Sarah Bown

Sarah Bown is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social, Historical and Political Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, where she leads the professionally accredited MA and BA (Hons) British Sign Language/English Interpreting programmes. She has over 30 years of experience in interpreter education, professional practice, and service development, and has played a key role in advancing national and international standards in interpreter training.

Research Interests:

• British Sign Language / English Interpreting Pedagogy
• Critical and Reflective Practice in Interpreter Education
• Sight Translation and Cognitive Processes
• Work-Based and Placement Learning
• Deaf Access to Healthcare, particularly around menopause and sexual health
• Employability and Transferable Skills for Interpreting Students
• Interpreter-Mediated Job Interviews and Employment Equity

Publication Trends: Her recent scholarly output focuses on deaf women's health, interpreter influence in job interviews, reflective practice, and curriculum innovation. Her work bridges academic research and practical application, with strong emphasis on equity, access, and professional development across national and European contexts.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Vice Chancellor's Award for ‘Teacher of the Year’
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Academic Associate of the Higher Education Academy

Professional Leadership and Advising: Sarah Bown has supervised numerous placement modules and founded the International Research Interpreting Seminars (IRIS). She has advised on national standards through NRCPD and contributed to European guidelines on interpreter education. She has led curriculum development, secured professional accreditation, and fostered partnerships with NHS, Social Services, and Deaf organizations to enhance student opportunities and service quality.

Professional Affiliations and Leadership: She is a Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI), Professional Standards Advisor, and Supervisor with NRCPD; a full member of ASLI; a Senior Fellow and Academic Associate of the HEA; and a member of the EFSLI Committee of Experts. She chairs the University's Interpreting & Deaf Studies Subject Advisory Board and serves on the ASLI editorial board.