How to Work Effectively with Interpreters and Translators

Course Information

Did you know? When you book a public service interpreter, the agency is not required by law to send you someone qualified.

    In this two-hour workshop, you will learn to:

  • Book qualified interpreters
  • Communicate in a way which makes accurate interpreting easier
  • Recognise signs of unsafe and unethical interpreting.

    • NHS patients who rely on interpreters are vulnerable and need you to have these vital skills. Recent data shows this figure to be almost 10%:

    ‘Of the electronic referral letters sent to patients by NHS England in 2024, more than 9% had to be translated into a foreign language, according to figures disclosed by the Government under transparency rules.’ The Telegraph, Feb 15th 2025

    This is especially important for researchers-

  • Overcoming language barriers is essential for increasing diversity in research.
  • Given the shortages of qualified interpreters, researchers must consider a risk-based approach when using interpreter services, or patients may not fully understand what is being said.
  • Understanding how to get the best out of interpreter services will help create better, richer, more authentic research evidence.

    • In this workshop, leading interpreter Marta Leigh shares her insider knowledge on the interpreting sector. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to work effectively with interpreters.

For more information

Learning Outcomes

During this course you will learn how to:

  • Questions you shouldn’t expect your interpreter to answer
  • Tasks you shouldn’t ask your interpreter to do
  • Where to seat everyone
  • How to communicate appropriately
  • Common mistakes: how not to drive your interpreter crazy
  • How to brief and debrief
  • Realistic time expectations for interpreted speech

    • Course Dates

    Course Start Date:  Thursday, May 7, 2026 1:00 PM

    Course End Date :  Thursday, May 7, 2026 3:00 PM

    Enrolment Dates

    Enrolment Start Date:  Wednesday, February 11, 2026 8:00 AM

    Enrolment End Date :  Thursday, April 30, 2026 5:00 PM

    Course Location

    Online

    Course Tutor/s

    Marta Leigh, English Unlocked

    Course Delivery Type

    Online - Live Virtual course icon

    Course Fees

    This is a free course.