to visit my friends.

Lindsey

Hearing Aid Clinic Outreach Worker

I’ve been within the Sensory Services for 18 years and joined BID in 2017. I’m so proud of achieving my level 2 in BSL. I like working here because it gives me the chance to help break down the barriers that people with a sensory loss face on a daily basis in the community.

Karl

Development Manager

I began working at BID Services in 2017 and my proudest achievement is to see other people gaining confidence and agency after working with our services. I really enjoy working here because I get involved in so many different projects.

Georgina

Single Point of Access Worker/Marketing Officer

I originally joined BID in 2019 as Customer Service Co-ordinator however I left just after COVID. That didn’t last long though as, I loved working for BID that much, I returned in 2023. I have been lucky enough to be given so many opportunities to develop new skills and earn qualification that will benefit my future. I also love getting to know the people who use our service and speaking with some amazing characters daily. I know that no two days are the same and I can guarantee to be filled with laughter at some point every day.

Olivia

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO)

I enjoy working for BID as I am able to support those living with sight loss. I enjoy the emotional support side of my role as I can relate to some of what my clients are going through due to having sight loss myself. In my spare time I enjoy singing, recording myself singing and putting it online. 

Dinos

HI/VI Assistive Technology Officer

I have worked in ICT for years but for the last 12 years I have worked exclusively with assistive tech, which I find extremely rewarding. I am pleased to join BID Leeds as it’s an amazing busy community hub with an entertaining team of colleagues, and most importantly, in the role I can have face to face interactions with my new service users. It’s a more a personal service.

Harbinder

Wellbeing Worker

Yasmin

Mind Development Worker

Wendy

Volunteer/Befriending Coordinator

My journey began back in 2019 as an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officer for visually impaired people but later moved over to this role. I really enjoy receiving lovely messages of appreciation from people that I’ve supported – I love to help people keep their independence.

Milton

Equipment Officer

I started working for BID Services in 2013 and I’m proud to be empowering our service users in their daily lives. I like working here because I meet people from all walks of life. Outside of work, you’ll find me socialising with my friends and family.

Amanda

Team Manager

Lisa

Specialist Social Worker

Chris

Sensory Service Manager

I joined in 2011 and I’m proud to have helped launch the Leeds service. I love the variety of my role, supporting teams and seeing the difference we make to people’s lives. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming! I live on a narrow boat so often spend time travelling along the water.

Mark

Senior Wellbeing Worker

Michael

Mental Health Worker (Social Groups)

Joanne

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Worker

Supporting local D/deaf and hard of hearing clients with bills, housing issues and much more.

Jo

Single Point of Access Coordinator

Manages the daily referrals received into Lincolnshire Sensory Services, ensuring they reach the appropriate member of staff.

Amanda

Senior Community Development Officer

Strengthens our communities by working with local groups and attending stall events to showcase the services we have to offer.

Paul

Information, Advice and Guidance Worker

Supporting local D/deaf and hard of hearing clients with bills, housing issues and much more. Paul also delivers Deaf Awareness Training sessions to local organisations!

Amanda

Senior Sensory Deafblind and Children’s Assessor

Meets with young children and their families to assess the individuals needs in terms of mobility training, specialist equipment and emotional needs.

Dona

Office Admin

I joined in 2022 and I really like being able to advise and help people whenever and wherever I can, it’s very rewarding to offer assistance to those who are unsure. When I’m not working, I’m usually organising events for my son and his friends or enjoying dinner and a show!

Elaine

Sensory Service Officer

Supports local D/deaf and hard of hearing clients to live more independently by conducting assessments and training to help individuals manage their day-to-day living and accessing their local community.

Pauline

Team Manager

I started in 2013 and my proudest achievement is achieving a level 5 award in management and leadership and passing level 2 BSL. As a deaf person, I find it empowering working for a sensory impairment charity. In my spare time, I crochet, do gardening and travel.

Karen

Sensory Services Manager

Alex

Sensory Services Manager

Sarah

Senior BSL Interpreter and Lipspeaker

I joined in 2008, my proudest achievement is becoming a qualified Lipspeaker. I like working here because of the friendly and supportive atmosphere. In my spare time, I’m a crochet pattern designer and tester.

Beth

BSL/English Interpreter

I joined the team in 2019 and I enjoy working at BID Services because of the passion and support of my team. In my spare time, I enjoy playing sport and spending time with family and friends.

