Code of conduct

• Introduction
• Competence
• Procedure
• Ethical and professional issues

Introduction

Interpreters included on the CALS register are expected to abide by the following provisions.

The objective is to make sure that communication across language and culture is carried out consistently, competently and impartially, and that all those involved in the process are clear about what may be expected from it.

Competence

Interpreters admitted to the register are expected to:

1. have a command of the languages for which they have been admitted to the register, including any specialist terminology, current idioms and dialects;
2. possess the ability to interpret accurately and fluently in English and the language(s) for which they are registered.
3. maintain and develop their spoken command of English and the other language(s)

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Procedure

Interpreters will:

1. be punctual at all times
2. make themselves available for briefing and debriefing meetings related to each assignment
3. interpret truly and faithfully what is said without anything being added, omitted or changed
4. will disclose any difficulties encountered with dialects or terminology and, if these cannot be satisfactorily remedied, withdraw from the assignment;
5. not enter into the discussion, give advice, advocate or express opinions or reactions to any of the parties through comment, tone of voice, facial expression, body language etc.
6. intervene only; to ask for clarification; to point out that a party may not have understood something, or; to alert the parties to a possible missed cultural inference
7. not translate any document(s) while on interpreting duty, unless they have been specifically asked to do so by CALS
8. not delegate work, nor accept delegated work, without the consent of CALS

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Ethical and professional issues

Interpreters will:

1. be subject to the provisions and penalties of the Data Protection Act
2. observe confidentiality at all times and not seek to take advantage of any information disclosed during their work;
3. act in an impartial and professional manner;
4. not discriminate against parties, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or membership or otherwise of a trade union
5. inform CALS if they are charged, convicted or cautioned for an offence, or if you become subject to any professional disciplinary proceedings;
6. disclose any business, financial, family or other interest which they might have in the matter being handled;
7. not demand or accept any form of reward, whether in cash or otherwise, for interpreting work or other expenses other than payment made by CALS;
8. not engage in any behaviour likely to discredit CALS, including impairment through drugs or alcohol, sexual misconduct, violence, intimidation or abusive behaviour
9. disclose immediately if the interviewee or immediate family is known or related
10. disclose any information which will make them unsuitable for an assignment

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