Interpreter’s Code of Conduct
Interpreters must:
Act with integrity and maintain high standards at all times.
Be of good character, which may preclude those with certain criminal records.
Observe confidentiality in relation to every individual assignment (this duty extends beyond the completion of the individual assignment), unless otherwise required by law.
Not seek to take advantage of any information disclosed during an assignment.
Comply with current Data Protection legislation.
Not use any information obtained in the course of an assignment for any purpose other than as authorised.
Keep safe any document provided and ensure that it is not copied and is returned at the end of the assignment.
Act impartially and not discriminate between parties (to their advantage or disadvantage).
Not give advice, legal or otherwise, to the person for whom they are interpreting, nor enter into discussion with them (other than to confirm language/dialect match).
Disclose any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest in relation to each individual assignment.
Disclose any previous involvement with the case.
Disclose any relationship with the parties involved in the assignment or their family.
Disclose any information, including any criminal record, which may make them unsuitable for any particular assignment.
Undertake assignments only for which they are competent (both linguistically and in terms of specialist knowledge or skills).
Disclose professional limitations in relation to each individual assignment.
Always interpret/translate to the best of their ability.
Decline any reward other than agreed fees and expenses.
Seek to increase their knowledge and skills
Always advise clients to make any future bookings/arrangements via Talking Heads staff only and should also contact Talking Heads immediately after any assignment in which any further service is mentioned or requested. Linguists should not contact Talking Heads’ clients directly, under any circumstances.
