Doncaster Deaf Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Conway as their new Chair of Trustees.

Don, a highly respected Senior Architectural Technologist with over 36 years of experience, will bring his extensive skills and passion for the Deaf community to the leadership of the Trust’s board.

Alexis Johnson, chief executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Don as our new Chair of Trustees. His dedication to the Deaf community and his wealth of experience in architectural technology make him an exceptional fit for this role.

“We look forward to his leadership as we continue to deliver excellent provision and support to the children, pupils, students, and adults who rely on our services.”

Don, 59, from Doncaster, is a member of the Full Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (MICAT) and worked for the City of Doncaster Council for 36 years, a role he continues to deliver on a flexi-retirement basis.

He is excited to leverage his skills and experience to further enhance the services at Doncaster Deaf Trust.

He said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at Doncaster Deaf Trust.

“I am passionate about Deaf education and community, and I look forward to working with the board to support and grow our services. The Trust aims to improve the quality of SEND education and expand community engagement and outreach.”

Don is an ex-student of the Trust’s college studying Building Studies for an HND from 1985 to 1988, back when the college was called Doncaster Deaf College. He is a dedicated family man, engaged to Lynne Dunne, who works as a Deaf instructor at a mainstream school in Wakefield. He has a Deaf teenager and a hearing son and together, they are deeply embedded in the Deaf community and committed to advocating for the needs and rights of Deaf individuals

“Returning to Doncaster Deaf Trust, decades after attending the college, to lead the board of trustees is a huge achievement for me and I am proud to be taking on this role,” added Don.

The Doncaster Deaf Trust, celebrating its 195th anniversary later this year, manages a range of services including Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Dickson House Children’s Home, Communication Specialist College Doncaster, and Aspire to Be Employability Services. The Trust’s leadership team is actively involved in various boards and strategic partnerships across the South Yorkshire Mayoral region, ensuring that Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision remains a priority.