Here’s NUBSLI’s guide to BSL/English interpreters’ and translators’ organisations:
Confused by the number of BSL/English interpreting organisations in the UK? It is confusing, because there are so many! So here’s a quick guide to help you to work out who does what…
The National Union of Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI):
The trade union for BSL/English interpreters and translators.
NUBSLI campaigns to protect interpreters’ fees, terms and conditions. In doing so, NUBSLI also supports the Deaf community’s access to quality interpreting. Interpreters do not have to join NUBSLI.
The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) and The Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators (RBSLI):
Regulatory bodies which have registers for BSL/English interpreters and translators.
They have complaints processes, so people who need to complain about interpreters can do so via NRCPD or RBSLI, if they are registered with them.
NRCPD has a Code of Conduct and RBSLI has a Code of Ethics, which are like guidelines for how interpreters should behave.
Interpreters do not have to register with them, but may not get work if they don’t, as bookers often require it. Those who are registered should carry an ID card that shows they are registered.
Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) and Visual Language Professionals (VLP):
Member-led professional organisations for BSL/English interpreters and translators.
ASLI and VLP provide external representation, best practice guidance, professional support and networking and insurance.
Interpreters do not have to join them; they may join ASLI or VLP, or both, or neither.
Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI):
A professional membership organisation AND regulatory body for BSL/English interpreters in Scotland.
SASLI provides professional support and networking, but no insurance. It is also a register, with a Code of Conduct Policy and a complaints procedure.
Interpreters do not have to join/register with SASLI, but may not get work if they don’t, as bookers often require it. Interpreters who are registered should carry an ID card that shows they are registered.
Further information
Here’s a visual flowchart, created by Katy Smillie, an NUBLSI member. You can view the larger version by clicking on the image.
Visit their websites
If you want to find out more about the organisations mentioned, the following links will take you to their websites:
Find out more about NUBSLI here.
Enjoying our eggs? Support The Limping Chicken:
The Limping Chicken is the world's most popular Deaf blog, and is edited by Deaf journalist, screenwriter and director Charlie Swinbourne.
Our posts represent the opinions of blog authors, they do not represent the site's views or those of the site's editor. Posting a blog does not imply agreement with a blog's content. Read our disclaimer here and read our privacy policy here.
Find out how to write for us by clicking here, and how to follow us by clicking here.
The site exists thanks to our supporters. Check them out below:
- BSL Zone: TV programmes in BSL for the Deaf community
- Deaf Umbrella: what support is available for deaf students?
- Bellman & Symfon: home alerting solutions, including the mobile phone transceiver!
- SignVideo: Instant BSL video interpreting online
- SignHealth: check out the BSL health library
- 999 BSL: call 999 in an emergency, in BSL
- Appa: Looking for RSLIs, TSLIs and CSWs, apply here!
- Signly: Adding BSL to websites
- Signworld: Learn BSL online!
- DCAL: world-class research into deafness, cognition and language
- Action Deafness: “A Deaf-Led Charity” – interpreting & community support services
- Sign Solutions: Instant access to Interpreters, training and BSL translation nationwide
- InterpretersLive: On demand BSL video interpretation
- Lipspeaker UK: specialist lipspeaking support
- BID: Deaf services, including advice and support, interpreting, employment and letters
- Performance Interpreting: BSL interpreting at concerts
- National Deaf Children's Society: The leading charity for deaf children
Hartmut
July 22, 2016
I am highly surprised about the splintering organizations of BSL-English interpreters in the UK. I recall, there was one in the 80’s that is comprised of Social Workers and Interpreters, who was not on good terms with BDA.
Wy are multiple organizations needed? I can understand the need of two independent associations, one being a labor union and the other an entity specializing on professionalism, such as Code of Professional Conduct/Ethics, credentializing, further education, resolution of commplaints, etc., in the same version as the US Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the Canadian AVLI. I believe that is necessary according to the tax laws and permission to do lobbying and political participation.