Herefordshire Language Network

Herefordshire's growth in migrant and seasonal workers has boosted the demand for translation and interpreting (T&I) services.  In particular, schools, council services, hospitals, housing and the police have an increased demand for experienced linguists.  The council has responded to this by developing a network of local people who can provide these services.

All linguists on the network live in Herefordshire or on its borders, and work on a freelance basis.  The benefits of this are many; they include:

• To significantly reduce the cost to local organisations of buying in T&I services.
• To make the best use of local people with language skills, encourage their personal and academic development, and increase their financial independence.

A few linguists are qualified to the impressive DPSI or DipTrans* level, some are trained Community Interpreters, and all our interpreters have attended foundation training.  So whilst we may not be able to provide you with a fully qualified linguist for the particular language you require, there is likely to be someone on the network who can help you.

*Diploma in Public Service Interpreting or Diploma in Translation

If you need a translator or interpreter

Call the Council's Equality, Human Rights and Partnership Team on 01432 260216 or e-mail diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk.  Alternatively you can fill in and e-mail the Request form which can be found in the resources panel on the right.  We will arrange for someone on the network to carry out the work that you need.  Or, if we don't know of anyone locally who can help, we will signpost you to another provider.  You will need to give us the following information:

Text Translation

Face-to-Face Interpreting

What languages are needed Does your translator need to be fully qualified Does your text involve any specialist or technical vocabulary Number of words The tone, or register, of the text Deadline for the work Who can the translator contact if there are any queries Name and address of who to invoice (or cost code if request is from within Herefordshire Council)

What language is needed Does your interpreter need to be fully qualified Subject/context of the meeting If the meeting will involve any specialist or technical vocabulary Name of the client Name of the contact on the day  Time, date and venue Estimated duration of the meeting Whether the meeting will be recorded Any particular requirements for the interpreter, such as gender or dialect Name and address of who to invoice (or cost code if request is from within Herefordshire Council)

We have produced guidance for people commissioning translation work, or using an interpreter (which can be found in the resources panel on this page).  This will help you get the best from the linguist, and from the work that they do.

All our interpreters have signed up to a code of conduct (also attached to this page) which incorporates a confidentiality clause.  If you need to use one of our interpreters, please familiarise yourself with the code of conduct, as it explains what the interpreters will and won't do, and what their role is in the meeting.

We take considerable interest in the safety of our interpreters, and they should never be left alone with a client, in any circumstances.

There is a set schedule of charges so that, as far as possible, you know in advance what each job will cost you.  This information can be found in the resources panel on this page.

If you would like to be a part of the network

Depending on current demand, we may be looking for new linguists to join the network who are:

• fluent in English and at least one other language
• aged over 18
• living in Herefordshire or on its borders
• eligible to work in the UK

We are currently particularly keen to hear from speakers of Pashto, Turkish, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Korean and Welsh.  Also, anyone fluent in British Sign Language (minimum NVQ Level 3).  You don't need any formal qualifications in translating or interpreting, but we may be able to give you more work if you are qualified.

If you would like to apply to join the network, please complete and send in the form on this page (click on "join the network).  You will then need to come to the council's offices in Plough Lane for a short meeting so that we can get to know you.  We are looking for people who speak exceptionally good English, are able to present themselves professionally, are reliable and organised, and are committed to providing excellent customer service and improving their knowledge.

All linguists need to provide us with:

• a signed code of conduct (attached on this page)
• evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK (details attached)
• evidence of your translating or interpreting qualifications (if you have any)

Linguists on the network work on a freelance basis, and are responsible for registering themselves as self-employed, declaring their earnings to HM Revenue & Customs, and all associated paperwork.

Contact details for the network

Equality, Human Rights and Partnership Team
PO Box 4
Plough Lane
Hereford
HR4 0XH

01432 260216 or 260244
diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk