The role of a BSL interpreter is, first and foremost, as a communicator. Yet we all know from experience that some people are much better at communicating than others.
Think of it from the point of view of listening to a speaker. Some will provide accurate and precise information, speaking clearly and engaging their audience effectively. Others can be much harder to tune in to. The same is true for BSL interpreters.
Finding the right interpreter, who can make everyone in the room feel at ease, can make a massive difference to the outcome of any interaction.
In this blog, we’ll lay out a few questions that can help you avoid the common pitfalls when trying to find the right interpreter for your needs, to ensure you receive a high-quality service.
1. Are the interpreters professionally registered and qualified?
The NRPCD is a voluntary regulatory body for communications professionals, including BSL interpreters. Anyone with this registration is held to strict standards in terms of the qualifications they hold and the CPD hours they engage in annually to ensure their skills stay up to date.
Interpreters on the NRPCD register are also DBS-checked and must agree to uphold a rigorous code of conduct.
Working with a registered professional gives you peace of mind that the interpreter is trustworthy and technically skilled.
2. How is pricing structured, and what does it include?
Pricing is always going to be an essential factor in any hiring process. For BSL interpreters, every assignment is unique. Their pricing will depend on a range of factors, including the length of the project, the amount of travel involved and the specialist knowledge it demands. Prices will also vary depending on whether you want in-person or online translation.
It’s essential to factor all these variables in from the start, so you know exactly what you’ll pay and when.
Sign Solutions can help with this. Our team of experts knows all the questions to ask to ensure that you’re being quoted a comprehensive fee for the whole job, with no hidden surprises or extras.
When you book through Sign Solutions, we’ll discuss your needs, source suitable interpreters, and get back to you with a complete quote for the job.
3. Do you have experience in my sector or setting?
In sectors with highly technical language, such as healthcare or law, you may need to hire an interpreter with a background in your field. It’s also often helpful to have an interpreter who’s experienced at working in your setting if it has unique challenges, such as in a school or hospital.
Because Sign Solutions is connected to a network of over a thousand interpreters, available remotely and in person, we can access professionals from a vast range of backgrounds nationwide.
4. How do you ensure quality and consistency?
Standards aren’t always consistent across all BSL interpreters. So, it’s worth asking how they ensure they match the quality of other interpreters on the market. You might ask about their recent CPD or look at recent reviews of their service.
The best way to ensure that they meet the industry standard is to use an NRCPD-registered interpreter, which guarantees their qualifications and competency as well as their dedication to ongoing professional development.
NRCPD registered interpreters are also subject to a complaints procedure, so in the unlikely event of any issues, you’re not left to deal with them alone.
Sourcing through Sign Solutions gives you peace of mind regarding any cancellation. If an interpreter can’t make your booking, we’ll help you find a replacement through our network of contacts, so you’re not left scrambling for phone numbers at the last minute.
5. How do you handle confidentiality and sensitive information?
Interpreters are often in attendance at meetings where sensitive information is shared. So, it’s imperative that you can trust them to handle this information appropriately.
Here, again, NRCPD registration can come into play. All NRCPD-registered interpreters must follow a strict code of conduct that covers confidentiality and ethical principles.
You may also have internal policies surrounding the sharing of confidential information, and it’s essential to communicate these to your interpreter upfront.
Sign Solutions has vast experience working with organisations across a range of sectors, including in local government, where confidentiality is an essential part of the job.
How can Sign Solutions help?
Your choice of BSL interpreter can depend on many factors. It’s essential to ask the right questions before you decide which one to use, and not just focus on cost.
An interpreter with relevant experience and proven ethical standards can go a long way to providing a positive experience for everyone involved.
Working alongside Sign Solutions to hire a BSL interpreter can make the process a lot smoother, and ensure that you’re matched with the right interpreter for the job.
With a nationwide network of highly skilled and qualified NRCPD-registered professionals, as well as experience in asking the right questions on your behalf, we can offer peace of mind that everything is taken care of. Get in touch today to discuss hiring a BSL interpreter to work alongside your organisation.
