Existing interpreters
The Central Interpreters Unit has sole responsibility for maintaining your details on the database. If you do not inform us of these and we are unable to contact you, you may lose work. Please use the forms below to notify us.
Personal details
If any of your personal details change (for example address or phone number) you should complete a form to notify the unit.
Please note the unit will only accept the above changes in writing. You can use the change of address form (PDF 89K opens in a new window).
Bank details
New interpreters will be required to complete a bank details form when they are first registered on the Agency panel. If these details ever change you will need to complete a new form to notify the unit.
Bank details form (PDF 11K opens in a new window)
Security clearance
All interpreters registered on the Agency panel will be required to complete a security questionnaire.
Fees
See Fees for interpreters for the current list of fees. It is important to remember that you should always make a note of the Agency officer who booked your assignment. If you have any booking or payment inquiries they should be directed to the office that booked you. The Central Interpreters Unit does not deal with payments.
References
Interpreters may request a standard reference from the unit. However these will not specify the number of hours worked.
Monitoring
Interviewing officers are issued with Central Interpreters Unit monitoring forms which they are asked to complete if they have any particular comments on the interpreter used in a particular assignment. For example this may be because an individual performed particularly well or badly. Please note these are not completed for every interview.
Interviews may also be monitored for training and security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I would like to notify the Agency of some changes to my personal or bank details. Who do I contact?
To change or update your personal or bank details you will need to contact us in writing in order for us to amend the database. Please write to the address on the right side of this page.
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Will every interpreter registered on the panel have to go through the assessment and training programme?
In order to maintain a high standard of interpreters we require interpreters to attend our training and assessment programme. This programme is conducted by Language Services Limited - a division of the Institute of Linguists. An individual is only exempt from the above, if he/she is a 'full status' member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreting (NRPSI) or already holds a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (with law), or has passed the Independent Appellate Authorities (IAA) or a police force assessment in the last three years.
Each interpreter will be assessed in every language he/she is registered for unless he/she holds any of the above qualifications for that language. He/she will, however, only have to attend one training session.
If an individual is not successful in the above programme then he/she will be immediately removed from the panel for that language.
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Will I receive a certificate after completing the assessment and training programme?
If you are successful then you will receive a certificate specific to the UK Border Agency produced by Language Service Limited for each language.
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Are interpreters UK Border Agency employees?
No. All interpreters work on a freelance basis, taking engagements for the Agency in their own time. All interpreters are self-employed and inclusion on our lists does not offer any guarantee as to receiving work or continued inclusion. Therefore there is no formal commitment or contract.
See also
Contact
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Central Interpreters Unit
020 8760 3820
UK Border Agency Central Interpreters Unit, Whitgift Centre B Block, 12th Floor West Wing, 15 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 1AT