Sign Language Interpreter

Key skills/talents

The following are some key skills you should have/develop if you’re looking to become a Sign Language Interpreter:

• Fluency in Sign Language: A deep understanding and fluency in the specific sign language used (e.g. British Sign Language, American Sign Language).

• Excellent Listening Skills: The ability to actively listen to spoken language and process it quickly.

• Strong Visual-Spatial Skills: The capacity to interpret and convey information visually.

• Strong Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills: The ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and through sign language.

• Cultural Competence: Understanding the cultural nuances associated with Deaf culture and sign language.

• Attention to Detail: The ability to accurately interpret and convey complex information.

• Adaptability: The flexibility to work in various settings and with different individuals.

• Ethical Conduct: Adhering to professional codes of ethics and confidentiality.

• Physical Stamina: The ability to maintain focus and energy throughout interpreting assignments.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on the latest developments in sign language and interpreting techniques.

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​Qualifications required

To succeed as a sign language interpreter, formal qualifications are essential. Most interpreters complete Levels 1 to 3 in BSL Interpreting are recognised as the standard for professional practice, and covers basic interpreting support. Levels 4, 5 and 6 are needed to work in more complicated interpreting situations, like medical support: https://www.bslcourses.co.uk/courses

 

While not mandatory, having a degree in interpreting, translation, or a related field can enhance career prospects.The following universities currently have degree courses:

• University of Wolverhampton: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-british-sign-language-interpreting

• Heriot-Watt University: https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/modern-languages-interpreting-and-translating 

• University of Central Lancashire: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/british-sign-languageenglish-interpreting-pgdipma 

Additionally, professional registration with the National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deaf blind People (NRCPD) is required by employers and ensures adherence to industry standards and ethical practices: https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/registration

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Rules and regs

Here are some key rules and regs to be aware of…

 

• Professional Code of Conduct: Established by bodies like NRCPD to ensure ethical practice: https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/code-of-conduct 

• Equality Act 2010: Ensures the provision of interpreting services as a reasonable adjustment in workplaces and public services - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents 

• A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is essential for working with children or vulnerable adults to ensure safety and compliance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

• Data Protection Act 2018: Protects clients’ personal information: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents 

 

Although, as at the time of writing this, there are no Statutory regulations, it is something that the NRCPD are working towards, and they outline their reasons thus:

 

The benefits to deaf and deaf-blind people, and organisations that use communication and language services, include the guarantees that every professional…

• is qualified and continues their training and development;

• can be held to account by the complaints process; and

• if necessary, can be barred from practising.

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The benefits to Registrants and regulated Trainees include…

• raising the profile and status of the professions;

• educating the public about the professions and their importance; and

• making sure unqualified people cannot do their job.

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More information on this, is here: https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/statutory-regulation 

 

Sign language interpreters need specific insurance to protect themselves and their practice. Professional indemnity insurance is essential, covering any potential errors or omissions made during interpretation. 

 

Public liability insurance provides protection in case of injury or property damage while on assignment. 

 

Additionally, income protection insurance can safeguard an interpreter’s earnings in the event of illness or injury that prevents them from working. 

 

Insurance policies ensure interpreters can work confidently and handle any unforeseen circumstances professionally. Below we have listed some companies that carry Sign Language Interpreter insurance:

https://www.policybee.co.uk/translators-and-interpreters-insurance

https://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/translators

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Remuneration framework

Salaries vary depending on whether the interpreter works full time or is freelance, plus, of course, their level of expertise.

 

A full-time sign language interpreter can (on average) earn between £25,000 and £60,000 per year, or more. 

 

The National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI) provides guidance on daily rates that freelance interpreters can charge: https://www.nubsli.com/guidance/interpreter-fees

 

An interpreter's income range can depend on their expertise in a particular domain, such as legal and medical.

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How to get started

Starting a career as a sign language interpreter begins with learning British Sign Language (BSL), either through courses offered by local colleges or community organisations, or online, which means it has never been easier. This is a basic online course offered by the BSL to get you started: https://www.bslcourses.co.uk/courses/deaf-awareness-training

 

Aspiring interpreters can then pursue more advanced qualifications, such as the Level 4, 5 and 6 NVQ in BSL Interpreting, to develop their skills and meet professional standards. 

 

Gaining experience through volunteering or shadowing experienced interpreters is invaluable for building confidence and understanding the role. 

 

Once qualified, registering with professional bodies like the National Register of Communication Professionals, working with Deaf and Deaf-blind People (NRCPD), or the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (see below) will help to establish credibility and will open doors to job opportunities.

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Job site links

You can find jobs on the usual sites, such as Indeed, plus via the organisations below, but there are also specialist agencies such as Sign Solutions: https://www.signsolutions.uk.com, or Action for Deafness, a leading UK charity who employ interpreters: https://actiondeafness.org.uk/jobs

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Associations or official bodies to register with

• NRCPD (National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People): https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/index.php 

• ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters): https://asli.org.uk

• Signature: A leading provider of BSL qualifications and resources: https://www.signature.org.uk

• Deafblind UK: Offers support for interpreters working with deafblind individuals: https://deafblind.org.uk

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): A UK-based organisation that registers and regulates sign language interpreters: https://rid.org

• RNID (The UK National hearing loss charity): https://rnid.org.uk

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Progression pathway​

There are many career paths (and progression routes) for people who work in sign language, not least because interpreters are ALWAYS in high demand and play a vital role in helping deaf and hearing people communicate. There are clear pay and progression routes in a specific field (i.e. the more experienced you become, the more money you can earn), as per the fields stated below; and there is the opportunity to change field/specialism, to add further strings to your bow.

 

Interpreters work in a variety of settings, including healthcare, emergency rooms, private clinics, and social care facilities. Or, like Kirsty, they can become teaching coordinators in a school, college or university.

 

Other jobs that people with sign language skills can consider include: Speech and language therapist, Communication support worker, and Social workers for the deaf.

 

Mental health, as we all know, is one of the most prevalent issues among adults and children alike, but the low ratio of professionals licensed to treat patients is equally pressing. The problem is further concerning for people dealing with deafness and other disabilities. Therefore, counsellors who can provide professional help with sign language are highly valued in this field.

 

If you have an interest in, and are good at speaking, other (foreign) languages, then ‘Trilingual interpreters’ are even more highly sought after, and paid for. These highly skilled interpreters translate verbal communication (on average) between three different languages: the language of the person speaking, the language of the person (or group) being spoken to, and of course the deaf person or people, in whatever sign language they use.

 

A more ‘hardcore’ career route is via specific medical training in associated areas like ‘Pathology’ and ‘Audiology’.

 

Pathologists treat people with hearing loss or developmental disorders, including autism, brain trauma, and communication disorders. You can find jobs in different positions within Pathology, from diagnosing language disorders to teaching a patient to speak, where you will need to create individual plans to assist them with their issues.

 

Audiology is about identifying and assessing hearing and balance function and their associated disorders, and although you are required to have specialised education and training to be an audiologist, you can make a great career in this field with your ‘added’ abilities in sign language.

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Additional Information/links

https://accessbsl.com/how-to-become-a-sign-language-interpreter/#how-much-do-sign-language-interpreters-earn

 

https://accessbsl.com/what-jobs-can-i-do-with-bsl