Be Part of Word 4 Word Translations

Join Our Team of Ethical Translators and Interpreters

When you become part of our team, you'll benefit from comprehensive support as you embark on your journey with us. We're dedicated to helping you grow in your role and ensuring your success.

Code of Conduct for Employees & Contractors

Word 4 Word Translations, we hold our interpreters to the highest professional standards. Our Code of Conduct ensures effective and ethical interpretation services. As a valued member of our team, you are expected to adhere to the following principles:

Confidentiality: Always maintain the strictest confidentiality. Only discuss your work with Word 4 Word Translations staff and the client.
Language Proficiency: Show a clear and comprehensive understanding of both your mother tongue and English.
Clarity of Communication: Ensure that your spoken English is articulate and easily understood.
Accurate Interpretation: Your role is vital in facilitating communication between parties from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, ensure the utmost accuracy in your interpretations.
Punctuality: Always arrive at your appointments on time or even a bit early.
Completion of Sessions: Commit to completing your interpreting sessions, even if they extend beyond the expected duration. Do not leave without informing Word 4 Word Translations, unless it's an emergency.
Professional Demeanour: Maintain a pleasant and confident manner and adhere to a neat appearance.
Direct Interpretation: Interpret directly without using the third person. Represent the client and other parties accurately.
Privacy and Impartiality: Refrain from gossiping or having private conversations with the client. Stay impartial and avoid becoming too involved in the proceedings.
Non-Judgmental: Avoid making judgments about the client or other parties involved in the interaction.
Conflict of Interest: Never accept an assignment if you have a personal connection with the client. If you realize this during the assignment, immediately disclose it, and the client or their representative will decide whether to proceed or terminate the assignment.
Clarity in Unclear Matters: Seek clarification from the client's representative if any part of the subject matter is unclear to you.
Interruption for Clarification: Only interrupt the conversation if the client has misunderstood the subject matter despite accurate interpretation.
Professional Conduct: Be pleasant and courteous but maintain a professional demeanour. Remember, you are a professional, and your conduct towards all parties must reflect this professionalism.

Interpreters may encounter emotionally challenging situations. If you believe you cannot handle cases that are emotionally difficult, such as child abuse or terminal illness, please notify us immediately, and we will assign the task to another interpreter. The wellbeing of our interpreters is of utmost importance, hence we will always try our best to support you in difficult situations.

In rare cases where personality clashes occur, please accept them as part of the job. If we receive multiple complaints, we will invite you to the office to discuss ways to improve the situation. Your adherence to this code is essential in maintaining the quality of our interpretation services.

Interpreter Code of Ethics

At Word for Word Translations, we set high standards for our interpreters. Our Code of Ethics is a guide that outlines the professional conduct we expect from our interpreters. This code is divided into four sections: Professional Conduct, Competence, Impartiality, and Confidentiality. Word for Word Translations

Professional Conduct

Politeness: Interpreters should always behave in a polite, dignified, and modest manner and dress neatly.

Preparation: Familiarise yourself with assignment details, information, and locations before starting your task.
Completion: Always aim to complete assignments to the best of your ability. If something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification from the representative present.
Client Comfort: Make clients feel at ease by introducing yourself, explaining your role, and encouraging them to speak freely.
Impartiality: As interpreters, it's vital to stay impartial. Avoid letting personal beliefs or opinions influence your behaviour towards clients. Never accept assignments involving people you know personally.
Gifts: Refrain from accepting gifts or money. Explain to clients how accepting such offers may affect your professional reputation.
Professional Growth: Be open to expanding your skills by taking relevant training opportunities when they arise.
Respect: Treat your colleagues with respect, assist them when necessary, and address any differences professionally. Regularly evaluate your work to maintain a high level of performance and professionalism.

Competence

Interpreters should only take on assignments if they meet specific criteria:

Capability Affirmation: When you accept an assignment, you're affirming that you're qualified to complete it.
Accuracy: Your role is to convey the exact words of the client, even if they include derogatory language.
Inclusion: Never omit or alter anything the client says. You can ask for simplification or clarification when needed. Maintain clear and audible communication.

Impartiality

Interpreters must remain impartial by following these principles:

Personal Beliefs: Avoid assignments that may challenge impartiality due to your personal or religious beliefs.
Detachment: If you find it difficult to remain objective, it's best to step back from the assignment.
Personal Opinions: Don't share your personal opinions with clients or about them. Your beliefs should never influence any written or verbal accounts.
Personal Interests: Don't recommend services or organisations to clients if you have a personal or financial interest. Approaching clients with contractor details requires written permission from Legal & General Language Services Ltd.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is crucial:

Disclosure: You may only disclose information if it's legally required, and you have the client's permission.
Sharing with Colleagues: Sharing information with colleague interpreters involved in an assignment requires the client's consent.
Sub-contracting: You can't transfer an assignment to another interpreter or agency without the client's permission and consulting with Legal & General Language Services Ltd.
Document Ownership: Translated documents remain the client's property. Copies can only be obtained with their permission.

Maintaining confidentiality is vital in building trust and ensuring client comfort in our interpreter services.