CODE OF CONDUCT

Handbook for interpreters

 

Introduction

Interpreters appearing in the “Language Bank” interpreting register are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct to which they are signatories. The interpreter plays a critical role in providing the communication link between advisor’s and their clients. They are providing interpreting services to the best of their ability and not allow personal feelings to interfere in the interpreting process. The intent of this Interpreter handbook is to offer guidelines and to clarify exceptions and responsibilities of the interpreter and to give basic understand of some of the objectives, policies and procedures of the program. With the general information presented in the Interpreter Handbook and good judgement, interpreters should have a reliable guide as to what is expected of them. If you do not understand any of the material or if questions come up that are not covered in the Interpreter Handbook, it is your responsibility to contact management at the Employment business (The Language Bank). From time to time it may be necessary to update sections of the Interpreter Handbook. Copies of updated sections will be sent to all interpreting staff.

We look forward to working with you here at the Language Bank and hope you enjoy it as well.

Competence

Interpreters admitted to the register are expected to:

• Have a written and spoken command of both languages, including any specialist terminology, current idioms and dialects.

• Possess the ability to interpret and translate accurately, fluently and appropriately between both languages using the correct interpreting techniques.

• Understand the relevant procedures of the particular context in which they are working.

• Maintain and develop their written and spoken command of English and the other language.

• Be familiar with the cultural backgrounds of both parties.

Ethics and Confidentiality Issues

Interpreters are expected to adhere to the Employment business (The Language Bank) Interpreters code of Ethics. When interpreters socialize with people outside assignment, the interpreter should keep all information about interpreting assignments confidential, regardless of how inconsequential the information may seem. For reference, the following is the employment business (The Language Bank) Code of Ethics:

Code of Ethics

• Respect confidentiality at all times. Interpreters shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential and not seek to take advantage of any information disclosed during work.

• Shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and sprit of the speaker using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve.

• Shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and the customers involved.

• Shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner.

 

• Shall interpret truly and faithfully what is said, without anything being added, omitted or changed. In exceptional circumstances a summary may be given if requested and consented to by both parties.

• Shall avoid any environment that may otherwise cause a distraction when interpreting by telephone or mobile.

• Shall disclose any difficulties encountered with dialects or technical terms and if these cannot be satisfactorily remedied withdraw from the assignment.

• Shall act in an impartial and professional manner and not enter into a discussion, counsel, advise or express personal opinions reactions to any of the parties.

• Shall intervene only in the following circumstances:

1. To ask for clarification.

2. To point out that the party may not have understood something.

3. To alert the parties to a missed cultural inference.

4. To ask for accommodation for the interpreting process and inform all present of the reason for the intervention.

• Shall not discriminate against parties, either directly or indirectly on grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, age, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability.

• Shall disclose any information including any information including any criminal record, which may make them unsuitable in any particular case.

• Shall disclose immediately if the interviewee or immediate family is known or related to them.

• Shall disclose any business, financial, family other interest, which they might have in the matter

being handled.

• Shall not accept any form of reward, whether in cash or otherwise, for interpreting work other than payment by The Language Bank.

• Shall not engage in any behaviour likely to discredit the employment business, The Language Bank (including impairment through drugs or alcohol, sexual misconduct, violence, intimidation or abusive behaviour).

• Shall safeguard professional standards and offer assistance to other interpreters and translators whenever reasonable, practical and appropriate.

• Shall not delegate work without the consent of the client

• Shall not engage in a general conversation with the client during the interview.

• Must state (in a criminal trial) if they have been involved in interpreting at the police station on the same case.

 

• Interpreters shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues and reading of current literature in the field.

• Interpreters by virtue of being registered with the employment business (The Language Bank) shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the employment business code of ethics.

Attendance and Punctuality

• The interpreter will arrive on time for assignments.

• Interpreters should notify the employment business (The Language Bank) as soon as

possible in the event he/she will be absent from an assignment or running late for an assignment.

Appearance

Although there is no formal dress code, interpreters should follow the employment business (The Language Bank) code of ethics regarding appropriate and professional attire.

• Interpreters should dress in a manner that is consistent with the general dress of interpreters in this field.

• Interpreters should wear clothes that are not distracting to the client.

As a general rule all Interpreters registered with the Employment Business (The Language Bank)

must always:

• Be equipped with a note pad, pen and dictionary when attending assignments.

• Remember to carry a Photo ID when sent on assignments.

• At all times when on assignment observe the client’s regulations, requirements and code of conduct.

• Shoe respect for the applicant at all times.

• Not summarise in any form what the client says.

• Switch of mobile phones, bleeper’s, watches etc that may otherwise cause a distraction in the interview.

 

 

 

Person responsible: Mr Vlatko Petrov
Managing Partner @ Language Bank
petrov@language-bank.co.uk mob:07989 249 919