Over The Years

1988:  The first AGM

The first ASLI Annual General Meeting took place on the 16 July 1988 at the Magic Circle, Gower Street in London.

Chair:   Peter LLEWELLYN-JONES

Secretary:   Linda RICHARDS

Treasurer/Membership Secretary:   Caroline TAYLOR

Executive Member:   Roger BEESON

Executive Member:   Jean GREAVES

Executive Member:   Alan HAYTHORNTHWAITE

Executive Member:   Marie HALL

1989    Our Logo

The AGM takes place in Leeds Centre for Deaf People on 8 March 1989

No nominations for Chair and Secretary

Membership £20.00 Full Member £10.00 Student and £5.00 subscriber

ASLI Logo – members are to choose from 4 options

1990    AGM takes place in Warrington Centre for Deaf People on 21 Feb 1990

ASLI Constitution in the making

ASLI Newsletter in the making

Chair:   Roger BEESON

Secretary:   Judith CLEGG

Treasurer/Membership Secretary:   Caroline TAYLOR

Voting of the Committee went into disarray with 3 outright ‘winners’ and 3 people tying for the same number of votes for the 4th place followed by 2 nominees withdrawing.    It was decided to re-run the entire nomination and election process again.

Roger, Judith and Caroline kept ASLI ‘ticking over during the past year (1989) when we have been without a properly-constituted Executive Committee’.

In the minutes of the National Executive meeting 21 Nov 1990, there are 2 new Executive Members:

Executive Member:   Edith NORMAN

Executive Member:   Liz JONES

1991

1991 seems to have been quite a difficult year for the Association for a number of reasons.   The ASLI AGM was due to take place in Birmingham on 16 March 1991.

However information from minutes of Executive meetings show that ASLI had set up a number of working parties that looked at:

Code of Practice

Fundraising

Fees and Working Conditions

1992

The ASLI AGM took place at the Birmingham Institute for the Deaf on 7 March 1992

Chair:   Byron CAMPBELL

Secretary:   Mary CONNELL

Treasurer/Membership Secretary:   Kyra POLLITT

Executive Member:   Sean NICHOLSON

Executive Member:   Gloria OGBORN

Executive Member:   Rosanna PRESTON

Co-optee:   Antony BORNE

Co-optee and NEWSLI Editor:   Roger BEESON

The chair stated that the commitment of a core group of people made the difference between the make or break of ASLI.

ASLI’s aims and objectives discussed in depth at a post AGM meeting entitled ‘Representation or Regulation’.  The wishes of those present had been reported in NEWSLI and incorporated in the new draft constitution.

1993

The ASLI AGM took place at the Birmingham Institute for the Deaf on 20 March 1993

Membership 101 (33 Full 44 Student 24 Subscriber)

Welcome

The outgoing Chair Byron Campbell welcomed everyone and introduced the incoming Chair, Gloria Ogborn.   He also made an announcement about the lack of audited accounts.   The membership agreed that it would be in order for the meeting to go ahead on the understanding that there would be an Extraordinary General Meeting for the approval of those accounts on 18 September 1993.

ASLI/BDA

ASLI/BDA Initiative to clarify terms and conditions of work for interpreters in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

An overwhelming majority supported the proposal that ‘ASLI organise a day to discuss legal interpreting and that the proposed CPS Guidelines be issued prior to the meeting.’

ASLI Constitution in draft form

ASLI discusses whether or not to attend the first EFSLI AGM in Brussels

ASLI discusses the possibility of an Interpreter Conference

Invitations to ASLI to be represent the profession increases

New Executive Committee

National Chair:   Gloria OGBORN

National Secretary:   Mary CONNELL

National Treasurer:   Byron CAMPBELL

Executive Member:   Antony BORNE

Executive Member:   Sheila CALEY

Executive Member:   Anji GREGG (student)

Executive Member:   Sean NICHOLSON

Conference agrees to “provide crèche facilities, where possible, at all General meetings and conferences, training and other Association events, when requested to do so.”

1994

The ASLI AGM takes place at Henry Fry Centre in Coventry on 5 March

The new Chair Gloria Ogborn extended a warm welcome to all members to the first AGM since the new constitution had come into force.  She introduced all the Executive Committee members and also welcomed Beverly Gosling from the GMB; a special guest invited by the committee for the afternoon discussions on Union Affiliation.

