Interpreter support

A Quality Interpreting agency pays rates that adequately compensate interpreters for the intermittent and irregular nature of the work, the intensity of the job, the training they have done, and the preparation that is needed for the assignment. In addition to the hourly rate, other fair pay options include

• reimbursement for mileage and parking or fares

• after-hours fee for assignments done after standard business hours (weekends, public holidays and overnight) to compensate for disruption and for being available at unsociable hours.

• a minimum of 1 hour for any on-site job. For phone interpreting, a minimum of 15-minutes, and for video, a 30-minute minimum.

Support for interpreters includes providing the following:

• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to ensure interpreters are not adversely affected by the often traumatic situations in which they work

• Indemnity insurance

• Mentoring and/or coaching from senior staff or training personnel

• Discussion forums and ongoing professional development.

Agencies providing Quality Interpreting acknowledge that interpreters don’t come fully-formed after an introductory course and assessment. Ongoing professional development is an integral part of building interpreter capability, and should cover the main settings in which interpreters work. In particular in New Zealand this will be health (both mental and physical) and legal (courts, lawyers and Police).

Regular discussion of interpreter ethics and how to apply them is also an essential part of professional practice.