Skip to main content
Menu

Lords Committee hears from language companies that provide interpreters and translators to courts

Tuesday 19 November 2024

On Wednesday 20 November, the House of Lords Public Services Committee will continue its inquiry into interpreting and translation services in courts by hearing from language companies that provide these services. The session will consider issues including the challenges faced in securing appropriately qualified interpreters and translators, meeting demand and payment for services.

The session will start at 11.00am and can be watched live or on demand at Parliament TV or in person in Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster.

Giving evidence will be:

  • Raisa McNab, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Translation Companies;
  • Bernadette Byrne, Council Member, Association of Translation Companies; and
  • Mark Rice, Global Managing Director, thebigword

Questions will include:

  • What advantages have there been to the Courts from the decision to outsource the service rather than deliver it inhouse?
  • How would you respond to concerns raised that court interpreters are poorly paid, lack professional development opportunities, may receive late payment, and sometimes do not have key information relating to their cases?
  • What challenges do language companies face securing appropriately qualified interpreters and translators to meet demand in the courts? How could interpreting and translation roles be made more attractive?
  • What is the role of technology in improving or enhancing interpreting and translation services in the courts?
  • What recommendations should the Committee make to the Government on how to improve interpreting and translation services in the courts?

Lords press office

Lords Enquiry Service and FAQs

House of Lords FAQs

The Lords Enquiry Service provides information on the role, work and membership of the House of Lords.

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

The telephone enquiry service is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am - 4pm on Fridays. During recess, the hours are 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Please note that the Enquiry Service is unable to forward emails to members of the Lords on your behalf. You can find a member's contact details on their webpage, or use contactholmember@parliament.uk.