About us
We specialise in British Sign Language provision, accessible media services and professional training.
Our Story
CommPlus has been shaping BSL access since 2003. We began life as Communication Plus, built on one simple belief: communication should always go further. From day one, our aim was to offer more clarity, more support and more care than people expected — Communication, Plus.
During those early years we achieved something groundbreaking. Communication Plus became the first service in the West Midlands to deliver 24/7 emergency BSL interpreting for the NHS. This set the foundation for who we are today. Our vision was clear. No Deaf person should ever be left without communication in an A and E department. That commitment still drives us.
Founded by Suzanna Thomas, RSLI, the business grew quickly, recognised for reliability, community trust and a dedication to high-quality language access. Over time, both our team and the Deaf community naturally shortened our name to CommPlus. It reflected our style and our reputation, so in 2018 we made it official.
More than 20 years on, CommPlus has evolved into a modern, Deaf-led organisation delivering BSL interpreting, workplace support, professional training, translation and media services. We work with NHS trusts, councils, charities, national organisations and community groups, supporting thousands of Deaf and hearing people every year.
What remains at the heart of CommPlus is our lived experience. As a Deaf-led service, we understand the realities of communication barriers and the importance of getting things right. Our Language Service Professionals are qualified, registered and highly experienced, and our bookings team makes sure each client is matched with the right person for their needs.
From emergency interpreting to media translation, our mission has never changed — to create communication without barriers and ensure every Deaf BSL user has access, clarity and respect wherever they are.
This is CommPlus.
Trusted, experienced and proudly Deaf led.
Our Vision
"We train. We provide. The right support, in the right place, at the right time – with our full commitment to delivering the best possible service."
Our vision is to provide clear, reliable and accessible communication across all our services, including language provision, media and training. We are committed to high-quality, inclusive practice that supports the needs of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users and the organisations we work with.
For interpreting requests, we aim to respond every booking promptly, while recognising that scheduling sometimes requires flexibility. If we are unable to provide a professional at the exact time requested, we will work with you to find the best solution. This may involve alternative times, different formats or creative use of technology to ensure communication needs are met.
Our focus is always on delivering safe, professional and inclusive services that make communication accessible for all.
At CommPlus, our core values guide everything we do. They shape who we are, how we work, and how we support our customers and staff.
These values are at the heart of our mission to provide exceptional BSL language, media, and training services, helping bridge communication gaps and foster inclusion across all sectors.
Our Timelines
Founded & NHS Emergency BSL Service Launch
Communication Plus was founded by Suzanna Thomas (RSLI) as a small home-based service. Early team members Debbie Lambert and Theresa Thomas-Morton joined soon after, helping establish the organisation.
We launched the West Midlands’ first 24/7 emergency BSL interpreting service for the NHS, which was featured on prime-time television, marking a major milestone for Deaf access in emergency care.First Office Opens
We move into our first office at FairGate House, Tyseley, Birmingham.
Public Launch & Office Expansion
Communication Plus is formally launched to the public at a community event. We relocate again to a larger office with dedicated training rooms.
BSL Training Academy Opens
Our BSL Training Academy opens, offering BSL and interpreting courses.
Jay Thomas-Morton joins the team, supporting rapid development across interpreting, training, and community services. We also begin providing CSWs and interpreters to colleges and universities across the West Midlands.Rapid Growth & Service Expansion
Significant growth. We expand to a larger site, increase our in-house team, introduce deafblind training funded by Walsall City Council and strengthen support for ATW clients.
Strengthened NHS Partnerships
Close partnership working with NHS services across the West Midlands, including emergency and hospital interpreting.
Move to Olton Office
We relocate to new offices in Olton, Solihull.
Signature Centre of the Year
Awarded the Signature Centre of the Year, recognising the quality of our training and professional standards.
Continued NHS Collaboration
Steady development. Stronger networks are built with NHS trusts, and we work closely with Word360 to support a wide range of NHS interpreting assignments across the region.
Move to Kings Norton & Media Launch
We relocate to Kings Norton, Birmingham and launch our BSL Media and Translation Services.
Rebrand to CommPlus
Communication Plus is rebranded to CommPlus, reflecting the name widely used by the Deaf community and marking our evolution into a modern, Deaf-led service.
Service Expansion & New Executive Director
We expand our intralingual and translation services. In 2024, Jay Thomas-Morton becomes Executive Director, leading CommPlus into its next chapter as a modern, proudly Deaf-led organisation.
Founder Retires & New Website Launch
Founder Suzanna Thomas retires after more than two decades of leadership. Jay Thomas-Morton continues to guide CommPlus with the same values and ideals on which it was built.
We also launch our new accessible website, reflecting the breadth of our services across interpreting, workplace support, training, translation, and BSL media.National Growth & Media Expansion
CommPlus continues to grow as a trusted, nationally recognised Deaf-led organisation. Our BSL Media Service expands rapidly, and we remain a reliable interpreting provider across the Midlands, known for quality, care and lived experience.