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Signature Awards

The Signature Awards are a cornerstone in our work to recognise people who are going above and beyond to improve access for deaf people. For the past nine years, our prestigious awards have been awarded to business leaders, community groups, volunteers, and teachers to name a few.

Our awards weren’t just about what has been achieved so far, but how our nominees were leading, educating and inspiring to create a brighter future for others.

2009 Awards

In 2009 the first Signature Annual Awards were held in The Private Rooms at Buckingham Gate.

“Many people deserve recognition for their dedicated efforts to overcome barriers to communication between deaf and hearing people. Signature Annual Awards provide that recognition by acknowledging those whose contribution moves us all further toward achieving a society in which deaf people have full access.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

  • Sara Scanlon
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Jon Hickman
    Learner of the Year
  • Hertfordshire Constabulary
    Organisational Achievement
  • Lynn Delfosse
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution
  • Trudy Field
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Mike Bush
    Young Learner of the Year
  • Kelly Palmer
    Learner of the Year
  • John Mancini
    Teacher of the Year
  • Signamic
    Centre of the Year
  • Medical School, Queen’s University Belfast
    Organisational Achievement
  • Jack Ashley
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution

2010 Awards

In 2010 the second Signature Annual Awards took place in the grand location of Hotel Russel.

“Our winners very much deserve all the praise they receive. More than 200 nominations were made across all categories and all our finalists deserve credit for their achievements.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

2011 Awards

Plaisterers' Hall hosted the 2011 Signature Annual Awards, the third Annual Awards ceremony.

“The Signature Annual Awards recognise and praise individuals and organisations for their dedicated efforts and tireless determination working towards a society that is more inclusive for deaf and deafblind people. The awards have brought to light many inspiring stories that reach every walk of life. This evening we will be witness to many more amazing stories about those who strive to improve communication and raise awareness across our land.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

  • Jean Gough
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Tara-Eve Forkin
    Young Learner of the Year
  • Lesley Bellew
    Learner of the Year
  • Amanda Smith
    Teacher of the Year
  • Philip Morant School
    Centre of the Year
  • STAGETEXT
    Organisational Achievement
  • Remark! Community
    Community Spirit
  • Clark Denmark
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution
  • Zayne Hema
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Shannon Havern
    Young Learner of the Year
  • Joseph Jones
    Learner of the Year
  • John Palmer
    Teacher of the Year
  • Communication Plus
    Centre of the Year
  • Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD)
    Organisational Achievement
  • Cornwall Deaf Centre
    Community Spirit
  • Zayne Hema
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution

2012 Awards

In 2012 the Signature Annual Awards returned to the prestigious Plaisterers' Hall for the fourth awards ceremony.

“The ceremony is always the highlight of our year and this year it will be particularly special, because it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Signature becoming a registered charity. We look forward to sharing our celebrations with you and recognising the contributions you have made to our collective vision of a society in which deaf people have full access.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

2013 Awards

Our fifth Signature Annual Awards ceremony was hosted at the Bloomsbury Ballroom.

“These awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievements made to improve communication and help us work towards a society in which deaf and deafblind people have full access. We are proud to thank each and every one of you for the work you do throughout the UK.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

  • Lesley Weatherson
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Golofnira Zadran
    Young Learner of the Year
  • Claire Lane
    Learner of the Year
  • Catherine Drew
    Teacher of the Year
  • East Holton NVQ Assessment Centre
    Centre of the Year
  • Corner House
    Organisational Achievement
  • Hands 4 Voices
    Community Spirit
  • Margaret Du Feu
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution
  • Darren Townsend-Handscomb
    Communication Professional of the Year
  • Quaid Cleland
    Young Learner of the Year
  • Ashley Farrelly
    Learner of the Year
  • Janice Crossland-Jones
    Teacher of the Year
  • Signamic
    Centre of the Year
  • Zebra Access
    Organisational Achievement
  • Sheila and John Cheetham
    Community Spirit
  • The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Bruce MP
    Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution

2014 Awards

In 2014 Durham Cathedral welcomed the sixth Signature Annual Awards.