National Chair:   Gloria OGBORN

National Secretary:   Vacant

National Treasurer:    Karen HARRINGTON

Executive Member:   Miranda ELLIS

Executive Member:   Sheila CALEY

Executive Member:   Anji GREGG

Executive Member:   Sean NICHOLSON

Executive Member:   Byron CAMPBELL

Executive Member:    Trudy FIELD

Executive Member:    Catherine WHITE

Executive Member:   Mohammad ISLAM

Executive Member:    Hannah MANASSE

Membership Fees increase

Full £60.00 Student £40.00 Supporter (members) £25.00 and NEWSLI subscribers £15.00

1995

The ASLI AGM takes place at the Welcome Public House, Ladywood on 4 March 1995

Membership falling and committee members still feeling over worked and under appreciated.  No help had been forthcoming.  Why are people not joining?  Several people had retired from the committee an there has been no nominations.   These problems need to be addressed and currently there have been three local meetings and more will be organised for the near future.

National Chair:   No Nomination Byron CAMPBELL (Care Taker)

National Secretary:   No Nomination Trudy FIELD (Care Taker)

National Treasurer:    No Nominations

Executive Member:   No Nominations

Byron and Trudy are temporarily standing in until things are sorted out or the committee folds.

1996

The ASLI AGM takes place at the University College Student Union Building, Gordon Street, London, on 23 March 1996

The new Executive Committee

Executive Member:   Byron CAMPBELL

Executive Member:   Trudy FIELD

Executive Member:   Helen SHIRLEY

Executive Member:   Pat O’REILLY

Executive Member:   Jemina NAPIER

Executive Member:   Andy CARMICHAEL

A new constitution was agreed in principle

A motion was passed requiring the National Executive to establish and develop a closer working relationship with CACDP

 

Another motion was passed requiring the National Executive to take proactive steps to establish good working relationships with appropriate national organisations of Deaf people

Membership fees lowered as an incentive to get people to re/join

1997

ASLI North West host AGM/Conference in Preston on 1-2 March 1997.

Membership has flourished totalling 134 (36 Full 63 Associate 35 Affiliate)

National Chair:   Byron CAMPBELL

National Vice Chair:   Andy CARMICHAEL

National Secretary:   Trudy FIELD

Membership Secretary/Treasurer:   Helen SHIRLEY

Membership has grown considerably and much of the interest and enthusiasm is due to the new structure and the fact that interpreters across the country now have a local group they can feel a part of and a much easier and efficient way to receive information on issues relating to their profession.

The North West, Midlands, Hampshire and Dorset and Northern Ireland regions are still being set up whereas the other five groups are well established and provide a supportive network for their members.

A motion to adopt the new constitution was carried

In 1997 the role of Membership Secretary and Treasurer is split

1998

National Chair:   Byron CAMPBELL

National Vice Chair:   Trudy FIELD

National Secretary:   Jim DUNNE

National Membership Secretary:   Helen SHIRLEY

National Treasurer:

ASLI Bristol South West host AGM/Conference “Working Together” in Bristol at the Aztec Hotel 28 February – 1 March 1998.  The AGM took place on 28 February 1998.

 

At this AGM it is reported that ASLI has 9 formal regions and almost 230 members however there are concerns about the financial situation, which is described as ‘shaky’.

1999

National Chair:   Pat O’REILLY

National Vice Chair:   Trudy FIELD

National Secretary:   Jim DUNNE

National Membership Secretary:   Helen SHIRLEY

National Treasurer:

ASLI North West host AGM/Conference in Manchester 17-18 April 1999 “Professionalism Is Your Responsibility”.

ASLI members agree to pursue it’s own Licensing Policy and Career Structure

2000 

FIRST FASLI RECIPIENTS

The ASLI AGM took place at the Britannia Hotel in Birmingham on 11 March 2000.

National Chair:   Pat O’REILLY

National Vice Chair:   Richard WEAVER

National Secretary:  Jim DUNNE

National Membership Secretary:   Vicki CARRABIN

National Treasurer:   Helen SHIRLEY

ASLI establishes an award the Fellow of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (FASLI) for those longstanding members who have made a significant to the work of the Association.  The first recipients are (1) Byron Campbell (2) Gloria Ogborn and (3) Trudy Field.

It was at this AGM that the (all DRAFT) ASLI Equal Opportunities Policy; ASLI Guide to Terms and Conditions of Business; ASLI Code of Professional Conduct; ASLI Complaints and Appeal Procedure; the ASLI Disciplinary Procedure; the ASLI Interpreters Oath; FASLI, Professional Indemnity Insurance; Interpreters in Education Policy were all ratified by members.

