News for Interpreters

Pilot Project for Police Registered Interpreters

ADS Ltd is carrying out a sanctioned Pilot Study into a different concept in regard to Interpreting within Custody Suites. The company ADS, would like to hear from any experienced Legal/Police accredited Interpreters who would like to be included in this study. Initially the language combinations will be English <> Polish, Portuguese, Lithuanian, Romanian and Mandarin.

The study will not begin until later in the year (2007) and although the languages mentioned are those that will be needed at first, eventually all languages may be required, so ADS would like to inform others of the next stage as and when required and thus would like to hear from other Language Interpreters. The concept will not interfere with any other arrangements you have with any other Company or Authority and normal remuneration rates will apply even during the study.

If interested in being part of this pilot, please contact steve.martin@advdoc.co.uk (Tel: 01242 261275) for further details.

Please note: NRPSI Limited is in no way involved in the Pilot Study and places this notice at the request of ADS Ltd.

Renewal Procedure for lapsed listings

An interpreter who lets their registration lapse by not renewing their registration within the following time frames must apply as a new applicant (i.e. complete a new application form, submit the names of 2 referees, submit the new application fee etc) in order for their reinstatement to be considered:

• Full status after 5 consecutive years of being lapsed.
• Others, after 3 consecutive years of being lapsed [If you have passed your deadline to upgrade then please contact us to discuss what you will need to provide in order to re-instate your registration]

Note: If an interpreter wishes to reinstate their registration after 6 months of being lapsed but within the above time frames they must pay a re-admission fee together with the annual registration fee.

Stressed? Depressed? Feel like talking about it?
At the Samaritans it’s listening we do.

Whatever you’re going through, big or small, don’t bottle it up. Get confidential non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day. Contact the Samaritans… when you need it the most.

ID CARDS

Registered interpreters: please ensure you only interpret for languages you are registered for (these will be shown on your ID Card). Do not imply or state in literature that you are registered for others.

UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR

IMPORTANT: Interpreters, please note that if your behaviour is seen to be unprofessional at any time your details will be put forward to the Disciplinary Panel for investigation.

Also please ensure you read the Code of Conduct on a regular basis. There have been a number of interpreters who have not been impartial at all times and have made certain subscribers (especially Police Forces) question the work of an interpreter. Do not allow community of family issues to cloud your working practices!

Breach of the Code of Conduct: We thought that it would be useful to give you an example of situations that you might not be aware of that would essentially be in breach of the Code of Conduct. Here are three examples:

1. Special constables acting as interpreters in cases in which they are involved
2. Health practitioners acting as interpreters in cases in which they are involved
3. Interpreters giving legal or medical advice in cases in which they are involved

We are now living in a society in which consumers (whether clients/companies or individuals) expect high quality goods and services. As a result, they will not hesitate to pursue a claim if they feel that they have been harmed as a result of poor interpreting. This means that the need for professional indemnity insurance has never been greater.

What is professional indemnity insurance?

Professional indemnity insurance can help in any legal action launched by a customer.

How do I obtain professional indemnity insurance?

As with any insurance policy, you will need to shop around the various insurance companies/brokers and satisfy yourself that you are receiving the appropriate cover for your circumstances.

NRPSI Ltd has favourable rates with Shephards (contact Andrew Elliott, Tel: 01689 885 821, Fax: 01689 877 789, E-mail: aelliott@shephardherriot.co.uk).