British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters

British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters allow communication to take place between users of BSL and users of spoken English. They interpret in a wide range of situations.

Also known as:

Language services professional
Sign language interpreter

Work activities

British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters allow communication to take place between users of BSL and users of spoken English. They interpret from BSL to spoken/written English and from spoken/written English to BSL. BSL is an officially recognised language – it has its own grammar, vocabulary and structure. Instead of using sounds to make words, BSL/English interpreters use hand movements, shapes and facial expressions to communicate. Most language have their own sign language equivalent.

BSL/ English interpreters work in a wide variety of settings - almost anywhere where there’s a need for deaf and hearing people to communicate, for example:

Business – job interviews, meetings, conferences and training events.
Education – teaching/learning during lectures or lessons.
Legal – meetings with solicitors and police, and in courts and prisons.
Medical – appointments with doctors, dentists and other healthcare workers.
Social – religious, social and cultural events.

Before going to a meeting or appointment, BSL/English interpreters find out where they’ll be interpreting and what the subject matter is – they often have to do some preparation, such as reading minutes or agendas of meetings, summaries or speeches. They might need to search for specialist vocabulary or familiarise themselves with the subject and people who will be involved. Before the start of the meeting or appointment, the BSL/English interpreter needs to make sure that the room they will be working in allows for good communication – they need to ensure that lighting, sound and background will not affect people’s ability to be seen or heard.

They also need to consider the best place to sit, according to the situation. Once the meeting or appointment begins and everyone is present, either the hearing person will start speaking or the sign language user will start signing. The BSL/English interpreter will listen carefully to what’s being spoken or watch the signing from the sign user. Only one person should speak or sign at a time. There will be a short delay while the BSL/English interpreter works from spoken English to BSL or from BSL to spoken English, as they need time to extract and interpret the meaning of the message into the relevant language. They direct the sign language interpretation at the sign language user(s) and direct the spoken word at the hearing person/ people. This process continues until the meeting or appointment is finalised, or if breaks have been scheduled. BSL/English interpreters usually have to travel locally.

Personal qualities and skills

As a British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreter, you’ll need:

An understanding of deaf people’s needs.
Excellent communication skills.
Tact and discretion.
Respect for confidentiality – you could be interpreting private/personal matters.
Good teamworking skills.
Confidence when speaking in public.
To remain neutral in all situations.
The ability to keep up intense concentration and think rapidly.

Pay and opportunities

Pay for British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters is variable as interprets are likely to be paid hourly or per job. Employed BSL/English interpreters work a standard 37-39-hour week. Freelance BSL/English interpreters have some choice about hours, but expect early starts, late finishes and weekend work depending on the requirements of the job. Full-time, part-time and flexible working patterns, such as job-share and contract work, are available.

BSL/English interpreters work in a variety of areas, such as:

Education.
Employment.
Health and social services.
Legal, including meetings with solicitors and court sessions.
Leisure.
Theatre, arts and television.

However, please note that only Registered Sign Language Interpreters can work in a legal or mental health setting.

Most BSL/English interpreters work on a self-employed, freelance basis. They find work through their contacts or by using language agencies.

What’s happening in this work area?

Demand for BSL/English interpreters is steady. The British Deaf Association estimate that over 150,000 people can use BSL.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the websites of specialist recruitment agencies, on general job boards, and in local and national newspapers.

Entry routes and training

The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) regulates BSL/English interpreters in the following categories:

Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI).
Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI).

To become an RSLI, you need to show that you’re highly skilled in BSL and English. You’ll also need to show that you know about interpreting and professional conduct, as defined in the National Occupational Standards. You’ll need to achieve qualifications in interpreting and BSL that are approved by NRCPD. You can find approved qualifications on the NRCPD website. To become a TSLI, you must be undertaking an approved development plan or an approved interpreting training course that leads to Registered status. You’ll need to be supervised or mentored by an RSLI, and meet other standards, which are available on the NRCPD website. BSL/English interpreters are expected to know their own limitations. Only RSLIs should work in a legal setting or mental health setting.

There are opportunities to move into training other interpreters or learning how to work in a variety of different ways and settings.

Qualifications

To become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter, you must meet the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, which include professional conduct. You’ll need to have achieved a postgraduate qualification in interpreting that is recognised by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD). Recognised qualifications include the Signature Level 6 qualification in Sign Language Interpreting. You’ll also need a recognised qualification in British Sign Language, at level 6 or honours degree level. For a full list of recognised qualifications, please see the NRCPD website.

Volunteering is a great way to develop your BSL skills. You could volunteer in clubs or centres for deaf people or practise with other BSL users.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Experience of working with people, especially in a social work-related activity, is useful. Experience of working with deaf people, including voluntary work, is very useful.

If you don’t have the qualifications, you usually need to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details. Some universities offer courses in Sign Language in combination with related studies, for example Deaf Studies or Linguistics. The Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) offers short courses (one-two days) in relevant aspects of interpreting work. British Sign Language courses are available part-time, in the evenings, from adult education colleges. A few universities offer post-graduate qualifications in education and language teaching of learners with multiple sensory impairments.

Related careers

Interpreter
Special educational needs teacher
Speech and language therapist
Translator