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:
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,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 riskto the administration of justice in these cases.
The MOJ’s published data masksproblems in the service due to both data omissions and a complaints processwhich causes under-reporting of problems. This is exacerbated by difficulties inrecruitment and retention of the interpreter workforce. Wider technology issuesin the courts limits the effective use of innovations such as remote interpretingor interpreting booths, and leaves the justice system unprepared for innovationsin newer technologies.
These are solvable problems. The MOJ is currently in the process of negotiatinga new contract for these services up until 2030. It must use the opportunity of thecontract renewal to reform the profession so that it becomes a desirable careerfor highly skilled, well-respected and adequately remunerated interpreters.
We believe this is a moment of both risk and opportunity for interpreting in thecourts. If the MOJ seizes the opportunity of the new contract it can improve thequality and transparency of the service, while preparing for the future both interms of technology and the future workforce. Do nothing, and the Governmentrisks reinforcing significant jeopardy to justice for the foreseeable future.
The ' is widely referenced in the report, including this:
“The fundamental issue is that people need to earn enough as public service interpreters to pay their bills and make a living”.
To read the full report click on the image below:
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