- Our interpreters offer consecutive interpreting services; Clear Voice should be notified directly if Simultaneous interpreting services are required.
- Clearly tell the interpreter your name, purpose of your communication and language required.
- Speak a little slower than usual.
- Provide information in short bursts so the interpreter can accurately interpret the information.
- Please be aware that many cultures work to a completely different calendar than is used officially in the United Kingdom. Allow the interpreter time to convert dates given by the service user, or to interpret a date you provide.
- Consider the interpreter as a go-between who will assist you to effectively communicate with your service user in their own language and with awareness of their culture.
- Allow the interpreter time to introduce themselves to your service user and provide the required call recording notification if on telephone.
- Let the interpreter know what information you must tell or receive from your service user.
- Service users may consider the interpreter as a friend or advocate due to their shared language. It is advisable to ensure that your service user understands the interpreter is only able to interpret.
- Be prepared to hear some interpreters speak English with an accent, as many are native speakers of their language.
- Feel free to ask the interpreter to repeat what they have said.
- Be aware of the language and cultural differences between you and your service user.
- Allow the interpreter time to think about what they are saying.
- Our interpreters are encouraged to take notes to ensure accuracy, however these will be destroyed immediately following the session.
- For on demand telephone sessions, our interpreters are freelance and may have other commitments outside of Clear Voice. Our average call time is less than 30 minutes. If you are aware that a call may be significantly longer, for example filling out lengthy forms, please inform the interpreter at the start of the call and arrange an alternative interpreter if they are unable to fulfil your request. You could also consider pre-booking your call to ensure the interpreter will be available for the full time required.
- Interpreter wellbeing is a high priority for Clear Voice – please treat your interpreter with respect and acknowledge the interpreter if they notify you that your service user is being abusive. Interpreters may end an assignment if they are receiving abuse from any party and should provide a clear explanation to you as to the reason why. If you feel the interpreter has been involved in a difficult assignment– for example a safeguarding incident – we would be grateful if you could let Clear Voice know so we can reach out to the interpreter. Please email: clearvoicequalityteam@clearvoice.org.uk
- Please be patient with the interpreter and remember that interpretation is a three-way conversation.
- Our interpreters are advised to raise safeguarding issues during sessions if they suspect there is a safeguarding concern. Please acknowledge the interpreter if they raise a safeguarding concern about your client during the Session and act on this notification in line with your safeguarding policy.
- Our interpreters are not permitted to directly offer additional services other than the agreed assignment such as transcripts or by moving the assignment to another channel, such as telephone call to video call. All such requests should be made directly to Clear Voice.
- Any concerns or feedback regarding the interpreter should not be discussed with the interpreter on the call. These should be raised to Clear Voice to monitor and address.
Top Tips for Working with an Interpreter
Updated on September 24, 2025
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