Nottinghamshire Deaf Society and BID Services Merger

Nottinghamshire Deaf Society and BID Services Merger

A transcript for this video has been included just below.

Tony: I’m Tony Hawkins and as a Trustee of Nottinghamshire Deaf Society NDS, I’m delighted to be here alongside Matt Collingwood, Chair of BID Services, to share some important news about the future of our organisation. For over 135 years, NDS has proudly supported those who are deaf and hard of hearing across Nottinghamshire. Today we are announcing a new chapter in that story. From the 2nd of November 2026, NDS and BID Services plan for formally merge.

Matt: As Chair of BID Services, I’m delighted to be here today. This partnership is something I’m incredibly excited about because our organisations share a long history, common values and are commitment to supporting our communities. As someone who’s hard of hearing myself, I understand the barriers and the challenges those who are deaf and hard of hearing face each day and the importance of ensuring services such as ours remain. Together we are creating a stronger, more sustainable future for these local services.

Tony: While the merger will see NDS become a part of BID Services, it is not the end of NDS’s story. It is about protecting its future. NDS Trustees approached BID Services to explore a merger so that our local services, community presence and support for Nottinghamshire’s Deaf Community could strengthen and develop. The goal and culture of NDS and BID are well matched. For over a century, both charities have worked tirelessly to breakdown barriers and support people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Alongside this, BID services has also developed expertise in supporting those with sight impairments and who are deafblind.

Matt: Our organisation share a vision of creating a world without barriers where everyone can fully participate. By combining our strengths, we will have greater capacity, resources and expertise to support more people who are deaf, hard of hearing, sight impaired or deafblind and to breakdown these barriers. This includes strengthening our infrastructure, fundraising, IT, HR and operational support, enabling us to invest more in frontline services and the communities that we serve. Together we will create stability resilience, helping to ensure local services remain sustainable and continue delivering lasting impact for many years to come.

Tony: For those who use our services, the message is simple: local support will remain. This is not about scaling down or withdrawing our activities. The team, services and local commitment that people know and trust will continue. We are also committed to retaining the NDS brand and local identity, recognising its history, heritage and importance within Nottinghamshire’s deaf community. Our clients will remain at the heart of everything we do.

Matt: This merger will also benefit our staff and volunteers, creating opportunities to learn from one another, share expertise and work within a wider network of colleagues. Together we can strengthen our impact, expand the support available and be an even stronger force for positive change.

Tony: NDS will become part of BID’s wider services, but our experience, knowledge and voice will continue to play an important role within the merged organisation.

Matt: We expect that the merger will formally take effect from the 2nd of November 2026. We look forward to this exciting new chapter together. We would like to thank you for your continued support.

Tony: We understand that mergers can raise questions and concerns for clients, staff, volunteers, funders, and families. We will keep you updated through the process. Together, we look forward to building a stronger future for our communities.

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