Skilled interpreters: How to recognise quality and protect our service
At Silent Sounds, we place the highest value on our vast network of skilled interpreters. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring that language is never a barrier to access, inclusion, and understanding. Drawing on years of experience delivering professional interpreting and translation services across the public and charitable sectors, we know that the quality of the interpreter can shape outcomes, build trust, and safeguard accuracy. This guide shares what we look for when selecting qualified interpreters, so we can be confident we’re working with the very best.
The UK’s current interpreting landscape
Unlike many professions, interpreting is not protected by law in the UK since there is no globally recognised certification.
However, broadly speaking, organisations such as the NHS and the Metropolitan Police only work with interpreters who hold a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) and are registered with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI). For face-to-face interpreting in spoken language and telephone interpreting, a National Vocational Qualification Level 6 or diploma in public services interpreting is required. For BSL interpreters, BSL level 6 is required, including a total of 360 learning hours to achieve this degree equivalent certification. Level 6 interpreters are required to complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) annual training amounting to 24 hours which is essential to maintain their NRCPD registration, developing new skills and staying up to date with best practices.
Understanding interpreter qualifications
A fully qualified public service interpreter typically holds a Level 6 qualification and has accumulated at least 400 hours of professional interpreting experience. At this stage, they can register with the NRPSI, a trusted directory for locating vetted professionals.
Qualification overview:
Level 1: Introductory; no interpreting practice or sector-specific knowledge.
Level 3: Introduction to interpreting skills and specialist vocabulary in sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, welfare, housing, and immigration. Law and policing are not covered.
Level 6: Specialised qualifications such as DPSI Law, DPSI Health, or DPI Police Interpreting is ideal for complex and high-stakes assignments.
As a chosen interpreting and translations service provider to many of the NHS trusts throughout the UK, we know all too well that an interpreter with only a Level 1 qualification means they will lack the terminology and sector-specific training to handle complex medical concepts in both English and the target language. A Level 3 interpreter has more vocabulary and procedural knowledge, but a Level 6 DPSI in Health is the kitemark standard recommended by NHS England.
Professional conduct with interpreters
While qualifications are vital, they’re not the whole story. At Silent Sounds, our recruitment process ensures that our interpreters uphold the highest ethical standards as well as professional skills.
Our interpreters consistently demonstrate:
- Maintaining professional boundaries with service users before and after assignments.
- Protecting personal privacy by not exchanging personal contact details.
- Preserving impartiality by ensuring all communication is relevant and transparent without bias.
These best practices are complemented by positive behaviours such as:
- Waiting separately from service users before appointments to maintain neutrality.
- Adhering strictly to confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
- Managing the flow of communication calmly and professionally, no matter how complex the conversation.
Why Silent Sounds leads the way
Whether in healthcare, law, education, or community services, our interpreters bring more than just language skills – they deliver precision, impartiality, and cultural understanding in every assignment. By combining rigorous recruitment with the highest professional standards, Silent Sounds ensures every interpreter is fully qualified, experienced, and trusted. With nationally recognised credentials, such as the Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI), and Enhanced DBS clearance, our team stands ready to provide communication you can rely on when accuracy matters most.
Ready to work with the UK’s most reliable team of qualified interpreters?
Contact us today on info@silent-sounds.co.uk to sign up for professional interpreting and translation services you can depend on.
Members of the ATC (Association of Translation Companies)
Related articles:
Delivering seamless interpreting and translation services throughout the UK