A meaningful job with a prosperous future

With a ratio of 140 Deaf People to 1 Interpreter, demand is great, yet supply is limited.

Not only is there an immediate shortage of British Sign Language (BSL) / English Interpreters and other Language Service Professionals (LSP), a long term skill gap is anticipated.

Key Skills

To be a BSL / English Interpreter requires a high degree of fluency in both languages.

To be an Interpreter you will need to be fluent in both British Sign Language and English. You must have a capacity to accurately process information quickly and multitask. To be a competent you will need to acquire a range of skills, including the ability to analyse and improve your own performance. You should be an empathic communicator, a confident speaker and highly organized. You will be expected to act in a professional manner, whilst being amenable, tolerant and good humoured.

Training

For a native English speaker the starting point is to learn British Sign Language.

The Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) sets the curriculum and administers the qualification framework. Language training can be provided by Adult Education Services (Night School), by commercial organisations or as part of a University based course.

It is necessary to learn interpreting skills, ethics and coping strategies to be a competent Interpreter. Interpreter training can be provided by an Employer, a commercial organisation or as part of a University based course.

Both language and Interpreter training are mapped against NVQ standards, which in turn are regulated by a nationally recognised agreement.

Registration

Depending on the chosen route, it takes between 3 to 6 years before an Interpreter is ready to practice.

Initially, an Interpreter will register with the CACDP Independent Registration Panel as a Junior Trainee Interpreter and is permitted to practice in restricted settings. Once Trainee Interpreter status is acquired, the Interpreter is allowed to undertake a wider variety of work. Ultimately, an Interpreter is required to attain the status of a ‘Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters’ (MRSLI).

A parallel system of registration is operated by the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI). Once Trainee Interpreter status is achieved, an Interpreter may elect to register as an Associate Member (AASLI) and subsequently a Licensed Member (LASLI).

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Update training and/or specialisation constantly improves the service delivered.

Once MRSLI or LASLI status is attained, an Interpreter is required to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This ensures the Interpreters skills are up to date and provides an opportunity to specialise in a given domain.

ASLI provides a network of regional groups, holds an annual conference and provides CPD events, allowing an Interpreter to become involved in the profession.

Employment Opportunities

This significant undertaking is rewarding!

Practicing Interpreters report a high level of job satisfaction. It is said to be both a challenging and interesting role, where the only constant is variety. A wide range of assignments can be undertaken, from a national political conference to a local job interview.

Both commercial and charitable organisations operate agencies which employ Language Service Professionals (LSP). As a BSL / English Interpreter you can expect a professional salary, expenses and a training & development budget.

An Interpreter may elect to work in a self employed, freelance capacity. They then undertake work directly or on behalf of agencies at agreed hourly rates.

Just Communication Ltd employer BSL / English Interpreters at ‘Interpreter’, ‘Associate’ and ‘Senior’ grades. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of benefits. To meet an ever increasing demand we are always recruiting! View ‘Recruitment’ for current vacancies.

Further Information

The truth is out there!

Opportunities exist for both deaf and hearing people to become an Interpreter, a Language Support Professional (LSP), a Trainer or a Consultant. A number of entry routes to the profession exist and anyone embarking on this career path should seek further information.