Code of Ethics

In this document interpreter means any person who is registered by the Independent Registration Panel (IRP) as a Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI), a Trainee Interpreter (Tl) or a Junior Trainee Interpreter (JTI), according to the current conditions of registration.

Interpreters are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics and to follow the Guidelines for Professional Practice for BSL/English Interpreters which covers issues of professional competence, practice and procedures that are specific to the work of an interpreter.

The Code of Ethics sets out the principles that underpin the work of an interpreter. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure that a working interpreter considers the fundamental rights of those involved in, or affected by, any aspect of an interpreting assignment. The interpreter should be able to justify any course of action by reference to the Ethical Principles.

Ethical Principles

These are the principles of the Code of Ethics that are agreed by all registered interpreters

The interpreter shall:

  • do no harm;

  • be honest;

  • keep her/his word;

  • act justly and fairly;

  • respect the personal choices another person makes;

  • strive to do good.

In the event of a conflict arising between principles, priority should be given to ‘do no harm’ .These six principles support and shape the Guidelines for Professional Practice. Under the Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure an interpreter may be asked to explain why they seemed to breach the Guidelines for Professional Practice. They may defend their action by reference to the Ethical Principles. registration Year 2006-2007.

Communication Unlimited Complaints Procedure

CU’s Complaints Procedure allows for the following stages:

  1. Minor Complaint – where the complainant feels able to approach the staff member themselves.

  2. Complaint – where a person feels unable to approach an individual staff member but feels able to approach the Co-ordinator

  3. Complaint – where a person feels unable to approach the Co-ordinator. In this case the approach should be made to a member of the Management Committee.

  4. Formal Complaint dealt with by a Disciplinary Sub-Committee of the Management Committee

Please contact the CU office if you require a full copy of our Complaints Procedure

All Communication Unlimited Staff also adhere to the CACDP Complaints Procedure www.cacdp.org.uk