What standards apply to public service interpreting?
International standards
ISO/TC 37/SC 5 is the subcommittee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dedicated to translation, interpreting and related technology. It focuses on developing international standards that improve the quality, efficiency and reliability of interpreting and translation services worldwide. These standards cover a broad range of areas, from general service requirements to specialised standards for equipment, training and specific interpreting domains.
Public service interpreting
Several ISO standards specifically address public service interpreting, which is also referred to as community interpreting. These standards set clear guidelines for both service providers and interpreters to ensure high-quality and ethical interpreting services. An overview of the key standards is described below.
- ISO/TS 6253:2024 – Requirements and recommendations for training programmes in community interpreting. This document specifies the core skills required in community interpreting training programmes and outlines the qualifications of educators delivering such training. It applies to both signed and spoken languages, covering consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, including whispered interpreting and sight translation. Go behind the scenes and learn how this standard was developed through expert collaboration – listen to the podcast Standards Speak: Language Edition – ISO/TC 37/SC 5.
- ISO 13611:2024 – Interpreting services – Community interpreting – Requirements and recommendations. This standard outlines the foundational principles and best practices for providing community interpreting services. It addresses the needs of various language communities (spoken and signed) and sets out quality expectations for end users, clients and interpreters.
- ISO 20228:2019 – Interpreting services – Legal interpreting – Requirements. This document sets out the basic principles of legal interpreting, including the skills required of legal interpreters and recommendations for different legal settings and interpreting modes.
- ISO 21998:2020 – Interpreting services – Healthcare interpreting – Requirements and recommendations. This standard provides guidance for healthcare interpreting in spoken and signed languages, emphasising the unique requirements of communication in medical contexts. It applies to interpreting service providers and healthcare interpreters alike.
- ISO/CD 17651-4 – Simultaneous interpreting – Interpreters’ working environment – Part 4: Requirements and recommendations for signed language interpreting workspaces. This part sets out requirements and recommendations for designing and setting up workspaces for signed language interpreting in on-site and remote settings. It covers visibility and line-of-sight, lighting and backgrounds, camera/display considerations, ergonomics and health & safety, and team-working arrangements. Learn more about the 17651 series – listen to the podcast Standards Speak: Language Edition – ISO/TC 37/SC 5.
Accessing ISO standards
ISO standards are available for purchase through national standardisation bodies or the ISO website. However, the ISO Online Browsing Platform allows users to view the first few pages of most standards for free. These previews typically include the introduction and definitions sections, giving an informative glimpse into the content.
Getting involved in standard setting
Individuals or organisations interested in contributing to the development of ISO standards can participate through ISO's national member bodies. Each country has a national standardisation organisation that facilitates membership and involvement. For public service interpreting, participation in ISO/TC 37/SC 5 is a way to contribute to shaping the future of standards in this field.
International regulation
Public service interpreting is mainly the responsibility of individual EU countries as interpreting services and their regulation are closely tied to national and local governance systems. This decentralised approach means that there is currently no overarching EU law that applies specifically to public service interpreting. Instead, standards and practices vary significantly between countries, reflecting diverse linguistic, cultural and administrative contexts.
However, there are EU directives that address interpreting in specific domains, particularly the legal domain. These instruments cover interpreting services required in situations linked to the law, such as criminal proceedings or access to justice.
One notable example is Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings. This lays down minimum rules across EU countries to ensure that suspects and accused people who do not speak or understand the language of the proceedings are provided with free interpretation and translation services.
Another example is Directive 2012/29/EU, which sets out minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. This directive emphasises the importance of ensuring victims can understand what is happening and can access services by providing interpretation and translation where necessary.
National and regional regulation practices
The regulation of public service interpreting and practices in the field vary significantly across EU countries, reflecting diverse national priorities, administrative structures and cultural-linguistic contexts. This diversity underscores the importance of sharing good practices and fostering collaboration to tackle common challenges in delivering high-quality interpreting services. Below are examples of noteworthy national and regional approaches to regulating and organising public service interpreting.
Norway: the multi-tiered system
A standout example is Norway’s tiered system, managed by the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi). This system certifies interpreters at different levels based on their qualifications and experience, ensuring a clear hierarchy of interpreter expertise. The system is complemented by a national interpreter registry and emphasises continuous professional development. Public authorities are encouraged to use interpreters from the registry to ensure quality, which promotes the professionalisation of interpreting services in the country. Read more about the Norwegian model.
Sweden: legal protection for language access
In Sweden, the Language Act (2009:600) (Språklagen) sets out Swedish as the main language and makes the public sector responsible for ensuring that everyone has access to language services. This responsibility is further detailed in the Administrative Procedure Act (2017:900) (Förvaltningslagen). The Act requires public authorities to provide interpreters and translate documents so that individuals can exercise their rights when dealing with the authorities.
Similarly, if someone has a disability that severely limits their ability to see, hear or speak, the authorities must also provide interpretation and make documents accessible. Separate legislation sets out the obligations of courts and specific government agencies and bodies to provide interpreters and translation services where necessary.
The Netherlands: national register for sworn interpreters and translators
The Netherlands operates a national register for sworn interpreters and translators, which requires interpreters working in legal and public service contexts to meet specific professional standards and complete regular training. This centralised system fosters the transparency and accountability of interpreting services.
Spain: regional approaches to community interpreting
In Spain, public service interpreting practices often vary by region. For instance, in Catalonia, the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística promotes interpreting services aimed at linguistic inclusion for migrants and non-Catalan speakers. The focus is on providing culturally sensitive language support in healthcare, education and social services.
UK: standards and training through professional associations
In the UK, the regulation of public services interpreting is driven by professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI). These organisations set standards, offer certification like the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting and maintain interpreter registries. While public service interpreting is not subject to uniform legal regulation, these initiatives set a baseline for quality and professionalisation.
Poland: regional interpreter networks
In Poland, local municipalities often organise interpreter networks to meet the needs of migrant communities. Some cities have implemented training programmes for volunteer interpreters working in healthcare or social services, providing language support in high-demand areas.
Türkiye: collaboration of national and international partners
Türkiye’s approach highlights the combined role of national governance and international cooperation in meeting interpreting needs, particularly in response to migration-related challenges. In healthcare, the EU-funded SIHHAT project has employed full-time interpreters in primary and secondary healthcare institutions to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and non-Turkish-speaking patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has provided training to non-professional healthcare interpreters to help them adapt to their roles, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) has coordinated training programmes for healthcare interpreters, especially in mental healthcare centres in the community.