BSL interpreters

Also called Sign language interpreter, RSLI, Registered sign language interpreter, BSL/English interpreter

How to book a qualified BSL interpreter, who has to pay, and why a family member or a member of staff who knows some signs is not one.

What it is

A British Sign Language interpreter is a professional who interprets between BSL and spoken English, in both directions, in real time. Qualified interpreters in the UK are registered with a professional register; NRCPD is the largest, and registered interpreters carry a badge and are bound by a code of conduct and confidentiality.

An interpreter is not a helper, a supporter or a translator of documents. They render what each party says, faithfully, including things the hearing person might rather they did not, and they do not take part in the conversation.

Who it can help

Deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL, in any setting where accurate two-way communication matters: hospital appointments, GP visits, social care assessments, job interviews, court, meetings at work, parents' evenings, funerals. Also hearing people who need to communicate with a Deaf person and want it done properly.

A family member is not an interpreter, even a fluent signing one. They have a stake in the conversation, they will filter, and in health and legal settings their use breaks the service's own duties. A member of staff who has done a Level 1 course is not an interpreter either. Children must never be used to interpret for their parents.

How it works

Interpreters are booked through agencies or directly, usually with as much notice as possible because demand outstrips supply. A booking specifies the setting, the length, and any specialism, such as medical, legal or mental health. Sessions over about an hour, or with dense content, need two interpreters working in turns. Remote interpreting by video, see video relay, is used when no interpreter can attend, but it is not right for every situation.

Who pays: in health and social care the service pays, under the Accessible Information Standard in England and the Equality Act everywhere in Great Britain. In court the court pays. At work, Access to Work pays for most of it. In education, the school or college pays. A Deaf person should not be paying for an interpreter to use a public service.

Getting started

When you book any appointment, say at the first contact that you need a registered BSL interpreter and ask for confirmation in writing that one has been booked. Ask for the interpreter's name. If a service says it cannot find one, ask it to try a different agency, to offer a video interpreter as a fallback, or to move the appointment, and say clearly that you will not be using a family member.

If you are the service, book early, book registered, book two for anything long, and brief the interpreter beforehand on the content. Put the Deaf person's interpreter need on their record as a flag so nobody has to ask again.

Where to get help

RNID explains how to book and what to expect. The British Deaf Association campaigns on access and can advise when a service refuses. Signature is the awarding body for BSL and interpreting qualifications. SignHealth works on Deaf people's health access specifically. Royal Association for Deaf people provides services in BSL. In Scotland, Deaf Action.