Under the Equality Act 2010 Go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance (opens new window), deaf people have a right to reasonable adjustments to help them communicate, including a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, from any service provider or public-facing organisation.
This includes:
- educational establishments, for example schools
- job interviews
- their workplace
- medical appointments
- banks
- council services
Our Translation and interpreting service provides communication professionals, to support communication between deaf and hearing people in those settings.
Our in-house BSL interpreter:
- provides a BSL interpreting service, both online and in person
- oversees the allocation of assignments, using our list of registered communication professionals
BSL is a complex and rich language with its own grammar that's different to English.
A BSL/English interpreter is a person who has, or is working towards, a nationally recognised qualification in BSL Go to https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/approved-courses (opens new window) and interpreting theory and practice.
BSL/English interpreters also take into account cultural differences when interpreting between a deaf and hearing person with different experiences and references.
All our BSL interpreters are members of The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People Go to https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/ (opens new window) (NRCPD), and:
- have completed or are working towards the required complex and advanced training
- are DBS checked
- have the appropriate Personal Indemnity Insurance (PII) in place
How to work with a BSL interpreter
Read the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people's Guide to working with a sign language interpreter Go to http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/documents/working_with/2012_working_with_Sign_Language_Interpreter.pdf (opens new window) or the National Union of BSL Interpreters Do's and don'ts of working with an interpreter Go to https://nubsli.com/resources/dos-and-donts-of-working-with-an-interpreter/ (opens new window) for:
- information on British Sign Language interpreter services
- guidance on how to work with sign language interpreters
The minimum booking fee for a BSL interpreter is £144 to £201.60 (the rate depends on interpreter availability) for assignments:
- up to 3 hours during standard hours (between 8am and 6pm)
Additional charges apply for out of hours:
- between 6pm and 8am
- weekends
- bank holidays
Each additional hour will be charged at the following rates:
- £48 to £67.20 per hour during standard hours (between 8am and 6pm)
- £64.08 to £68.40 per hour for out of hours work (between 6pm and 8am, or on weekends and public holidays)
You'll need two BSL interpreters if an assignment needs an hour or more of continuous interpreting, for example interpreting at staff training, events or large meetings. The minimum booking fee applies to each interpreter.
Travel expenses also apply. The interpreter can claim:
- mileage
- bus tickets
- train tickets
- parking expenses
For support rates funded by Access to Work, contact us at tis@bristol.gov.uk.
You can ask for a BSL interpreter and other types of communication professionals for deaf and deafblind people through our online portal. You'll need to register when you use it for the first time.
There are other types of communication professional depending on the needs of the deaf person and the setting.
Contact us to discuss the rates of these communication professionals.
Deaf relay interpreter
A deaf relay interpreter is a deaf person who can help deaf people who have additional communication needs.
This can be because they have:
- limited language skills, and may not be fluent in BSL
- a learning difficulty or mental health problem that affects their ability to communicate effectively.
Deaf relay interpreters work alongside a BSL interpreter. They adapt:
- communication between the BSL interpreter and deaf person, to make sure they understand each other
- communication from the deaf person into standardised BSL for the interpreter, so that the BSL interpreter can interpret the BSL to English for hearing people
Deafblind interpreter
A deafblind interpreter can use BSL and either:
- visual frame signing: for a person with restricted vision
- hands-on signing: signing with the hands of the person theyre interpreting for placed over their hands, so the person can feel the signs being used by the interpreter
Lipspeaker
A lipspeaker repeats the words said without using their voice, so deaf people can read their lips easily.
Notetaker
A notetaker produces a set of notes:
- manual notetakers take handwritten notes
- electronic notetakers type a summary of whats being said onto the deaf persons laptop, or email the notes to them afterwards
Notetakers are usually used alongside other communication support, for example when people who are watching a sign language interpreter cant take notes at the same time.
BSL video translations
A BSL video records a BSL translator, translating information from English to BSL.
The recording can be used on websites and at public services areas to make written or verbal information accessible to deaf BSL users.
Book one of these communication professionals
To book any of these services, or if you have any questions:
- email tis@bristol.gov.uk
- phone 0117 903 6400
There are many BSL courses available in Bristol and nearby. Its best to take a course taught by a native BSL user who is also a qualified sign language teacher.
You can find a course near you on:
Other council services for deaf people:
- Sensory support service: housing support and advice for deaf, blind and deafblind adults
Translation and Interpreting Service
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4.30pm
Friday: 9am to 4pm
Email: TIS@bristol.gov.uk
Tel: 0117 903 6400