British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreting
According to the Department for Work and Pensions there are about 70,000 British Sign Language users in Britain. Our trained and vetted BSL interpreters are experienced in working between British Sign Language and English.
You’ll need to tell us how many deaf and hearing people will be present and how long the event is likely to last. This may affect how many interpreters you will need. Any assignment lasting over two hours will usually require two interpreters.
If working alone, remember that the interpreter will need a break every 20 to 30 minutes.
During an assignment, speak clearly and avoid using abbreviations or jargon. Speak directly to and face the deaf person, not the interpreter. Allow time for the deaf person to look at any visual materials before discussing them.
If you have any background documentation or notes that can be supplied before the assignment, this is always appreciated by our interpreters.
In order that the British Sign Language interpreter is able to provide the best possible service on the day, the sign language user and the interpreter must be able to see each other clearly, and that those relying on spoken English can hear the interpreter clearly.
Whether you book a BSL/English interpreter with us, or via another company, please bear in mind that you will need an appropriately qualified interpreter for your particular assignment:
- A Junior Trainee Interpreter (JTI) is likely to be qualified up to Level 3 NVQ and will have competent BSL skills in both listening and speaking.
- A Trainee Interpreter (TI) is likely to be qualified up to level 4 NVQ and will be able to use complex language and express themselves fluently.
- A Member of the Register (MRSLI) will have met nationally recognised standards agreed by the Interpreter Registration Standards. Such interpreters are highly skilled in the use of BSL and English.
Please note that fully trained and professional BSL interpreters are scarce in the UK. For that reason, you should give us as much notice as possible if you need to book an interpreter.
Before booking one of our interpreters, we advise that you check that the deaf person involved does indeed use BSL as their preferred form of communication, as not all deaf people do.
Other options include:
Contact us for a quotation for any of our language services.
 "Following on from the conference yesterday, I am writing on behalf of everyone at the Meningitis Trust, to say a huge thank you for providing us with two fantastic BSL interpreters.
The feedback from the delegates who needed the translation was extremely positive. 'Interpreters up to scratch, not always at large events these days'. 'The interpreters were very good, I will be happy to use them again in any further events.'
They were both able to deal with the emotional, scientific and medical content as well as the various presenting styles in the high professional standard that we had hoped for."
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