2001

The ASLI AGM takes place at the Birmingham Institute for the Deaf in Birmingham on 28 July 2001.

Pat O’Reilly officially announced her resignation as National Chair.  The National Executive at their meeting on 14 July 2001 had accepted Zane Hema’s nomination for National Chair.

Helen Shirley is awarded FASLI

National Chair:   Zane HEMA

National Vice Chair:  Nigel CLEAVER

National Secretary:   Vacant

National Membership Secretary:   Tracey PYCROFT

National Treasurer:   John RYAN

2002 

ASLI APDP

ASLI North East Region hosts AGM/Conference at the Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds.  The AGM takes place on 6 April 2002.

National Chair:   Zane HEMA

National Vice Chair:   Nigel CLEAVER

National Secretary:   Julie WATKINS

National Membership Secretary:   Tracey PYCROFT

National Treasurer:   John RYAN

ASLI Professional Development Programme (APDP) gets underway

ASLI begins talks with the (interim) Independent Registration Panel.

2003 

FIRST CONFERENCE IN WALES

ASLI South Wales Region hosts AGM/Conference ‘Interpreting in the Extreme’ at Jury’s Hotel in Cardiff 5-6 April 2003 in Wales.   The AGM takes place on 5 April 2003.

National Chair:   Zane HEMA

National Vice Chair:   Nigel CLEAVER

National Secretary:   Julie WATKINS

National Membership Secretary:   Kate WELLMAN

National Treasurer:   John RYAN

At the AGM a motion is passed that sees the National Membership Secretary become a National Officer.

The ASLI Continuing Professional Development Programme proposal and the ASLI Mentoring and Mentor Training Programme proposal are both remitted.

FASLI is awarded to Peter Llewellyn-Jones and Pat O’Reilly

ASLI hosts the 11th EFSLI AGM and Conference in Brighton

2004 

ASLI MENTORING & ASLI CPD PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED

ASLI North West Region hosts AGM/Conference ‘Working Together’ 2-4 April 2004 at the Thistle Hotel, Manchester.  The AGM takes place on the 3 April 2004.

Motions are passed that see (1) Clearer Standing Orders (2) the indefinite suspension of the Licensing Policy and Career Structure (3) Membership aligned (4) the adoption of a Honorarium and Expenses Policy

FASLI is awarded to Pauline Ridgeway

National Chair:   Zane HEMA

National Vice Chair:   Nigel CLEAVER

National Secretary:   Liz MERCER

National Membership Secretary:   Kate WELLMAN

National Treasurer:   John RYAN

2005 

MEMBERSHIP/AFFILIATION REACHES 460

ASLI London South East Region hosts AGM/Conference ‘Interpreting Under the Spotlight’ in London 14-15 May 2005 at the Tower Thistle Hotel.

The inaugural Ben Steiner Award is awarded to Liz Scott Gibson.

National Chair:   Zane HEMA

National Vice Chair:   Nigel CLEAVER

National Secretary:  Liz MERCER

National Membership Secretary:   Kate WELLMAN

National Treasurer:   John RYAN

2006

ASLI CONTRACTS ITI TO DO ADMINSTRATIVE WORK

ASLI North East and Midlands Regions jointly host AGM/Conference ‘Contemplating Interpreting’ in Durham 1 – 2 April 2006.

Membership/Affiliations hits the 500 mark

National Chair:   Jackie GRIFFITHS

 

National Vice Chair:   Christopher STONE

National Secretary:   David WOLFENDEN

National Membership Secretary:   Kate PANAGAMUWA/Mike BALLINGER

National Treasurer:   Mark SCHOFIELD

2007

AGM held at Wolverhampton University on Saturday 14th April.  FASLI awarded to Zane Hema and Nigel Cleaver.

National Chair:   Christopher STONE

National Vice Chair:   Karen NEWBY

National Secretary:   David WOLFENDEN

National Membership Secretary:   Mike BALLINGER

National Treasurer:   Mark SCHOFIELD

2008

ASLI LAUNCHES NEW LOGO & WEBSITE.

Administration partially web-based, partially office-based.  Membership/supporter figures over 600.  New national officer position established: Professional Development Secretary.

ASLI celebrates our 21st anniversary with a very successful AGM & conference hosted by the London and South East region on 5th & 6th April.

FASLI awarded to Roger Beeson.

