Face to Face Interpreting

Language-Empire understands that working with a non-English speaker can be quite a complex task. We also understand that Interpreting can be quite complex and demanding. At Language-Empire, our aim is to provide Interpreters who are confidence, experienced, professional and that they provide the interpretation correctly and instantly. We always ensure that your aim with your non-English speaker can come to a close with a successful conclusion.

Language-Empire started its recruitment campaign to hire Interpreters nationwide in 2001. Since then, the number of Interpreters and languages spoken has expanded vastly. We have a strict recruitment policy in place today so that all Interpreters are both qualified and experienced as well as CRB cleared.

The recruitment strategy that we have in place covers the whole of the UK covering each and every post-code area. You can use our Language-Postcode Search facility to establish the number of face-to-face Interpreters we have available in the location and language that you require.

Today, Language-Empire has over 20,000 Interpreters located nationwide and covers over 300 languages. We recruit on an ongoing basis to ensure all new, emerging, rare & common languages are provided by Language-Empire. Out of the 1000 applications we receive for face-to-face Interpreters, on average only 400 are approved with our strict recruitment criteria.

Our Interpreters are trained in-house to ensure a great service is provided on every assignment. All Interpreters are required to carry a photo-ID card bearing the name of our company and the name of the Interpreter including their ID number and the language(s) that they speak. This card must be carried at all times and shown on arrival to the assignment venue.

Our face-to-face Interpreters are qualified with either DPSI or Community Interpreting (minimum level-3) and are members of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters, Institute of Linguists, Institute of Translators and Interpreters and/or Association of Police and Court Interpreters.

Our interpreters can help you in all face-to-face foreign language situations and contexts.

Interpreting Models

All Language Empire Interpreters are trained to follow the Linguistic Model of Interpreting, unless otherwise specifically requested by the service user.

[a] Linguistic model of interpreting: this is where the interpreter ONLY interprets what (s)he hears, i.e. does not ask questions or gets involved in the discussion. This is typical of Public Service Interpreters.

[b] Advocacy model of interpreting: the interpreter asks question to ensure that the client fully understands and appreciates what is being said; e.g. in a doctor-patient situation, the interpreter will check that the client realises what (s)he is being asked to sign and the possible consequences and, if necessary, ask the doctor to explain it further. This is typical of Community interpreters.

UK Government Standards

In addition to our face-to-face interpreting service, Language-Empire also ensures that all of our Face to Face Interpreters meet the required government standards;

Vetting and Selection
1. Undergo strict selection and appointment procedures
2. Have a Enhanced CRB Clearance

Qualifications

A. Advanced Level Interpreters  

1. DPSI (Oral and Written)
2. DPSI Oral only
3. Community Interpreting Level 3
4. MA in Interpreting & Translation
5. MA in Interpreting
6. MA in Translation
7. BA Hons. Interpreting & Translation
8. Diploma in Interpreting & Translating
9. Interpreting in Health and Social Care
10. Introduction to Public Service Interpreting
11. Open University Interpreting Course
12. UK Lang Related Degree with interpreting component.
13. Certificate in Professional Interpreting
14. Metropolitan Police Test (including simultaneous interpretation
15. Home Office Approved and Assessed Interpreter
16. City & Guilds Interpreting Course
17. AIT Assessment (formerly IAA assessment)
18. IND Assessment (Home Office)

B. Intermediate Level Interpreters  

1. Studying towards DPSI
2. Studying towards Community Interpreting
3. Studying towards MA in Interpreting And Translation
4. Studying towards MA in Interpreting
5. Studying towards MA in Translation
6. Studying Towards BA Hons in Interpreting and Translation
7. Recognised language degree from a UK University
8. Recognised English degree from a foreign University
9. Overseas Language Related Degree
10. Overseas Degree Interpreting or Translation
11. Police Force assessment
12. Reference with language assessment Other Public Sector Trained / Approved Interpreter
13. Other Language Service Assessment, proven experience as an interpreter

Quality Assurance
1. Have the personal qualities necessary to allow you and your message, not their translation, to remain in control
2. Carry our company ID
3. Are regularly monitored
4. Adhere to our code of ethics and will treat your interpreting session sensitively and confidentially
5. Have specialised working knowledge of different sectors, for example, law, medicine, social services, sciences and technology
6. Have a working knowledge of their native language and the linguistic and cultural norms of British society
7. Can work independently and confidently.

On-going Training and Development
1. Are provided with basic in-house training
2. Are provided with an insight into certain specific organisation to increase their knowledge of the Public Sector. Our training methods include written information and internet information.
3. Are provided with in-house training sessions with professionals specific to a public sector organisation.
4. Are trained to work with different cultures and understand the Equality Policies in place.
5. Are regularly updated with current legislations. For example, safeguarding children’s legislation, vulnerable peoples legislation etc.
6. Strictly adhere to our Race Relations, Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies.