Martin Thacker MBE is a respected educator, community leader and advocate for deaf inclusion, recognised nationally for his long standing work with the deaf community. He received an MBE for services to deaf people, reflecting decades of commitment to improving communication access, representation and inclusion across education, public services and cultural organisations. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and former Deputy Director of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Martin brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every project he supports.

A former Head Teacher, Martin has extensive experience in communication, behaviour, learning and inclusive practice. He now works closely with heritage organisations to embed meaningful visitor engagement into project development. Recent work includes facilitating pan disability lived experience visits for the National Trust at Scotney Castle and English Heritage at Bolsover Castle, where his warm, skilled facilitation enabled diverse groups to provide rich, actionable feedback on accessibility and visitor experience.

Martin plays an active leadership role in deaf inclusion both locally and nationally. His current positions include:
• Vice President, Chesterfield & District Deaf Society
• Member, North Derbyshire Deaf Forum
• Member, Chesterfield Borough Council Cultural Venues Access Group
• Member, Derbyshire Constabulary Deaf Advisory Group
• Member, Government BSL Advisory Board (2022–2025)
• Member, National Sensory Impairment Partnership Board (2023–2025)

Known for his empathy, professionalism and ability to connect with people of all ages and communication needs, Martin brings a unique blend of lived experience, educational expertise and community leadership to Access & Inclusion UK’s visitor engagement work.