National Chair:   Christopher STONE

National Vice Chair:   Karen NEWBY

National Secretary:   David WOLFENDEN

National Membership Secretary:   Gill BEHENNA

 

National Treasurer:   John WALKER

National Professional Development Secretary:   Caron HAWKINGS

2009

MEMBERSHIP/SUPPORTER FIGURES REACH 700.

AGM moved to the autumn so that ASLI Limited can present a full year of accounts to members.  AGM held at the Deaf Cultural Centre, Birmingham on Friday 9th October attended by 120 members.  Motion for compulsory CPD passed.

National Chair:   Christopher STONE

National Vice Chair:   Karen NEWBY

National Secretary:   Dan ROBERTS

National Membership Secretary:   Gill BEHENNA

National Treasurer:   John WALKER

National Professional Development Secretary:   Byron CAMPBELL

2010

ASLI hosts a successful AGM and conference in Nottingham in October attended by nearly 200 members.  ASLI undertakes consultation to consider changing its structure to help manage the growth of the organisation.

FASLI is awarded to Christopher Stone.

National Chair:   Sarah HAYNES

National Vice Chair:   Karl LLORCA

National Secretary:   Janet GUEST

National Membership Secretary:   Gill BEHENNA

National Treasurer:   John WALKER

National Professional Development Secretary:   Byron CAMPBELL

 

2011

ASLI hosts a successful AGM in Manchester in October. A motion was passed to include new qualifications in the criteria for membership meaning more Deaf Interpreters and Translators can become Full Members of ASLI. Other motions are passed to enable ASLI to start the process of structural change with a view to move to the new structure from the AGM in September 2012.

FASLI is awarded to Jackie Griffiths and Elvire Roberts.

National Chair:   Sarah HAYNES

National Vice Chair:   Karl LLORCA

National Secretary:   Janet GUEST

National Membership Secretary:   Gill BEHENNA

National Treasurer:   Martin ROBERTS

National Professional Development Secretary:   Byron CAMPBELL

Website:   David WOLFENDEN

Communications:   Jennifer SMITH

2012

The governance structure of ASLI was changed this year.  No longer do we have a National Executive Committee.  The administration of the association is overseen by an expanded Board of Directors. The Agm and Conference celebating 25 years of ASLI were held in Bristol.

On the Board were David Wolfenden (Chair), Jules Dickinson, Robert Lee, Gail Ann Dixon, Daniel Alun Roberts, Linda Duncan, Martin Roberts, Naomi Bearne, Sharon Bain, Susan Williams, Vicki Lamb and Jen Smith.

In 2013 the AGM was held in Cardiff and Robert Skinner joined the board alongside David Wolfenden (Chair), Jules Dickinson, Robert Lee, Gail Ann Dixon, Daniel Alun Roberts, Linda Duncan, Martin Roberts, Naomi Bearne, Sharon Bain, Susan Williams, Vicki Lamb and Jen Smith.

2014 The AGM and Conference were held at The Lowry, Salford Quays and on the board were David Wolfenden (Chair), Gail Ann Dixon, Rob Skinner, Hayley Lafferty Tom Scoggins and Andy Carmichael

2015 The AGM was held at Nottingham Deaf Society and on the board Gail Ann Dixon (Chair), Rob Skinner, MaryFaith Autumn, Tom Scoggins and Andy Carmichael.

2016 The AGM was held at crowne Plaza Newcastle and on the board were Gail Ann Dixon, (Chair) Andy Carmichael (Vice Chair), MaryFaith Autumn, Brett Best and Lauren Harris.

2017: The AGM and 30th Anniversary Conference was held in London at the Institute for Child Health. On the board were Gail Ann Dixon (Chair) Andy Carmichael (Vice-Chair), MaryFaith Autumn, Brett Best. Lauren Harris and Jill Henshaw.

2018: The AGM and the first Going Pro were held at the University of Wolverhampton. On the board were Andy Carmichael (Chair), Jill Henshaw (Vice-chair), MaryFaith Autumn, Jenny Koehring, Emily Quigley and Nicola Alloway.

2019: The AGM was held in Exeter. On the board were Andy Carmichael (Chair), Jill Henshaw (Vice-chair), Jenny Koehring, Emily Quigley and Nicola Alloway.

2020: The AGM was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On the board were Jill Henshaw (Chair), Jenny Koehring (Vice-Chair), Emily Quigley, Nicola Alloway, Benjamin Gorman and Sarah Butt.