LTB 422/2012 BSL Interpreter Assistance - Advice

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Letter to Branches





No. 422/2012
Ref: LR/FH/JR
Date: 31st May 2012



To: All Branches


Dear Colleague

BSL Interpreter Assistance - Advice

We have recently concluded our advice in relation to establishing what standard of BSL interpretation assistance should be afforded to deaf workers involved in attendance procedure and/or disciplinary scenarios.

Some concerns had been raised that Level 2 qualified BSL Interpreters were being used for the initial stages of the attendance procedure. A representative from the specialist BSL support organisation ‘Hands On Communication’ has confirmed that any individual holding Level 2 competency would not fit the official criteria required to be listed on the national register. A person who holds a Level 2 in BSL would be described as a ‘communicator’ where basic communication needs can be met.

The ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters) has issued the following statement for us to use:-

“AtW would welcome information if it is known or suspected that the interpreter (or the agency supplying the interpreter) does not meet the standards. They ask that we bring this to their attention so that they can investigate further. This is good news for many Deaf people who will now have the right to request the appropriately qualified interpreter to meet their requirements in the workplace setting. The agreement of the minimum standard interpreter of JTI should enable Deaf people to challenge the provision of support that falls below this level. The potential downside is that interpreters may be faced with the uncomfortable task of reporting anyone that does not meet the required standard. This should be dealt with as sensitively as possible but from the perspective that ensuring a rise in standards can only empower Deaf colleagues and improve their working lives”

I have attached a document which gives clear guidance on what level of BSL interpreter support is appropriate dependent on various scenarios.

There was strong sympathy shared with our department’s theory that if the correct level of BSL interpretation is not provided during a scenario where a deaf person potentially will be prone to a detriment this could leave an employer vulnerable to a breach of the Equality Act.




Any enquiries on the above should be directed to the Equal Opportunities Department

Yours sincerely




Linda Roy
Equality Officer