The CEO of charity, Deaf Action, which has its HQ on Albany Street in Edinburgh, has been awarded the MBE for services to the deaf community.
Philip Gerrard has dedicated years to championing equality and improving access for deaf people as well as British Sign Language (BSL) users. Since joining the charity as CEO, he has led the organisation and grown it, strengthening its role as a trusted, values-driven, deaf-led charity delivering essential services across Scotland and the UK.
Philip said: “I am deeply grateful to the person who took the time and care to nominate me. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many people working to advance deaf equality, cultural inclusion and disability rights, and I am proud to have played a small part alongside them. I would also like to offer my congratulations to all those named in this year’s Honours List, whose work makes a meaningful difference across so many areas of society.”
Philip’s leadership centres on inclusion, cultural identity and meaningful collaboration, approaches that continue to guide the organisation’s work to support deaf people and the wider sector.
Rosie Addis, Chairperson at Deaf Action, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Philip’s contribution recognised at this level. His commitment to the deaf community and to building a more inclusive society is evident in everything he does. This honour is very well deserved.”
The charity is behind the Deaf Festival run as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This year the charity was able to announce three year funding which saved the festival and laid the foundations for future expansion.
PHOTO Colin Hattersley Photography
