Communication is a 2-way process involving speaking, listening, observing and responding. For many people this is a problem at the best of times, for others a near impossibility without specialist help. Difficulties may arise from having to cope with a foreign language or having a physical impairment that affects hearing, seeing and talking. Being seriously nervous when having to talk in threatening situations can also cause problems.

That is why all councils have a Translation and Interpretation unit to help them ensure that their services are fully accessible to all sections of the community.

Work Environment

Translation work is done in the office. Sign language and language interpretation takes place in a variety of outside settings such GPs surgeries, other council offices, schools, and community centres. The standard working week is 37 hours and no anti-social shifts are required. There is local and national travel involved.

Daily Activities

Translation of the written word and interpretation of the spoken word are ongoing activities. The unit may deal with over 40 different languages such as Western and Eastern European, Hindi, Urdu and a host of languages spoken by refugees and recent arrivals to this country. For those who are hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted or unable to speak coherently, there are interpreters to help them through the use of Braille, audio and sign language. Translators and interpreters help with psychological communication difficulties, too. Imagine you are so overcome by an appearance in court, or at the benefits office, that you are unable to put your case properly even though you speak English reasonably well. Someone from the interpretation unit will be there to help you. The senior translator/interpreter often manages the unit. In providing an efficient local service in a range of languages, including signing, this means being responsible for:

• liaising with clients on the telephone
• taking bookings and arranging for them to take place, including booking interpreters on a daily basis
• undertaking and delegating translation tasks
• dealing with budgets, accounts, invoices
• writing memos, letters, reports
• helping with special projects such as closed circuit television aids and ‘best value’ initiatives.

Translators/interpreters will work to a timetable but use their own initiative for most of the time. The telephone, photocopier, computer and fax machine are in constant use and there is daily contact with other council department managers and outside agencies like the Basic Skills Unit, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and the public.

Skills & Interests

To be good at your job you would need to have:

• a facility for languages, particularly for the translation role
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• negotiation skills
• the ability to handle difficult interpersonal situations
• the ability to get on with people from many different backgrounds
• project management ability
• confidence and the ability to project yourself pleasantly and effectively
• a caring nature
• attention to detail
• computer literacy.

Entry Requirements

You would need to be completely competent in English and have a degree in at least one foreign language.

For the interpretation work it may not be necessary to know a foreign language but it would be assumed that your command of the English language is good.

Translators and interpreters may work freelance and sometimes from home. Previous experience in helping people with communication problems is useful.

Estimated salary range

Variable: from £19,000 to £20,000 due to possible differences in job description as given above.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Even though there is a growing need for translators and interpreters as local councils assume greater responsibility for people with communication difficulties, this is a narrow field of work. There is no clear promotion path except to managerial levels in the unit and in other service departments. However, the demand for this service continues to increase. There may be career possibilities with the local government international organisation or in academic work.

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