ISL recently hosted 2 live webinars, welcoming professionals who are KEY to the INTERPRETING INDUSTRY and highlighting the most up-to-date contractual changes for linguists.
What is NRPSI?
The recent NRPSI webinar attracted over 90 participants from all over the world. The webinar was presented by Executive Director & Registrar, Mr. Mike Orlov.
NRPSI is a Register and Regulator – the UK’s only national independent voluntary regulator for the spoken word interpreting profession. It is not a membership organization, an institute, an association, or an agency. The role of NRPSI is identifying, promoting, and maintaining best practices in the interpreting sector as well as protecting the public.
During this event, we learned the importance of joining the NRPSI, the membership criteria, and the benefits of becoming a registrar. For details on how to register, visit the NRPSI website: www.nrpsi.org.uk/for-interpreters/join-the-register.html
The NRPSI webinar was followed by a lengthy Q&A session from linguists and learners. We concluded on a few key messages and answered a number of questions, which we would like to share with you.
Q: Why register with NRPSI?
Public services need to be delivered with access to all public, irrespective of language barriers. By becoming a member of NRPSI you will show commitment to professional standards, offer a guarantee of quality and accountability to clients. Your contact details will be available online – on the NRPSI website, for a potential client to contact you. You will receive the latest updates regarding the profession, you will be protecting the public and become a part of lobbying at the highest levels of Government.
Q: How do I access the NRPSI Application form?
To download the NRPSI First Language Application Form, follow this link: NRPSI Application Form – Jan 11_Layout 1
Q: What Security Clearances do I need?
NRPSI accept the following Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks:
- DBS Standard and DBS Enhanced Certificates
- Disclosure Scotland – Standard and Disclosure Scotland – Enhanced level
- Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme Record
- Access NI – Standard Disclosure Certificate and Access NI – Enhanced Disclosure Certificate
Q: I have the NPPV Level 3 security clearance – would this be suitable when applying with NRPSI?
Some clients, such as Police Services and the Home Office, will provide security clearances for personnel working on their premises, which include NPPV3. The following are acceptable for inclusion on the National Register:
- NPPV Level 2 or 3 (Non-Police Personnel Vetting)
- Counter Terrorist Checks and higher levels of National Security Vetting.
Q: I have over 3 years of experience in local Community / Public Interpreting, where shall I start with the interpreting qualifications?
The linguist market is moving towards favouring qualified interpreters who have been assessed for professional skills. The minimum qualification working for NHS, Social Services, Education and Local Government is Level 3 Community Interpreting. The minimum qualification working for HMRC, Police, Prisons, and undertaking any legal interpreting is Level 6 (DPSI, DCI and DPI). Linguists are required to have the appropriate training and experience to interpret with skill and accuracy.

The APCI
Another successful webinar took place on ISL’s live platform in April!
ISL had a great opportunity to welcome two guests from the Association of Police and Court Interpreters: Alan Thompson, Chairman of the APCI and Albina Homer, a Director of APCI.
They both elevated the importance of interpreters obtaining qualification and signing up with the PAIT scheme to highlight the seriousness of dealing & interpreting within the British law and justice system.
The system called ‘PAIT’ stands for ‘Police Approved Interpreter/Translator’. With the rapid changes to the interpreting industry, Chief Constables across the UK have signed up to the PAIT scheme which means that the interpreters and translators who are undertaking police assignments will be approved by Leicestershire Police. One master list will be held for the benefit of all forces. The scheme is currently being implemented. This new PAIT scheme will cover a new way in which interpreters will provide interpreting services for Police.
Our guests addressed the most frequently asked questions:
Q: What is the APCI?
APCI stands for The Association of Police and Court Interpreters. Founded in 1974, APCI is a professional association of independent, freelance interpreters working within the Criminal Justice System.
Q: What is the PAIT scheme?
The new ‘PAIT’ scheme, stands for ‘Police Approved Interpreter/Translator’ designed for interpreters and translators who undertake police assignments to be security screened and quality approved by Leicestershire Police.
Q: What is PAIT’s aim?
We believe that, in the public interest, only qualified, experienced, registered and vetted interpreters should practice in the justice sector.
Q: How is the APCI active in the interpreting sector?
We are committed to encouraging members to observe the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and to aim for excellence. We do this by providing training, continuing professional development, and guidance on best practices.
Q: What are the key challenges that interpreters face in current times?
The current market needs qualified interpreters. The minimum qualification working for NHS, Social Services, Education and Local Government is Level 3 Community Interpreting. The minimum qualification working for HMRC, Police, Prisons, and undertaking any legal interpreting is Level 6 (DPSI, DCI, and DPI).
For more information relating to this Police Association, please visit:
Home – The Association of Police and Court Interpreters (apciinterpreters.org.uk)
If you would like to join our next webinars, please register using the following links:
- Live CPD seminar ‘Income Protection for the self-employed’ 20/05/2021 at 16:00 | International School Of Linguists (islinguists.com)
- Live CPD seminar: ‘Assault and Battery’ 25/05/2021 at 18:30 | International School Of Linguists (islinguists.com)
- Live CPD seminar: ‘How Interpreters Deal with Trauma’ 01/06/2021 at 18:30 | International School Of Linguists (islinguists.com)
- Live CPD seminar: ‘Working With the Interpreter Part 2 – The Statement’ 03/06/2021 at 17:00 | International School Of Linguists (islinguists.com)
For further assistance or how to enrol on one of our courses, please go to International School of Linguists (islinguists.com)
Or give us a call: 0203 475 7771