Sign language is not universal and Frances uses British Sign Language (BSL) which is indigenous to the UK. Similarly to spoken languages, there is regional variation and variation between BSL signers. This does not in any way affect the interpreting process in the same way regional dialect and idiosyncrasies do not hinder spoken communication.
Born in Epping, Essex, Frances spent her teens and early twenties in the beautiful city of York and it was here she learnt to sign. Consequently, she signs with a northern 'accent' (using regional signs associated with Yorkshire).
From York, Frances moved to Derby where she worked as a Communication Support Worker in further and higher education. Since moving to London and qualifying as a BSL/English interpreter in 2001, Frances has worked in a variety of domains including community, education, health, media and more recently specialising in mental health. Frances is also a qualified assessor.
Frances is registered with the National Registers of Communication Professionals (NRCPD) working with Deaf and Deafblind People and listed as a professional standards adviser.
Frances is a member of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) which includes her professional indemnity insurance and a member of Visual Language Professionals (VLP).
