Interpreting & Translation - Candidates

SWIIS has provided high quality personnel to meet the temporary needs of the public sector since 1988. As a specialist recruitment consultancy run by professionals with public sector experience, our skill in matching personnel to the needs of clients is second to none. 

With a growing national network of offices, we are able to meet local demands with local solutions. Our commitment to delivering a professional service to all our clients is based upon the principle of responding to requests speedily, reliably and honestly. We achieve this by recruiting experienced and skilled personnel who share these values, and providing rewarding opportunities in return.

We know that accuracy, understanding, and impartiality are essential attributes for any organisation looking for interpreting and translation services. At SWIIS, we continue to perfect these attributes by only recruiting qualified and experienced linguists dedicated to providing our clients with a professional and high quality bespoke service.

Over 1500 interpreters and translators have joined SWIIS, which means we are able to respond effectively to requests for a wide range of language skills. Apart from covering all Western and Eastern European languages, we also cover the main Asian languages, a number of African languages and Arabic.  With a high level of demand for our interpreters and translators, we're constantly recruiting additional staff.

Operating throughout the public sector, we provide interpreters and translators to:

• Local authorities
• The Courts
• Prisons
• Legal and advisory services
• Industrial and immigration tribunals
• Health services
• Customs
• Probation areas
• Schools

We also provide services accross the private sector including:

• Solicitors
• Fraud investigation teams
• Job creation agencies
• Housing associations
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• and a wide range of other private companies.

Supporting such a wide client base means that we have the scope to offer you assignments in all areas of the public sector. Where you are offered an assignment in an area of the public sector that is unfamiliar, we will provide all the necessary information for your preparation. Because we want you to feel confident and comfortable with every assignment offered, you will always have the final say as to where you wish to work.

Our interpreting and translation service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This gives you total flexibility to choose the days and hours to work that suits you.

Pay Rates

We pay very competitive rates that will vary depending on the language and the nature of your assignment. This will always be discussed with you prior to any undertakings.

In addition, subject to agreement, we will reimburse your travelling expenses.

• Face-to-face interpreting

For face-to-face interpreting, we will issue you with a timesheet that must be signed by you and countersigned by an authorised person from the organisation in which you have undertaken the assignment. Providing we receive your correctly completed timesheet by Tuesday, payment will be made into your account on Friday of that week.

• Telephone interpreting and translations

For telephone interpreting, we will issue you with a payment form prior to the assignment, which will include the agreed rate for the task. Simply sign this payment form after the completion of the assignment and return to us. If your assignment also includes face-to-face interpreting, you are to send your signed timesheet with the payment form. For translation assignments we complete all documentation for you in the office.

As a registered SWIIS interpreter/translator, we want to ensure that your relationship with us is a long and rewarding one.  You will have access to a named member of staff to provide you with professional support wherever and whenever it may be needed. At SWIIS, we are committed to ensuring that each assignment meets to the satisfaction of the individual undertaking it and that of our clients.

Qualifications

To register as a SWIIS interpreter/translator, you will be required to hold a relevant linguistic qualification such as the Diploma in Interpreting/Translation or the Metropolitan Police Test (post 1997). You will also be expected to be a member of a relevant professional body such as the Institute of Linguists (IoL), the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (ITI), or the Association of Police & Court Interpreters (APCI)

For some languages, where there is a shortage of qualified linguists, we will consider making exceptions regarding qualifications. In such cases, extra emphasis will be placed upon a person's experience and references to enable a more accurate assessment of their capabilities.

Experience

You should have at least a year or 150 hours interpreting/translation experience.  If you are without experience, we may consider you following an interview. In this situation, you will need to demonstrate exceptional linguistic skill.

To register as a SWIIS interpreter/translator, you will be required to complete an application form, providing details of your qualifications and work experience. You will also be required to provide references. Any non-work gaps, will need to be accounted for.

Having reviewed your application form, we will then arrange with you a convenient time for a face-to-face interview.  This will give you the opportunity to discuss any particular requirements you may have and for us to learn more about you.

Because of the likelihood that you will come across young and vulnerable service users in carrying out your assignments through SWIIS, it will be necessary for you to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, which is standard practice.

Codes of conduct

At SWIIS we are proud of our reputation of delivering services with the highest integrity in line with the Codes of Conduct issued by the professional bodies of the IoL, ITI and APCI. We will expect you to abide by such standards.