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?