BSL Legal is a collective of highly skilled deaf and hearing British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and translators.
All of our Sign Language interpreters are registered with an appropriate regulatory body (NRCPD or RBSLI) and have extensive experience of working in legal settings.
Our approach is one of flexibility and transparency. We are not an agency so there are no overheads or agency costs. All fees and invoicing arrangements are negotiated direct with the interpreter you decide to work with.
Quality and professionalism are important to us so all members of the BSL Legal are registered with either NRCPD or RBSLI, the professional regulatory bodies for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators.
This ensures that we work according to a code of conduct and are committed to ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Members also have professional indemnity insurance and are DBS checked.
BSL Legal was established as an information and support resource for anyone in the legal field needing advice and information when working with Deaf clients or Sign Language interpreters.
We can offer advice and information on how to give Deaf people the best level of support and service and ensure access is made possible at all stages of the legal process. We can also provide advice and information for those looking to find interpreting or translating professionals for their cases.
a) Ensure a high quality interpreting service is provided for deaf people who need to access the legal system;
b) Provide a portal whereby deaf and hearing users are able to choose and book our interpreting and/or translation services for legal settings.
c) Provide a place where users can access advice, knowledge and best practice guidance regarding the use of translators and interpreters within the legal system.
Coroner send concerns to the Department of Health and Social Care, National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people (NRCPD) & NHS England over lack of access for deaf patients and interpreters for the inquest.
They shared,” lack of availability of British Sign Language Interpreters able to help support Deaf patients in the community who were being treated with mental health difficulties. This was particularly apparent when mental health staff were seeking an interpreter at short notice for a patient who was in crisis. The lack of interpreters available has meant that urgent assessments are being carried out with no interpreters present.”
And, ” The overall lack of British Sign Language Interpreters has also meant that this Inquest has itself had to be delayed/adjourned for two months due to there being no available Interpreters to interpreter for two deaf witnesses over the two-week period of the Inquest.
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