Deaf health charity SignHealth has appointed James Watson-O’Neill as its new chief executive.

Watson-O’Neill joins from Scope where he is executive director of services. He also brings experience from roles at NSPCC and SurvivorsUK, and was a trustee of deafPLUS until last year.

Buckinghamshire-headquartered SignHealth had income of almost £4.9m in the year to March 2015, according to its latest accounts filed with the Charity Commission.

The charity has objects targeting the relief of people who are deaf and hearing impaired, in particular through providing residential and other services.

Chair Richard Dunford said Watson-O’Neill’s range of skills and experience are perfectly matched to the role.

“It is a demanding time with plenty of challenges and opportunities for the charity. We have excellent staff across the country and I am confident James will work well with them. This can only be a good thing for deaf people and for SignHealth’s future success.”

Watson-O’Neill, who takes up the post from 12 October, said SignHealth does brilliant work and has a proud record of supporting deaf people.

“I want to build on this by working with the team and listening to deaf people, gaining a real understanding of needs and priorities and making sure we do all we can to improve the health and wellbeing of deaf people.”

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