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Your Guide to Access to Work with InSignLanguage
Get clear, simple guidance on how Access to Work funding supports your communication needs. This page walks you through what to expect with InSignLanguage - from eligibility to claims - so you can feel confident and fully supported throughout your journey.
Professional Communication Support for Deaf Professionals
Welcome to InSignLanguage
Our Mission: Providing Accessibility That Changes Lives
At InSignLanguage, our core purpose is to eliminate communication barriers and ensure equal access for Deaf professionals. Guided by our mission, "Providing Accessibility That Changes Lives," we are dedicated to creating workplaces where Deaf individuals can fully participate and excel.
Comprehensive Access to Work Services
We offer a wide range of services designed to help you thrive in your professional environment. Our support includes British Sign Language interpreting, Video Relay Service, translation, and employment assistance - all tailored to meet the unique needs of Deaf professionals.
Quality Assured Support
Our services adhere to stringent international standards for quality and security. This includes ISO 18841:2018 for Interpreting Services, ISO 17100 for Translation Services, ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 27001:2015 for Information Security, as well as full UK GDPR compliance.
A Trusted Partner for Your Professional Success
Choosing InSignLanguage means you are supported by a partner with Department for Work and Pensions approval and a proven track record of empowering Deaf professionals across various industries and career stages. We are committed to your professional growth and success.
Comprehensive Services Designed for Your Success
Communication and Employment Support for Deaf Professionals
At InSignLanguage, we deliver a full range of communication and employment support services, all funded through your Access to Work grant. Our offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Deaf professionals, ensuring you can access the support necessary to thrive in your workplace.
Video Relay Service (VRS)
Our Video Relay Service enables instant access to qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters. You can connect quickly and easily using the InSign UK App or Microsoft Teams. This service is designed to support both personal and professional communication needs, ensuring you have continuous access to interpretation whenever required.
Face-to-Face Interpreting
We provide professional on-site BSL interpreters for various workplace settings, including meetings, training sessions, interviews, and larger events. When assignments are lengthy or complex, we deploy two-interpreter teams to ensure accuracy and maintain high standards of communication support.
BSL/English Translation Services
Our translation services make essential workplace documents accessible. We deliver clear and accurate versions of policies, induction materials, contracts, and guidance documents, helping you stay informed and fully integrated in your professional environment.
Lipspeaking Services
For clients who rely on lip-reading, we offer Lipspeaking Services to facilitate effective communication. This support is ideal for meetings, presentations, and one-to-one discussions, ensuring you can participate confidently in all workplace interactions.
Note-Taking Services
Live written notes are provided during meetings and training sessions, allowing you to capture important information and maintain records that enhance your engagement in conferences, team meetings, and training events.
Employment and Career Support
Our comprehensive employment and career support covers every stage of your professional journey. We assist with CV development, job searching, interview practice and preparation, workplace adjustments advice, and offer limited post-employment support to help you regain employment if needed.
Flexible Consultation Methods
All consultation services are delivered through your preferred communication method, whether it is Video Relay Service, Microsoft Teams, phone relay, or face-to-face support. This flexibility ensures you receive assistance in a way that best suits your individual needs.
Understanding Your Access to Work Funding
What Is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a UK government grant program designed to provide both practical and financial support for disabled individuals engaged in paid employment, self-employment, apprenticeships, or work trials. This support can include funding for communication services, specialist equipment, adjustments to the workplace, and assistance with travel. Importantly, you do not need an official diagnosis to apply. Eligibility is based on whether you have a disability, health condition, or mental health condition that affects your ability to work.
Types of Services Funded
The Access to Work grant typically covers two main types of services, each with its own distinct funding allocation. The first is Video Relay Service (VRS), which is usually the primary channel for everyday workplace communication. VRS funding reflects its frequent use for daily professional interactions. The second type is face-to-face interpreting, which is allocated funding for essential in-person events such as team meetings, training sessions, and presentations where physical presence is required.
Impact on Other Benefits
Receiving an Access to Work grant does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving, and there is no requirement to repay the grant.
How Support Is Used in the Workplace
In daily practice, VRS is often used as the main method for routine workplace communication, while face-to-face interpreting is reserved for critical events that require in-person support. This structured approach ensures that you receive the right type of communication assistance for every workplace scenario.
Your Consultation and Onboarding Journey
The initial consultation establishes your partnership with InSignLanguage and ensures we understand your unique workplace needs.
Initial Consultation Setup
Your consultation begins with confirmation of your preferred communication method, ensuring BSL interpretation or appropriate communication support is in place. We conduct a comprehensive needs assessment covering:
• Your employment status (current role, job offer, or job seeking)
• Work location and structure (office-based, remote, or hybrid)
• Typical work activities requiring communication support
• Employer engagement level and willingness to participate
• Previous experience with AtW or interpreting services
• Any immediate workplace challenges or upcoming events requiring support
Understanding the AtW Grant Structure
During your consultation, we explain the AtW grant structure including:
• What AtW covers and what it doesn't
• Client and employer responsibilities
• Monthly claims process and submission requirements
• Funding limits and contribution rules
InSignLanguage Service Options
We present InSignLanguage service options by describing:
• VRS capabilities and daily usage scenarios
• Face-to-face interpreting booking procedures and advance notice requirements
• Translation services for workplace documents
• Employment support for career navigation and workplace adjustments
Contract Terms and Commitments
We clarify contract terms and commitments including:
• The exclusive commitment clause
• Monthly claims submission obligations
• 48-hour cancellation policy for face-to-face services
• Change in circumstance notification requirements
Consultation Conclusion and Next Steps
Your consultation concludes with a documented support plan, next steps for your AtW application or amendment, employer engagement actions if needed, and a scheduled follow-up date.
