Interpreting and translation service

Community Interpreting Service (CIS)

Services for people whose first language is not English

CIS is a long-established and experienced specialist interpreting and translation unit that understands and provides solutions to public services linguistics needs. It delivers an accurate, confidential and impartial service through more than 300 trained and accredited interpreters and translators in more than 60 languages, including East European languages.

CIS can help service agencies to overcome a language barrier when communicating with non-English speaking clients. It can also provide a means for ethnic minority families to have equal access to services in statutory and voluntary organisations.

CIS offers:

• face-to-face interpreting;
• telephone interpreting;
• translations delivered electronically either as Word or PDF files, typeset and ready for printing;
• sight translation of short documents;
• 24-hour access to interpreters: between 8.30am and 5.15pm by CIS, and through the Medway Council out-of-hours service at other times;
• staff training for other organisations and businesses to improve their effectiveness when working with interpreters;
• management information on the usage of interpreting and translation;
• participation in events organised by its customers to promote their commitment to equal access to services;
• individual advice to staff on cultural and linguistic issues that may improve the effectiveness of service they provide;
• a flexible, personal and friendly booking service;
• training for new interpreters - classes offered include:
  
  
  • annual 60 hours' training for bilingual individuals;
  • community interpreting - essential skills and knowledge.

Why use an interpreter?

Service agencies have a duty, in some cases a statutory one, to communicate effectively with service users. Community interpreters are impartial, professional, linguistically-skilled and trained to observe strict confidentiality at all times. The use of untrained staff, family members or friends as interpreters will not result in reliable, accurate and unbiased communication. Clients might be inclined not to reveal confidential information in the presence of friends or other family members, particularly children.

How a community interpreter can help you

A community interpreter’s role is not only to provide linguistically-accurate interpreting but also to clarify any cultural misunderstandings and to create the opportunity for a positive exchange of information between you and your non-English speaking client. A community interpreter will be happy to meet you for a preparatory briefing session to discuss your objectives for the interview and to share with you any relevant cultural background information.

How to arrange for an interpreter

A community interpreter can be arranged by Medway Council services or by an agency that requires an interpreter for its clients or patients. If you, as an agency, need the services of a community interpreter, please contact the CIS.

Just download and print out this enquiry form (pdf 68KB). To use this file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer please use our advice page.

Give details of the:

• language required,
• date and time,
• full address where the interview will take place,
• nature of the interview.

Where possible, give the name and address of the client for whom the service will be needed and a purchase order number or cost code if required. At least three days' notice is recommended for the service to be arranged under normal circumstances but in an emergency, every effort will be made to respond quickly.

Emergencies only

Outside normal office hours, if it is a social care matter, CIS interpreters can be booked through the out-of-hours service on 0845 7626777. For other Medway Council department matters or other agencies, phone 01634 304400.

Community Interpreting Service charges

Current price lists of interpreting and translation charges are available on request.

After using the service, you will be asked to verify and sign the interpreter’s worksheet and you will then be invoiced separately.

Evaluation and monitoring

Periodically CIS will ask you to complete a questionnaire evaluating the delivery of the service. This will help it to monitor and enhance the service. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

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