Frankie

BSL/English Interpreter

I joined the team in 2011, left between 2016-2019 and returned in 2019! When not working here, I enjoy watching and playing sport and walking in my local park by the river.

Jo

BSL/English Interpreter

I started working for BID Services in 2011 as Projects Officer. After years working on various projects I made the jump across to Interpreting in 2023. I am currently an in-house Sign Language Interpreter. Most of my favourite moments from working at BID involve our youth service and the amazing young people who’ve accessed our services.

Jess

BSL/English Interpreter

I joined BID as a sign language interpreter in 2024, I’m a proud CODA and being able to work closely with the Deaf community is something I find incredibly rewarding, I thrive on the variety of bookings I get to be part of and enjoy the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of interpreting. When I’m not interpreting, you’ll likely find me out for a run or lost in a good book.

Jane

BSL/English Interpreter

Sophie

BSL/English Interpreter

Gail

CEO

I started working here in 1999 and I’m proud to have worked to develop BID from a small locally based charity to a regional charity that operates across a national footprint with a diverse range of services and projects. I enjoy working with talented, caring and extremely dedicated people.

Tony

Head of Finance and I.T.

I started in 2015 and I’m particularly proud of the role in enabling the organisation to work throughout the COVID-pandemic. I love seeing how the work we do has an positive effect on people’s lives. Outside of work, I enjoy down-time with my family and friends.

Ian

Head of Operations

I joined in January 2021 and my role is to look after our services across England that provide direct support to our clients. I’m responsible for keeping our services safe, of a high standard and to deliver what our clients and commissioners want and need.

Mark

People and Culture Lead

Mark is head of our Human Resources team, ensuring our staff, volunteers and clients are well-supported and that we as an organisation are following legal policies.

Sunita

Head of Business Development/Marketing

I started in 2018 to help sustain and develop our services and now my role is to oversee our business development and marketing functions which means no two days are ever the same. Outside work I love to get out and about in nature as much as I can.

Debbie

Head of Operations

I joined BID in 2008 as a Support Worker and have been extremely proud to work as part of a committed and passionate team of staff and volunteers helping to improve the lives of the communities we support. It continues to be a privilege to carry on this work as part of BID’s Senior Management Team.

Matt

Chair

Matt has a wealth of experience in supporting organisations to achieve their potential, in addition to helping individual into work using Diversity & Inclusion strategies. Having been born with unilateral hearing loss, Matt is passionate about creating awareness and supporting others with hearing loss. He’s been a proud member of our Board since November 2021.

Michael

Vice-Chair

Joined the Board in September 2015, taking on the role of treasurer. Michael was previously Director of Resources at BID and has an in-depth knowledge of the organisation. He holds an MSc in public service management, is highly skilled in IT, accountancy, human resource management and has supported the governance of the organisation.

Sandeep

Trustee

Sandeep has been a member of the board since September 2012. Being profoundly deaf herself, she brings comprehensive knowledge and experience of the juxtaposition of Asian British culture and of hearing/deaf culture. Her understanding within the deaf community of belief and ethical matters makes a valuable contribution to the balance of the board.

Andrew

Treasurer

Andrew brings a diverse range of experience gained from senior positions in both the public and private sector. As a Chartered Management Accountant and also a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers, Andrew brings valuable finance and commercial experience to the Board.

Hannah

Trustee

Hannah is the Director of Membership and Partnerships for The Makaton Charity, where she leads initiatives to support inclusive communication. She is also the founder of Makaton Places, a programme dedicated to creating accessible environments for all. Passionate about ensuring equal access for the deaf and sensory-impaired communities, she is committed to promoting high standards of quality and inclusion across all services.

Vic

Trustee

Vic Younis is a Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution and Corporate Law at Wall James Chappell. Vic is a driven and innovative professional known for his expertise in resolving disputes for SME’s. Apart from Law, Vic is a Commercial Director at Stourbridge Football Club. Vic is committed to continuous learning and growth and dedicated to making a meaningful impact in every endeavour.

Adam

Trustee

Born in Birmingham, Deaf from birth and a native BSL user, Adam is passionate about breaking down barriers and empowering the Deaf community. He has a strong passion for Deaf sports and volunteers as General Secretary for Birmingham Deaf FC, promoting inclusion through football and community projects. A former BID Services staff member (2014–2020), Adam brings first-hand insight, inspiring leadership, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities where Deaf people can lead, be heard, and thrive.