What is a Registered Interpreter or Translator?

The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) is the largest national register for language service professionals. A voluntary register, they set minimum qualification requirements to be safe to practice, investigate complaints and promote quality language services. 

ASLI members may be on the NRCPD registers as Registered or Trainee:

Sign Language Interpreters

Sign Language Interpreters are highly skilled professionals who are fluent in two or more languages. Their primary role is to interpret between a signed language such as British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) and spoken English. They also play a vital role in mediating across cultures and facilitating communication neutrally, ensuring that everyone has equal access to information and can fully participate in the interaction.

Relay-Intralingual Sign Language Interpreters

Intralingual Interpreters, (commonly known as Deaf Relay Interpreters), facilitate communication for Deaf people with specific or complex language needs. Intralingual interpreters are essential when Deaf clients use non-standardised sign language, have limited language development, or exhibit idiosyncratic signing. Where Inter-lingual interpreters interpret between different languages, intra-lingual interpreters work within the same language, British Sign Language to a modified Sign Language. Intralingual interpreters use their lived experience as a Deaf Visual Language user and intrinsic cultural awareness to accurately render BSL into other forms of sign language or vice versa. They may clarify complex language structures, ensuring effective communication for Deaf clients with diverse linguistic needs.

Interpreters for Deafblind People

Interpreters for Deafblind people are professionals who assist Deafblind clients in communicating through either the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, Block Alphabet, Hands-On Signing or Visual Frame Signing. The method used to communicate is dependent on the client’s residual hearing and sight, as well as individual preferences. The interpreter also relays auditory and visual information such as reactions to what has been said and the movement of other people.

Sign Language Translators

Sign Language Translators are professionals who work with a written language and convert written materials from one language into sign language. Sign Language Translators typically work in domains such as translating website and social media content into British Sign Language. Regulated Trainee Sign Language Translators must not be booked to work in mental health or criminal justice settings.

Trainee interpreters and translators are subject to restrictions on their practice and should not be booked for assignments 'in which the rights and liberties of participants will be affected by the outcome of the interaction or information contained within the source text.' For further information, please consult the NRCPD website

Definitions and information taken from the NRCPD website, information correct as of 28.4.24

All ASLI trainee and practitioner members are registered with a professional regulatory body. Please ensure an interpreter meets the requirements of any assignment you are booking them for by checking their credentials and that they are registered with a professional body.

How to book an Interpreter or Translator

Locate an interpreter or translator directly via ASLI’s online directory or via other online registers. You can also book interpreters via an agency or through an online/video interpreting service.

Include as much information as possible with the booking request, including:

• When?  Dates and times of the booking
• Where? The address that the booking will take place, or which online platform will be used for the booking
• Why? The purpose of the booking, e.g. meeting, training, conference, etc
• Who? When appropriate, include the names of who will be attending the booking, including the Deaf participants
• What? Additional details about the booking will help you ensure you book the most suitable interpreter

A team of two or more interpreters or translators may be required for longer bookings or more complex assignments regardless of length. Professionals can advise you on this before a booking is confirmed. 

Video or remote interpreting is not suitable for all assignments, please consider the needs of all participants when booking online events.

What rights do deaf people have to an Interpreter or Translator?

The Equality Act 2010:  service providers must make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure they are fully accessible, including providing an Interpreter.

NHS guidelines on the provision of interpreters within the Health Service: “Doubly Disabled Equality for Disabled people in the new NHS Access to Services”, NHS Executive (1999), clearly states that only registered Interpreters should be used.

Police, Courts & other Legal Agencies:  Only registered Interpreters should be used for legal bookings as per guidelines.

Access to Work
ASLI supports the National Access to Work  Delivery Managers’ Policy Statement (2007)  that the recommended minimum requirement for the engagement of an interpreter is a trainee or registered interpreter with the NRCPD.

When and where are Interpreters or Translators used?

Deaf people need an Interpreter or a Translator whenever important communication is taking place and it is their right to access that information.
This could be in any location including, but not limited to:

• Hospitals, GPs and other NHS services
• Job interviews or at the job centre
• Work based training courses, meeting, calls
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Attending a public meeting or council appointment
• Attending court or a police station
• Banks, other providers of services

What if it doesn’t go well?

If you are using a registered Interpreter or Translator and have a complaint, you can inform their registering body and they will investigate. You cannot complain about an Interpreter or a Translator who is not registered.

Who pays for the interpreter or translator?

It is the responsibility of the service provider under the Equality Act 2010, however some funding is available such as Access to Work (DWP) or Disabled Students’ Allowance. Some services, such as health and social care, may have a centralised booking service.

Additional resources

NUBSLI guidance on booking and working with interpreters

UK interpreter and translator registers:

NRCPD register

SRLPDC (The Scottish Register)

RBSLI register