You will receive clear action items including:
• Completing intake forms
• Submitting required documentation
• Downloading the InSign UK App
• Scheduling your kickoff call once AtW approval is received
Your Commitments: Working Together for Success
Establishing a successful partnership with InSignLanguage requires a clear understanding of the commitments expected during your Access to Work grant period. By adhering to these commitments, you help ensure that your support remains consistent, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Exclusive Commitment
During any Access to Work grant or funded program, you are required to engage exclusively with InSignLanguage and its partner organizations for all sign language interpretation services and related support. This arrangement covers all communications with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Career Network activities that pertain to your employment or training. You may not interact directly with the DWP regarding matters covered by your agreement unless you have received prior written consent from authorized InSignLanguage leadership. Any such approved exceptions will be documented in your client records.
Monthly Claims Submission
To maintain uninterrupted support, you must submit Access to Work Support Worker claims on the specified dates each month. Your dedicated Account Manager will assist you by reviewing your support usage, confirming interpreter sessions and Video Relay Service (VRS) usage, preparing claim summaries, checking for any missing details, helping to complete electronic claims, and responding to any DWP queries. If a claim is not submitted or is rejected, your services may be temporarily paused until the issue is resolved. InSignLanguage will work with you to correct the issue and restore continuity of support as quickly as possible.
Notification of Changes
You are responsible for promptly notifying InSignLanguage of any changes in your circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in your job role, duties, working hours, line manager, workplace location, employment status, or communication needs. Upon notifying InSignLanguage, you should schedule a consultation through the InSignLanguage VRS Booking Platform to review how these changes may affect your support plan and to ensure your needs continue to be met effectively.
Cancellation Policy and Agreement Terms
Cancellation Policy
To ensure smooth and uninterrupted service delivery, it is essential to adhere to the established cancellation policies for face-to-face interpreting bookings with InSignLanguage. Making changes or canceling appointments requires careful planning to avoid unexpected charges. All cancellations or adjustments to bookings must be communicated with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
If the required notice is not provided, cancellation fees will apply according to a tiered structure:
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Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled face-to-face service will result in the full service charge being applied.
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Cancellations between 8 and 15 days prior to the appointment will incur a 50% service charge.
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Cancellations made 15 or more days before the appointment will not be subject to any cancellation fees.
Agreement Terms
Your agreement with InSignLanguage remains effective for the entire duration of any Access to Work (AtW) grant and continues throughout any program or service - whether funded or unfunded - provided by InSignLanguage, unless officially replaced by a new agreement. Should you choose to terminate the agreement, including cases where you independently secure employment without the involvement of InSignLanguage, you are required to submit written notice at least six months in advance, or until the conclusion of your current AtW grant period, whichever is sooner.
Early Termination Charges
If the agreement is ended without the proper notice period, you will be liable for an early termination charge. This charge is calculated as the lesser of either the value of six months’ service charges or the amount remaining in your current AtW grant period. The early termination fee is intended as a genuine pre-estimate of loss and covers expenses related to allocated interpreter resources, completed administrative tasks, service planning, and operational costs. These provisions are designed to safeguard your interests and to ensure that InSignLanguage can continue to deliver reliable and consistent services to all clients.
Managing Changes: Variation of Agreement
Your workplace needs may evolve over time, and InSignLanguage provides a structured Variation process to adapt your support accordingly.
When Variation May Be Required
A Variation may be required when:
• Your AtW grant amount changes
• You require additional support such as more VRS minutes or interpreting hours
• Your job responsibilities expand or shift
• You move into a new team or department
• Your employer requests changes to support delivery
• Your communication needs evolve
• A new workplace adjustment is put in place
Initiating a Variation
All Variation discussions must be initiated through a consultation booked on the InSignLanguage VRS Booking Platform to ensure:
• Documented and auditable review
• ISO-aligned decision-making
• Support continuity
• Accurate AtW evidence and compliance
What Happens During Variation Consultations
During Variation consultations, your consultant:
• Reviews your needs in detail
• Identifies risks or gaps in communication support
• Advises whether AtW amendment is needed
• Updates your support plan
• Notifies you and your employer of changes where appropriate
• Records the Variation for audit and quality assurance purposes
When Variations Become Valid
A Variation becomes valid only once the consultation has been completed, changes are confirmed in writing, and Access to Work approval is granted if required. Until approval is received, your existing Agreement remains in full effect.
