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UK’s language service regulators and registers welcome Government’s acceptance of amendments to ‘Victims’ Code’
- Apr 25, 2024
- Latest News
Changes to the code that ensure only qualified language professionals are used in the justice system are considered a win for victims and the system
The National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and the National Register of Public Service Translators (NRPST) welcome the UK Government’s acceptance of amendments to the proposed ‘Victims’ Code’ in relation to interpreting and translation services.
The strengthening of the wording of this code – intended to set out and protect the rights of victims of crime – makes it clear that those victims and witnesses who do not speak English have the right to be provided with a qualified language professional.
The changes go to the root of victims’ experiences of the justice system and its integrity
Baroness Coussins, Co-Chair of the APPG on Modern Languages and VP of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), led the call for these changes to the ‘Victims’ Code’ on the basis that the quality of the language services provided not only goes to the root of a victim’s or witness’ experiences of the justice system, but the integrity of this system as well.
Addressing the House of Lords on 16 April 2024, the Baroness said: “It is well worth reflecting that the use of professional, qualified interpreters and translators is not just right and proper for the victims, who need their services; it cuts both ways, also enabling those responsible for the administration of justice and the quality of justice to understand better what has happened and what needs to be done about it.” (See Editor's Notes for link to full transcript.)
Lord Hogan-Howe said: “In my speech on 31st January 2024, I fully supported this thrust to establish consistency in the engagement with language specialists who deliver the service required when someone does not speak English… Where the standard of interpreters and translators is not established to a high and consistent level, there is a risk that the obtaining of evidence is damaged. This matters particularly for the police but also all involved in the criminal justice system.
“From my time as Commissioner and Head of London's Metropolitan Police Service I am proud to say we engaged with professional and qualified public service interpreters who had been independently accredited: their qualifications, experience and right to work checked by the voluntary, not-for-profit National Register of Public Service Interpreters. This organisation also manages a most effective complaints and professional conduct process with robust appeals protocols. This is based on a thorough Code of Professional Conduct, which is transparent and effective, and is a major benefit in engaging practitioners through the regulator, treating qualifying practitioners as professionals with their own independent regulatory body.
“It is no longer a case of the criminal justice system ‘should’ support regulation and registration through an independent body, but it is time that the criminal justice system ‘must’ engage practitioners through an independent regulatory body. I am delighted to see the launch of the National Register of Public Service Translators, which is now sitting alongside the National Register of Public Service Interpreters.
“The question is now not ‘why should we have an independent regulator for interpreters and translators who are engaged by the criminal justice system?’, but ‘why don’t we have an independent regulator for interpreters and translators who are engaged by the criminal justice system?”
Further changes needed to future-proof the language profession to ensure the justice system has access to qualified language professionals
Mike Orlov, Executive Director and Registrar of NRPSI and NRPST, said: “We are delighted with the amendments to the 'Victim’s Code' and thank Baroness Coussins and supporters in the House of Lords for their work in achieving them; this is a significant step in the right direction.
“However, we now face the issue of ensuring that there are enough qualified public service interpreting and translation professionals available to the victims and witnesses of crime and the justice system. The number of practising qualified public service interpreting professionals in particular is falling. The only way to tackle this decline is for those in power to properly acknowledge the professional status of these practitioners with statutory protection of their title; fair working terms and conditions; pay that is commensurate with their qualifications and experience; and by making it a requirement that only registered language practitioners can work with the public services. Consequently, we wholeheartedly agree with Lord Hogan-Howe’s call for the justice system to only engage regulated, registered language professionals.”