Interpreters
This section explains our current position on prospective freelance interpreters and the opportunity to apply for vacancies.
The Central Interpreters Unit was established in September 2000, as a commitment to further increasing the Border and Immigration Agency's professionalism towards interpreting services. At present we hold a central database which is called upon by more than 80 different ports and Agency offices across the country, when the service of an interpreter is required.
Our main role within the department is to engage, assess and train interpreters as well as being responsible for personnel issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there any restrictions on who can apply?
There are few restrictions. The principal one is that overseas nationals applying to join the panel should not have any restriction on their stay in the United Kingdom. Please send your enquiries to the department for more information.
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What hours do interpreters work?
The work the Agency provides for interpreters is very much demand-led and can vary considerably.
There is no minimum or maximum requirement in terms of hours. We therefore welcome applications from those who may only be free to interpret at specific times such as evenings or weekends, as well as those who are available at any time. Clearly, as many airports and ports work 24 hours a day, we are in constant need of interpreting services.
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What type of work are interpreters required to do?
The majority of interpreting work is face-to-face interpreting. This may be in either arrival interviews or casework interviews where an individual as been booked in advance. In both cases you will be required to provide simultaneous translation. Phone interpreting is also occasionally required.
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Where do you use interpreters?
We use interpreters at many regional locations across the United Kingdom, as well as the major ports and airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Dover. The public enquiry office in Croydon is also a major user of interpreters. -
Why do you use interpreters?
Passengers arrive in the United Kingdom from many different countries. The Agency handled approximately 90 million last year alone. The vast majority of overseas nationals are able to communicate satisfactorily with immigration officers but in some cases, where communication proves impossible, the immigration officer will call on the services of an interpreter.
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Are interpreters UK Border Agency employees?
No. All interpreters work on a freelance basis, taking engagements for the Agency in their own time. All interpreters are self-employed and inclusion on our lists does not offer any guarantee as to receiving work or continued inclusion. Therefore there is no formal commitment or contract.
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Are there any minimum requirements?
In order to maintain a high standard of interpreters we require interpreters to attend our training and assessment programme. This programme is conducted by Language Services Limited - a division of the Institute of Linguists. An individual is only exempt from the above if he/she is a 'full status' member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreting (NRPSI) or already holds a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (with law), or has passed the Independent Appellate Authorities (IAA) or a police force assessment in the last three years.
If an individual is not successful in the above programme he/she will be immediately removed from the panel.
If he/she is successful, he/she will receive a certificate specific to the UK Border Agency produced by Language Service Limited.
Internet links
Contact
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Central Interpreters Unit
020 8760 3820
UK Border Agency Central Interpreters Unit, Whitgift Centre B Block, 12th Floor West Wing, 15 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 1AT