Why This Structured Approach Matters
This structured approach:
• Prevents unauthorized service changes
• Maintains compliance with DWP requirements
• Protects both your interests and organizational interests
• Ensures all support modifications are properly documented and funded
Quality Standards: Your Assurance of Excellence
Rigorous Compliance Framework
InSignLanguage is committed to delivering professional, secure, and reliable services by adhering to a comprehensive compliance framework. This framework is designed to ensure excellence in every aspect of service delivery, protecting clients and maintaining program integrity.
Industry Standards for Interpreting and Translation
All interpreting assignments at InSignLanguage are conducted by qualified and registered interpreters, in accordance with ISO 18841:2018 Interpreting Services. This international standard defines the requirements for professional interpreting and ensures that every assignment meets the highest industry benchmarks. For translation services, ISO 17100 Translation Services is followed to guarantee accuracy and uphold professional standards throughout every translation project.
Quality Management and Collaboration
InSignLanguage implements ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems to drive consistent and high-quality service delivery. This standard emphasizes standardized planning and processes, ensuring that all services are executed in collaboration with employers and interpreters, and that quality is maintained across all engagements.
Data Security and Confidentiality
​Your personal data is safeguarded by robust security controls aligned with ISO 27001:2015 Information Security Management. All systems are encrypted, and strict protocols are followed to protect information. Compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 further ensures that all personal data is managed securely, remains confidential, and is used only for purposes agreed upon during service delivery.
Access to Work Programme Requirements
To maintain approval from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), InSignLanguage meets all Access to Work programme requirements. This includes providing specific evidence documentation, following established claim submission procedures, and upholding service delivery standards as mandated by the programme.
Legal Governance
The agreement between clients and InSignLanguage is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from the agreement are resolved under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in England and Wales.
Client Protection and Service Integrity
This multi-layered compliance framework ensures that you, as the client, are protected at every stage. It maintains the integrity of the Access to Work programme, demonstrates organizational professionalism, and supports sustainable, high-quality service delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access to Work Overview
What is Access to Work and how does it help me?
Access to Work is a government-funded initiative in the UK that provides both practical and financial support to individuals with disabilities. This program is designed to assist those who are in paid employment, self-employment, apprenticeships, or work trials. Support is offered in the form of funding for communication assistance, specialist equipment, workplace adjustments, and travel expenses. The goal is to help you secure and maintain employment by addressing any barriers you may face in the workplace.
Eligibility and Application
Do I need a formal diagnosis to apply for Access to Work?
You do not need to have an official medical diagnosis to apply for Access to Work. Eligibility is determined by whether you have a disability, health condition, or mental health issue that affects your ability to perform your job. The presence of such a condition, rather than a formal diagnosis, is the basis for applying to the program.
Commitment to InSignLanguage
What does InSignLanguage's exclusive commitment mean?
Throughout the duration of your Access to Work grant, you are required to exclusively use InSignLanguage and its partner organizations for all sign language interpreting services and related support. You are not permitted to communicate directly with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about matters covered by your agreement unless you have received prior written consent from authorized InSignLanguage leadership.
Claim Submission Process
How often do I need to submit monthly claims?
You must submit your Access to Work Support Worker claim on the designated date each month. Your Account Manager will review your support usage, confirm your sessions, prepare a summary of your claim, and assist you in completing and submitting the electronic claim.
Cancellation Policy for Face-to-Face Interpreting
What is the cancellation policy for face-to-face interpreting?
To cancel or change a booking, you are required to provide at least 48 hours’ notice. If you cancel within seven days of the scheduled session, you will be charged the full fee. Cancellations made between eight and fifteen days before the session will incur a 50% fee. If you cancel more than fifteen days in advance, there are no fees.
Reporting Changes in Employment
What should I do if my job role or employer changes?
If there is a change in your job role, duties, hours, line manager, workplace location, employment status, or communication needs, you must inform InSignLanguage immediately. Following notification, you should book a consultation through the InSignLanguage VRS Booking Platform to review how the change affects your support plan.
Support Scope and Limitations
Can InSignLanguage help with job performance or employer decisions?
InSignLanguage supports you with reasonable adjustments, provides guidance on communication and workplace matters, and assists with navigating Access to Work processes. However, the organization does not take responsibility for your job performance, employer decisions, or issues related to workplace conduct.
Career Development Support
What support is available for career development?
InSignLanguage offers assistance with CV writing and job searching, interview practice and preparation, advice on workplace adjustments, and limited post-employment support. If you lose your job due to circumstances such as illness, InSignLanguage can help you regain employment.
Agreement Duration and Termination
How long does my agreement with InSignLanguage last?
Your agreement remains active for the entire duration of any Access to Work grant and for any funded or unfunded program or service provided by InSignLanguage. The agreement will continue unless it is explicitly replaced by a new agreement.
What if I want to end the agreement early?
If you wish to terminate your agreement, including situations where you secure employment independently, you must give written notice of at least six months or until the end of your current Access to Work grant period, whichever is shorter. If you terminate the agreement early without sufficient notice, you will be required to pay an early termination charge equal to either six months of service fees or the value of the remaining Access to Work period.
Interaction with Other Benefits
Will my Access to Work grant affect my other benefits?
The Access to Work grant does not impact any other benefits you receive. Moreover, you are not required to repay the grant.