The team commission interpreter services from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (R.N.I.D.) (external link), which enables people who require communication support to directly access the services of qualified interpreters for a range of situations.
Interpreter services available include:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Signed Supported English (SSE)
- Lip speakers
- Palentype operators
- Deaf/blind manual communicators
You can ask for an interpreter for occasions when it is important that you are able to understand what another person is saying, for example an appointment with your bank manager, doctor, job interview, etc. There may also be many other occasions when you feel you need communication support.
How quickly can I get an interpreter?
The more notice you can give before an interpreter is required, the better. Ideally, they need about two weeks’ notice, but interpreters can be booked at shorter notice if necessary.
Is the service confidential?
Yes - the interpreters have rules that say they are not allowed to tell anyone what has been said in the discussion.
Can I ask specifically for a male or female interpreter?
Yes - when it is important to you that you have an interpreter of the same gender as you, for example when you have a hospital or doctor’s appointment.
How do I to arrange for an interpreter?
Contact the sensory team for the phone number of the interpretation agencythat we use.
How much does it cost?
The service is funded by the council's Department of Adult Services. Currently, there is no charge for the service, but if other organisations ask for an interpreter to help them communicate with you, then we may ask them to pay for the service.
