Fellowship is awarded to individuals whose service has been truly distinguished — whether as staff, volunteers, trustees, Chairs, or former charity leaders. Fellows are recognised not only for length of service, but for the quality of their contribution, their impeccable conduct, and the lasting legacy they leave within CDA and the communities we serve.
Following the merger with Cambridgeshire Hearing Help (formerly CAMTAD), Fellowship also recognises distinguished service to that organisation where it forms part of our shared history and mission.
Nominations and Approval
A nomination for Fellowship may be made by any individual on behalf of someone they believe meets the criteria.
Nominations are reviewed and approved by CDA’s Trustees.
Fellowship is typically awarded to individuals who demonstrate:
- Exceptional and sustained service to CDA (and/or Cambridgeshire Hearing Help)
- Outstanding integrity and conduct
- A clear history of putting the community first
- Respect from peers, colleagues and the wider Deaf community
- Longstanding dedication in leadership, governance, volunteering or executive roles
Jamie Billiam
For his exceptional service and enduring contribution to the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association over fifteen years.
Through his leadership, dedication, and vision, Jamie developed vital community services including Deaf Drop-Ins, the Deaf Asian Group, Deaf & Hearing Clubs, and the Annual Deaf Forum. He advanced access to British Sign Language by establishing accredited courses and delivering extensive Deaf Awareness training, and he provided steadfast guidance to Deaf clubs across the region.
Jamie secured significant funding from local authorities and national bodies, strengthening CDA’s foundations at a time when many Deaf organisations were unable to continue. His commitment ensured CDA’s resilience through periods of commissioning change and external competition, helping to secure the organisation’s future and impact within the community.
Roger Hill BEM (British empire medal)
For his exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Cambridgeshire Hearing Help — formerly CAMTAD — over more than eighteen years.
Roger began as a volunteer and went on to serve as Chair of Trustees, guiding the organisation with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to people with hearing loss across the county.
He played a crucial role in sustaining Hearing Help during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his strategic leadership was central to the successful merger of Cambridgeshire Hearing Help with CDA, ensuring continuity of vital services and strengthening support for the wider community.
He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2022 for his work during the Covid pandemic in keeping vital hearing services running.
Janie Anderson
For her exceptional leadership, dedication, and long-standing service as Chair of the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association.
For over ten years, Janie guided CDA through a period of remarkable growth, transformation, and strengthening of services for Deaf people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Her commitment to excellence in governance contributed directly to CDA achieving an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission. She championed the recruitment of Deaf and BSL-using trustees, ensuring that leadership increasingly reflected the community it serves.
Paul McCloskey
For his exceptional service and dedication to Cambridgeshire Hearing Help (formerly CAMTAD) and to the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association following the merger.
Since joining in 2012, Paul has been a highly committed volunteer, serving as a receptionist across numerous sites and supporting community presentations that brought vital hearing support to thousands.
He later served as Chair of the Board, providing steady leadership during a period of transition, and played a key role in maintaining safe hearing aid services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ann Ratcliffe 1944-2026
For her distinguished service and exceptional leadership as Chair of the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association over many years.
Ann led CDA with integrity and determination through periods of challenge and change, always placing Deaf people and the community at the centre of the organisation’s work.
As the first Deaf Chair of CDA, her leadership marked a significant and inspiring milestone for the charity. She strengthened Deaf representation within governance and oversaw increased Deaf leadership at Board level.
Ann played a key role in extending CDA’s reach into Peterborough and worked with distinction to strengthen engagement with the Deaf Asian community, ensuring greater inclusion and representation within CDA’s services. Her legacy continues to influence the organisation’s values, reach and community focus today.
Watch Ann’s Memorial Service here
Godfrey Palmer
For his outstanding commitment and decades of dedicated service to the Deaf community and to CDA.
Godfrey served as a trustee for over 25 years, including many years as Vice Chair and a period as Chair. Through times of significant transition, he offered stability, insight, and deep community knowledge to the Board.
Alongside his service to CDA, Godfrey was a long-standing custodian of March Deaf Club for over 35 years, helping to sustain local Deaf community life and connection.
As a self-employed Deaf professional with strong community links, he brought lived experience, practical wisdom, and unwavering dedication to governance. His long record of service, integrity and support for colleagues and Chief Executives alike has left a lasting mark on the Association.