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Lost in translation? Interpreting services in the courts

The UK House of Lords Inquiry into Interpreting and Translation Services in the Courts has now reported available and below.

In the , key points include:听

Official statistics indicate only 1% of the small number of cases involving an interpreter receive complaints. However, the evidence gathered during this inquiry from interpreters and legal professionals indicates much wider issues,听and leads us to conclude that the current state of interpreting services in the courts is not working efficiently and effectively, and presents a significant risk听to the administration of justice in these cases.

The MOJ鈥檚 published data masks听problems in the service due to both data omissions and a complaints process听which causes under-reporting of problems. This is exacerbated by difficulties in听recruitment and retention of the interpreter workforce. Wider technology issues听in the courts limits the effective use of innovations such as remote interpreting听or interpreting booths, and leaves the justice system unprepared for innovations听in newer technologies.

These are solvable problems. The MOJ is currently in the process of negotiating听a new contract for these services up until 2030. It must use the opportunity of the听contract renewal to reform the profession so that it becomes a desirable career听for highly skilled, well-respected and adequately remunerated interpreters.

We believe this is a moment of both risk and opportunity for interpreting in the听courts. If the MOJ seizes the opportunity of the new contract it can improve the听quality and transparency of the service, while preparing for the future both in听terms of technology and the future workforce. Do nothing, and the Government听risks reinforcing significant jeopardy to justice for the foreseeable future.

The 无忧传媒' is widely referenced in the report, including this听:听

鈥淭he fundamental issue is that people need to earn enough as public service interpreters to pay their bills and make a living鈥�.

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To read the full report click on the image below:听

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