“We are here at Durham Cathedral to celebrate the dedication and determination of people and organisations, who share in our passion for excellence in communication with deaf and deafblind people. In particular, we will recognise those who we all consider to be outstanding. They are leading the way in making sure deaf and deafblind people have the access to society they need.”

PDF Brochure

2015 Awards

In 2015 The Museum of Science and Industry hosted our Signature Annual Awards.

“We have chosen the Museum of Science and Industry to host Signature Recognises... The Community. The building itself is the oldest surviving railway station in the world, and its long history reflects that of deaf and deafblind people themselves, and the communities they live in.”

Teacher/Learner Winners PDF Brochure

  • Zanna Messenger-Jones
    Inspirational Young Person Award
  • Vanessa Addison
    Entrepreneur Award
  • Paul Pemberton
    Outstanding Service Award
  • Leicestershire Police and the Police Link Officers for Deaf people (PLOD)
    Community Impact Award
  • Life & Deaf
    Community Group/Project Award
  • Harry Wooldridge
    Community Spirit Award
  • Jenny Sealey MBE
    Outstanding Contribution Award
  • Celia O’Hagan
    Leadership in Education Award
  • Ayesha Gavin
    Enriching the Student Experience Award
  • Zayne Thomson
    Emerging Teacher Award
  • Annalee Green
    Educational Support Award
  • Rawdon Littlemoor Primary School
    Transforming Lives through Education Award
  • John Lewis York
    Training Initiative Award
  • Pascale Maroney
    Community Champion Award
  • Sara Scanlon
    Signature Life Time Achievement Award

2016 Awards

Prospero House, London hosted the 2016 Signature Annual Awards ceremony.

“We want to highlight and reward the people who are enriching education for deaf people and spreading understanding through teaching deaf communication and awareness.”

PDF Brochure

2017 Awards

The Met Hotel, Leeds host the 2017 Signature Annual Awards ceremony.

“Signature has been a driving force for deaf communication for more than 36 years now. It’s because of thework of people like our finalists here tonight that we can continue to grow and provide those life changing opportunities for so many people.”

PDF Brochure

  • Lorna Forrester
    Emerging Teacher Award
  • Debbie Jervis
    Experienced Teacher Award
  • Emma Caswell
    Professional Contribution Award
  • Jane Simia
    Supporting Education Award
  • Max Buxton
    Employee Champion Award
  • Gerard Swan
    Leadership Award
  • Community Spirit Award
  • Terry Riley OBE
    Signature Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Mark Stock
    Outstanding Student Award
  • Emma Iliffe
    Excellent Teacher Award
  • Cornwall College
    Enriching Education Award
  • Caroline Ryan
    Support Champion Award
  • ITV SignPost
    Workplace Commitment Award
  • Janice Crossland-Jones
    Professional Contribution award
  • Transport for London
    Campaign for the Future Award
  • Ellie Parfitt
    Leadership Award
  • Lily Conlan
    Community Spirit Award
  • Craig Crowley MBA
    Signature Lifetime Achievement Award

2018 Awards

We were delighted to host our tenth Signature Annual Awards in the magnificent BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on the banks of the River Tyne in 2018.

“Over the last 36 years, Signature has continually looked forward, doing everything we can to improve communication between deaf, deafblind and hearing people. Going forward from today will be no different, but only with your help, support and passion can this continue.”

PDF Brochure

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Signature Annual Awards please contact us we will be happy to help.

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Signature Annual Awards is hosted by Signature - excellence in communication with deaf people.

Signature is a trading name of CACDP. CACDP is a charity registered in England and Wales (charity number 1071662); a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number 3581178). Our registered office is: Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, Durham, DH1 1TH.

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