Multilingua

1) Introduction

The Service aims to facilitate communication between Service Providers (SPs) and members of the linguistic communities, and work to provide wider access and better quality services for black and minority ethnic communities.  Multilingua should be seen as a resource for minority linguistic communities as well as for SPs.  Community Interpreters (CIs) attending assignments on behalf of Multilingua are expected to abide by this Code of Practice, to which they are signatories.  The Code sets a framework for interpreting for providers in the public service and voluntary sectors. The objective of the Code of Practice is to make sure that communication across language and culture is carried out consistently, competently and impartially, and that all those involved in the process have clear expectations.


2) Competence

Interpreters included on the Register are expected to:

2.1 be competent speakers of both languages, including a command where appropriate of any specialist terminology
2.2 possess the ability to interpret accurately, fluently and appropriately between both languages using the correct techniques
2.3 understand the relevant procedures of the particular context in which they are working
2.4 have written competence in both languages where required in the interpreting context
2.5 maintain and develop their spoken and written command of English and the other language
2.6 be familiar with the cultural backgrounds of both parties.

3) Procedure

Interpreters will:

a) briefly explain to each party how the interpreting process will be conducted; within the boundaries of impartiality and confidentiality
b) interpret truly and faithfully what is said, without anything being added, omitted or changed; if both parties specifically request, a summary may be given in exceptional circumstances
c) disclose any difficulties encountered with dialects or technical terminology and, if these cannot be satisfactorily resolved, offer to withdraw from the assignment
d) not enter into the discussion, give advice or express opinions or reactions to any of the parties
e) intervene only:

• to ask for clarification
• to point out that a party may not have understood something
• to alert the parties to a possible missed inference, an inference which has not been stated but the knowledge of which may have been assumed
• to ask for accommodation for the interpreting process and inform all parties present of the reason for the intervention
• to challenge incidents of racism or other forms of discrimination within the context of the Multilingua’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• to present factual information to enable the Service Provider to steer away from action and advice that may be culturally inappropriate or insensitive

f) inform both the Service Provider and Client of the reasons for their intervention
g) not delegate work, nor accept delegated work, but refer the Service Provider and/or the Client back to the service.
h) declare any prior involvement in any previous meetings relating to the same case
i) refer the Service Provider and/or the Client back to the service in cases of complaints and grievances
j) refrain from entering into any private conversation with either party
k) be reliable and punctual at all times
l) notify the service of any delays
m) ensure that any relevant information and/or paperwork is passed on immediately.


4) Ethical and Professional Issues


Interpreters will:

a) respect confidentiality at all times and not seek to take advantage of any information disclosed
b) act in an impartial and professional manner
c) dress smartly and appropriately
d) not discriminate against parties, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, age, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality or disability
e) disclose any information, including any criminal record, which may make them unsuitable in any particular case
f) disclose immediately if the interviewee or immediate family is known or related to them
g) disclose any business, financial, family or other interest which they might have in a case
h) not accept any form of reward, cash or otherwise, for interpreting work other than payment from the service
i) not engage in any behaviour likely to discredit Multilingua (including impairment through drugs or alcohol, sexual misconduct, violence, intimidation or abusive behaviour)
j) safeguard professional standards and offer assistance to other interpreters and translators whenever reasonable, practical and appropriate
k) abide by the terms of the agreed Multilingua range of interpreting fees and expenses when accepting an assignment.
All of our interpreters are given training in, and asked to sign up to, a code of practice which conforms to nationally agreed standards of performance and professional conduct.  Multilingua’s interpreters are impartial, skilled in their chosen languages, professional and will observe strict confidentiality at all times.