I’ve set up Signalise Co-op from the unique position of working as a Sign Language Interpreter for 16 years, working on the committees and boards of several organisations and, in the last 3 years, being a Web Developer working on business sites and platforms.Through my experience, I have seen how interpreting is contracted and delivered, and how social value and technology can help the public sector improve service delivery. Signalise Co-op brings together the communities of interpreters and Deaf people on Merseyside in a sign language interpreting community businesses. By using a platform, the ethos of tech for good and our own skills, knowledge and expertise, we can bring greater financial, environmental and social value to the public sector via their purchasing of interpreter contracts from us. My current responsibilities at Signalise Co-op are to lead on strategy, work with the board on membership engagement, development of the co-operative, raise funding and investment, oversee governance and project manage and develop the platform we are creating.In 2017, I joined a Google Developer Scholarship and from 100k applicants got through to the last 6k and received a certificate in Front End Web Development. It was an intense community boot camp and I’ve been using the skills I learnt in JavaScript, React.js, HTML and CSS since in a variety of freelance and contracted projects. I also use PHP and WordPress. I’ve worked on SME business sites including e-commerce, regulated financial services, marketing and blogs.As part of the National Union of BSL Interpreters (NUBSLI) and the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI), I have effectively worked in teams to engage members, research contracts, represent members and work collectively as a community. I was the first Chair of the National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI) helping to take the membership to over 30% of interpreters in the UK at that time using digital marketing, blogging and membership engagement.I was a Director of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) for three years, utilising my skills in Communications, Project Management and Strategy.Whilst on a Voluntary Service Overseas placement in 2010, I set up training with a Deaf organisation and a professional association for interpreters in India and won $10 million of funding for them to start the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre.Special interests: Web Development, Tech for Good, Multi-stakeholder Cooperatives, Platform Cooperatives, Women in Tech, Diversity and Politics.