Andy Irvine - relevant experience:
Most recently (and prior to setting up Commtacs) - over four years experience with a major national voluntary organisation in the field of deafness - Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) now known as Signature - a national examination/awarding body in communication skills with Deaf and Deafblind People based in Durham. Prior to CACDP, over 12 years experience with a medium-large sized local voluntary organisation - Glasgow & West of Scotland Society for the Deaf (GWSSD) now known as Deaf Connections. See below for further details. Currently a Qualification specification/curriculum trainer for Deaf Awareness and Communication Tactics and a Signature/CACDP Deaf Awareness Examiner. Skills and experience in these areas have proved invaluable in the delivery and planning of all of our courses.

Position held with CACDP: National Development Officer (Scotland)
Main areas of responsibility included the design and delivery of 'training of trainers' courses [curriculum & assessment] in Deaf Awareness-Deaf Equality and Communication Tactics training courses, support to trainers and examiners in the field of communication skills with Deaf and Deafblind people as well as working closely with the many centres that offer these qualifications.Prior to this, over 12 years spent with a medium-large sized local voluntary organisation - Glasgow & West of Scotland Society for the Deaf (GWSSD) now known as Deaf Connections.

Position held with GWSSD: Community Services Manager
Responsible for operational areas including: Information and Community based training programmes, Communication Support Services, British Sign Language (BSL) training courses and Deaf Awareness training.

Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI):
For many years, a Registered Sign Language Interpreter, registered with SASLI - Held various positions within the Association (most recent being Registrar) and actively involved in the development of the Association and profession of Sign Language Interpreting. Currently a Co-opted member with the association. Held position as Interim Project Manager/Acting Director during May - October 2007

Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD):
An active member of the Management Committee of SCoD. Commtacs is itself a member of the National Council.

Scottish Enterprise/Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Registered trainer for the series of e-Business Workshops for the Voluntary Sector (Making the Connection & Transforming your Web site).

Scottish Deaf Studies Tutor Group (SDSTG)
Member of the inaugural committee of SDSTG and currently holding the position of Secretary within the management/steering committee.

Work with us ...

If you are interested in working with COMMTACS as a sessional/freelance trainer please get in touch. We would be delighted in discussing potential work.

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