INTERPRETERS TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.               INTRODUCTION

Elder Rahimi (“the Firm”) uses on a regular basis the services of self-employed interpreters and translators to assist with the provision of the Firm’s services in the areas of Immigration, Nationality and Asylum law. So as to ensure that clients receive the highest quality legal services, the Firm relies on the skills of professional and independent interpreters and translators.

2.               THE INTERPRETERS ROLE

The interpreter is at all times to remain impartial and professional. The role of an interpreter is to interpret only what is said by the parties, without additions, omissions or explanation. When translating documents the translator is to provide an accurate and complete translation, making clear where the translation is incomplete or unclear. The interpreter is not an advisor. Any queries, requests for explanation or comments put directly to the interpreter by a client should be translated or passed on to the fee earner who should respond to the client.

3.               THE INTERPRETERS DUTIES

Interpreters are required to ensure that they only accept work that is within their professional competence and that they hold the required qualification(s), if applicable.

When interpreting for a fee earner in the office, the interpreter should ensure at the outset that s/he and the client understand each other. If the interpreter is of the view that the client is not fluent in the language being used, this should be conveyed immediately to the fee earner. The interpreter should then interpret only what is said by each of the parties. The interpreter should advise either party (translating the comment also for the other party) if they are communicating in a manner that makes interpreting difficult or if anything is unclear. The interpreter is not to summarise or guess at the meaning of what either party is saying.

When interpreting at Immigration Service or Home Office interviews or when accompanying a client to a court hearing, the interpreter’s role is to monitor the interpreting of the Home Office/Immigration Service or Court interpreter. Errors should be noted in writing and conveyed to the Legal Representative.

4.               ELDER RAHIMI DUTIES

The fee earner is to ensure that the interpreter is introduced to the client and that the client is made that the interpreter is an independent professional who is bound by the Firm’s confidentiality policy. The interpreter should be made prior to the commencement of an appointment of the nature of the appointment and any particular difficulties. The fee earner is to ensure that s/he communicates in clear and simple language, breaking up phrases so as to allow for translation. It is not for the interpreter to re-phrase clumsy, unclear or confusing language for the fee earner. The interpreter should draw it to the fee earner attention if they are communicating in a manner that makes translation difficult.

The client is a client of Elder Rahimi, not the interpreter. Elder Rahimi is therefore to be the point of first contact unless otherwise agreed with the interpreter. Fee earners are not to expect that interpreters should provide their telephone numbers to clients so as to facilitate contact.

5.               CONFIDENTIALITY

Client confidentiality is paramount. Interpreters are to maintain client confidentiality at all times. All matters of which the interpreter becomes aware in respect of a client or the Firm business are to be treated as confidential and are not to be discussed except with the fee earner and as necessary with the client. You are committed to safeguarding the privacy of the personal data as defined in the GDPR and explained in our Privacy Notice available on our website www.elderrahimi.co.uk. If you prefer to receive a hard copy of it, please let us know.

6.               COMPLAINTS

Complaints by clients or third parties in respect of an interpreter will be dealt with in accordance with the Firm’s Complaints Procedure. Complaints by interpreters in respect of staff members of the Firm will also be dealt with in accordance with the Firm’s Complaints Procedure.

7.               PAYMENT

Interpreters provide services to the Firm on a self-employed basis. They are therefore responsible for their own National Insurance contributions and Tax.

Interpreters are to ensure that they provide the Firm with appropriately completed invoices at the end of bookings or at the very latest within a week from the work date.