Sign language interpreters interpret from one language to another. In the UK this is usually from British Sign Language (BSL) to spoken or written English, or spoken or written English to BSL, but in Northern Ireland interpreters may also use Irish Sign Language (ISL).

The Independent Registration Panel (IRP) is the body responsible for the monitoring and development of professional standards for BSL/English interpreters. All interpreters who are registered with the IRP are bound by the IRP's Code of Ethics, which ensures that your confidentiality is respected. Interpreters are completely impartial and will not be able to give advice or views during an assignment.

Categories

There are three categories of BSL/English interpreter:

Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI)

A "member of the Register" is an interpreter who has met nationally recognised standards which have been agreed by the IRP. These are the "Interpreter Registration Standards" which set out the competence and professional practice expected of members of the Register. Members of the Register are allowed to use the initials MRSLI to indicate their professional status.

Trainee interpreter (TI)

A trainee interpreter is an interpreter who is working to become a member of the Register. Trainee interpreters will have attained BSL skills that have been assessed at National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 4 or equivalent, together with an agreed standard of English skills.

Junior trainee interpreter (JTI)

A junior trainee interpreter is an interpreter who is working towards becoming a trainee interpreter. They will have attained BSL skills that have been assessed at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, together with an agreed standard of English skills.

Which category of interpreter should I use? 

Ideally, MRSLIs should be used wherever possible. However, there are many situations where it can be appropriate to use TI and JTI interpreters. For further information please contact your local Communication Services office.

Further information

If you have never used a sign language interpreter before, or have more questions, then you may find our factsheets "Sign Language" and "Working with a British Sign Language interpreter" helpful. You can also use our British Sign Language interpreting enquiry form.

If you want to use our BSL/English interpreting services you can read about booking communication support.