About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID’s communication range. You will find it useful if you are deaf and want to find out about BSL/English interpreters, or if you are an organisation or business that needs to book an interpreter. We use the term ‘deaf’ throughout to refer to all types of deafness and hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

What do BSL/English interpreters do?

A BSL/English interpreter can help a sign language user and a hearing person to communicate. They interpret from one language to the other. In the UK this will usually be from British Sign Language (BSL) to spoken or written English, or spoken or written English to BSL. Interpreting is a recognised profession and interpreters train for many years. They need a good level of English, relevant qualifications in BSL, and they should have completed approved interpreter training.

BSL/English interpreters are used by people who are deaf:

What is video interpreting?

Video interpreting allows you to access an interpreter over a video link. Video interpreting is not a replacement for face-to-face interpreting, but it can solve the problem of getting an interpreter at short notice or for brief appointments. Anyone with access to a webcam or videophone can use a video interpreter. Some councils, hospitals and police stations offer a video interpreting service.
 
Video interpreting is particularly useful for short meetings or appointments up to 30 minutes long. It is not suitable in sensitive situations where a misunderstanding could have serious results, such as during legal, disciplinary or child protection meetings.

See our factsheet Video communications for more information about buying and using a videophone.

When should I use an interpreter?

An interpreter can be very useful whenever sign language users and hearing people need to communicate. For instance, you may need an interpreter when you are:

What kind of interpreter should I get?

Use someone who is registered The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD). See www.nrcpd.org.uk
 (external link, opens new browser window)They should be registered as a:

Make sure that the interpreter has the right qualifications and experience for the assignment. In some situations for example, legal and mental health bookings – you should only use MRSLIs. Try to book one who knows about special terms or words that may be used (for instance, if you need to go to a solicitor, an interpreter who knows legal terminology may be helpful). Ask about this when you make the booking. Do not expect someone who only has basic sign language skills to interpret for you.

Code of practice

MRSLIs, TIs and JTIs follow a strict code of ethics and guidelines for professional practice. Everything that is said in an assignment is strictly confidential. They will not give advice or opinions while working with you.

How do I book an interpreter?

You can book an interpreter through an agency or through RNID Communication Services (see Where can I get further information? for contact details).

Booking an interpreter through an agency

Agencies should have minimum standards for the interpreters they work with. If you book an interpreter through an agency, the interpreter will charge a booking fee and travel costs. The agency will also have a minimum call-out charge. This means they will charge you for a minimum amount of time (for instance, two hours), even if you only use the interpreter for one hour. Check before you book.
 
Agencies can access a large number of interpreters, so you are more likely to get someone when you need them if you book with an agency. You can ask the agency for someone you have already worked with, but if that person is busy you may need to use someone else. 
 
Interpreters are in great demand because there aren’t many of them, so book as soon as you know you will need one – at least four to six weeks in advance, if possible. If you need one in an emergency, tell the interpreter or agency and they will try their best to help you.

Freelance interpreters

You can use the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People to find an interpreter. The register was set up by Signature (formerly the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People). Visit http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Check their fees before you book as freelancers may have a minimum call-out charge and will charge travel costs. Interpreters based in your area will charge less for their travel, so contact them first.

How many interpreters should I book?

When you make a booking ask for advice on whether you will need one or two interpreters. For an event such as a full day conference, with few breaks between speakers and where presentations are highly technical, you will need two interpreters. For a two-hour meeting between two people you will usually need just one interpreter.

Interpreting can be very tiring, even for an expert, so they need enough breaks throughout the day to provide a professional and accurate service. Do not expect them to work through lunch and coffee breaks, unless you have agreed this with them beforehand

Working with interpreters face-to-face

Preparation material

Try to send the interpreter or the agency copies of any papers, teaching materials or other information at least two weeks before the assignment, so that they know what to expect and can prepare as much as they can for it.

Videos and DVDs

If you are intending to show a video or DVD try to show it to the interpreter before the assignment starts.

Positioning

To communicate effectively, the sign language user and interpreter need to see each other clearly. Anyone relying on spoken English will need to hear the interpreter well. Interpreters will advise on the best place for them to sit or stand and will take into account lighting and visibility. If you are using flipcharts, an overhead projector, handouts, film clips or practical demonstrations, they must be positioned near to the interpreters so that the BSL user does not have to change the direction of his or her attention.

Speakers/participants

It is good practice for only one person to speak at a time. It is impossible to interpret two people speaking simultaneously.

For more communication tips read our communication tips card.

Working with a video interpreter

Before using a video interpreter, make sure your videophone or webcam equipment is installed and working correctly. For the best picture quality, try to ensure that the background behind the videophone or webcam is as plain as possible.

Make sure people are not moving around in the background. Good lighting is also important to avoid shadows or silhouettes. You may need to sign or speak more slowly when using a video interpreter.

How much do interpreters charge?

Interpreter’s costs, travel expenses and minimum call-out charges vary, so check these when you book.

Can I get help with paying for an interpreter?

If you are deaf or deafblind you usually won’t have to pay for the communication support you need. The following section tells you about the different ways there are to pay for interpreters.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

The DDA may require service providers such as hospitals and GP surgeries to provide communication support. If you need an interpreter, let the service provider know in plenty of time. For further information, see our factsheet Access for deaf people – your rights under the DDA.

Help for students

In higher education, Disabled Students’ Allowances can pay for communication support that the student needs. Students in further education who need support on a course because they are deaf should be able to get what they need from the college.

People who are deaf may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if they need help to communicate with other people. For more information, see our factsheet, Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Access to work

The government’s Access to Work scheme may help to pay for communication support you need at work or, if you are unemployed, for interviews. For more information, see our factsheet Benefits and work.

Contact the RNID Information Line for more information about help with paying for communication support.

Where can I get further information?

 To book an interpreter through RNID, please contact RNID Communications Services:

RNID Communication Services

To book an interpreter through RNID, please contact: 
RNID Communication Services 
The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ Telephone 0845 685 8000 Textphone 0845 685 8001 Fax 0845 685 8002 communication.services@rnid.org.uk 
You can also book communication support online by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/csbooking (opens new browser window)

Signature

Signature (formerly the CACDP – Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People). Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, Durham DH1 1TH
Telephone 0191 383 1155  Textphone 0191 383 7915  Fax 0191 383 7914
durham@signature.org.uk  http://www.signature.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) 
Search the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (set up by Signature) at http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI)

SASLI produces a directory of BSL/English interpreters and agencies.
SASLI, Donaldson’s College, West Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5JJ
Tel/textphone 0131 347 5601 Fax 0131 347 5628
mail@sasli.org.uk
SASLI website (external link, opens new browser window)

Wales Council for the Deaf

Contact Wales Council for the Deaf if you want to book an interpreter.
Wales Council for the Deaf, Glenview House, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd CF37 1JY
Telephone 01443 485687 Textphone 01443 485686 Fax 01443 408555
wcdeaf@freenet.co.uk
Wales Council for the Deaf website (external link, opens new browser window)

RNID Information, April 2009