Code of Ethics
Language interpreters are bound by national standards specifying minimum qualification requirements as well as industry codes of ethics. Users of interpreting services such as hospitals, courts, and social service agencies rely on these guidelines for screening and hiring interpreters. Global Interpreting also uses these guidelines as a standard set of criteria for evaluating the quality of staff and contract interpreters.
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The interpreter shall deal fairly, respectfully, and honestly with all parties using his/her professional services.
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The interpreter shall strive to ensure effective and productive communication in any given professional situation and make every effort to have working conditions in place that will allow him/her to provide quality interpreting services.
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The interpreter shall deliver professional interpreting services appropriate to the specific setting in which he/she is working, but which are not in conflict with professional tenets and do not undermine and/or discredit the profession.
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The interpreter shall request appropriate documentation and/or background information to allow him/her to adequately prepare for an assignment.
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The interpreter shall share professional knowledge, experience and information with colleagues in a collaborative manner.
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The interpreter shall avoid any conduct that may result in discrediting the profession or creating the appearance of impropriety or undue partiality.
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The interpreter shall avoid calling undue attention to him/herself in the performance of his/her professional duties.
- The interpreter shall dress appropriately and in keeping with the setting in which he/she is working. Each interpreter is provided with a Code of Ethics that defines our commitment to ethical interpretation and confidentiality standards. A signed copy of the Code of Ethics and an in-depth discussion of the Interpreter Code of Ethics is an integral part of the orientation required of our staff before they begin accepting assignments.
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Conflict of Interest: The interpreter shall disqualify him/herself from any assignment where a conflict of interest may exist. The interpreter shall reveal any prior contact or association that could create any appearance of impropriety.
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Confidentiality: The interpreter shall protect the confidentiality and privacy of all information obtained during an interpreting assignment. Only in exceptional cases can confidentiality be breached (for example, when the safeguarding of said information could lead to bodily harm or death).
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Competence: The interpreter shall not knowingly accept any assignment beyond his/her interpreting ability or for which he/she lacks an adequate understanding of the subject matter and/or cultural context. In situations where the interpreter cannot easily disqualify him/herself from an assignment, the interpreter shall inform the client of his/her limitations.
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Impartiality: The interpreter shall maintain a neutral attitude during an interpreting assignment. Should objectivity not be possible, the interpreter shall inform the parties involved and shall not hesitate to withdraw from an assignment in the interest of protecting the client and the professional integrity of the interpreter.
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Accuracy: The interpreter shall perform his/her duties with the greatest possible fidelity to the spirit and meaning of the communication, without embellishments or omissions, and in accordance with the requirements of the specific setting in which the interpreter is working.
- Professional Development: The interpreter shall maintain his/her professional skills by pursuing additional education in his/her working languages, as well as other relevant subjects. The interpreter shall be committed to enhancing interpreting and other relevant professional skills through any available opportunities, including workshops, professional meetings, exchanges with professional colleagues, and staying abreast of current literature and developments in the field.