About Us

Zoe Major

Building, Facilities, Development & Contracts Manager

As a student on placement in 1988 I was absolutely bowled over by the scope of service the Society provided within Deaf and Blind communities in Leeds. Having been completely inspired and in awe of all the work done, I continued with voluntary work until I took my first full time job as a Social Welfare Officer in 1989.

Over the years, I have taken the opportunities to work in many roles in all areas of sensory loss. I want to make a real difference and bring positive change for the children, adults and families we support. I am passionate that people have choice and control over their lives, and that the individuals we support and their families are at the forefront of all that we do. I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who work really hard and I continue to be amazed by the depth of their commitment and skills.

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family and friends. I am obsessed about everything connected with VW campervans. The sense of freedom that a VW evokes – playfulness, the great outdoors, living closer to nature, holidays with my adorable dog Rolfe, life out on a limb, I could go on….

Alison Miller

HR & Finance Manager

I have worked for the Society since 1994, when I started as Admin Assistant to Martin Dodgson who was then the Director. My role has changed many times over the years, since 2011 I have been the HR & Finance Manager.

I have progressive severe hearing loss which runs in my family. I have Level 2 BSL but I would benefit from more practice.

When I’m not working I love to spend time in my garden, in the kitchen cooking or with my family and friends.

Tracey Adams

Cleaning Assistant – Bar/Cafe Supervisor

I have worked for the Society for five years as Cleaning Assistant and Bar/Café Supervisor. I have also held the title of Facilities Coordinator. In addition to my paid roles, I have been volunteering for many years and am always happy to give up my time to support the Society with a variety of projects. I’m sure you will be able to work this out from the photograph, but my passions include tending to my allotment, which I am proud of!

Richard Jackson

British Sign Language Interpreter

I started working with the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind in 2009 following completion of my BA/Hons degree from the University of Wolverhampton. Initially joining the interpreting service as a trainee interpreter.

Following a period of further training, I then qualified as a fully qualified interpreter with a Post-Graduate Diploma from the University of Central Lancashire in 2013. I’ve worked for the interpreting service full time since 2009.

Naomi Todd

British Sign Language Interpreter

I have worked as a communication support worker for 10 years supporting children and young people from ages 5-16 years old. In this time, I have interpreted a range of different topics in education settings from Maths, English and Science to performances, college visits and day trips. While in work I completed Signature Levels 1, 2, 3 and 6 in British Sign Language.

In January 2022, I completed Signature Level 6 NVQ diploma in Sign language Interpreting and decided to reduce my working days in order to develop my own freelancing business and widen my interpreting experience in the Deaf community.

I joined the Leeds interpreting team in February 2023. In this short amount of time I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the deaf community and meeting people from all walks of life.

Grace Barker-Simpson

Bookings Co-ordinator

I recently graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University attaining a degree in Criminology. I now work at the Centre as a bookings co-ordinator. Though a different sector from my degree – my personal connection to this work runs deep—my father is deaf, and my mother is a highly qualified interpreter. Growing up, I saw first-hand the importance of bridging communication gaps and providing support for the deaf and blind community. I’m dedicated to making a positive impact through my role, helping to create inclusive environments.