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National Register of Public Service Interpreters


NRPSI is the UK’s independent voluntary regulator of professional interpreters specialising in public service. We maintain a public register of professional, qualified and accountable interpreters. The National Register is free of charge to access and searchable online.

The need for defendants in court to be able to understand the proceedings, using an interpreter if necessary, was identified in the landmark R v Iqbal Begum Court of Appeal ruling which stated:

‘It is beyond the understanding of this court that it did not occur to someone that the reason for her [the defendant's] silence....... was simply because she was not being spoken to in a language which she understood.’

As a result, the 1993 Runciman Royal Commission on Criminal Justice recommended that a national register of qualified interpreters should be established with the aim of ‘using only interpreters with proven competence and skills, who are governed by a nationally recognised code of conduct’. NRPSI was established in 1994.

Every interpreter on our Register has met the standards that we set for education, training and practice in public service. All Registrants are subject to the NRPSI Code of Professional Conduct and we investigate allegations of professional misconduct.

Even today, parts of the public services are unaware of the need to use qualified interpreters. From the Serious Case Review following the death of Daniel Pelka, aged 5, in September 2013:

‘Without proactive or consistent action by any professional to engage with him via an interpreter, then his lack of language and low confidence would likely have made it almost impossible for him to reveal the abuse he was suffering at home.’

Using the National Register to find an interpreter ensures that you not only employ a qualified professional practitioner but that the interpreter can be held accountable should their conduct or competence fall below the high standards expected of a Registered Public Service Interpreter (RPSI).

There are around 1,700 interpreters in 100 languages on the National Register covering the whole of the UK. It is a dynamic database, with Registrants' details constantly being updated and new Registrants added.

NRPSI News

The Home Office are currently interested in hearing from professional, qualified and experienced public service interpreters; click here for . . .

Let's aim for the Home Office mandating ONLY those who are regulated and registered by NRPSI in the future . . .
Published:15 July 2024
Topic: General News
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As we enter a new stage of advocacy and lobbying with the new government, it is useful to remind ourselves of the journey we have been on since the start . . .

For more detailed information on these and many more issues do not hesitate to contact mike@nrpsi.org.uk . . .
Published:12 July 2024
Topic: General News
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Since June 2022, NRPSI has been making this presentation to many working in public sector organisations, arguing against outsourcing; click here . . .

This PDF contains two PowerPoint presentations which you will find useful to run through . . .
Published:11 July 2024
Topic: General News
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Government outsourcing: when and how to bring public services back into government hands; click here to read more

Successive governments have extended the role of the private sector in government work; there is now growing interest in bringing public services back in-house . . .
Published:11 July 2024
Topic: General News
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Labour intends to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing of public services in a generation; click here to read more

Angela Rayner: ‘When Labour gets into power, our procurement policy will see the biggest wave of insourcing back into our public services for a generation’ ; 18th April 2023 . . .
Published:11 July 2024
Topic: General News
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On 9th July 2024, some 40 interpreters had a series of face to face meetings with thebigword management, supported by colleagues outside the . . .

Reaction to the launch of tbw's new app is leading to constructive dialogue, driving for improved remuneration and fair terms and conditions . . .
Published:10 July 2024
Topic: General News
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Read the latest Manifesto, driving lobbying and advocacy for professionalism and recognition of your skills, knowledge and experience; click . . .

Sent to Cabinet members, watch this space for your pro-forma letter so you can send this Manifesto to your MP . . .
Published:8 July 2024
Topic: General News
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Read this article in the recent issue of ITI's Bulletin on legal aid rates; click here for more

Yelena McCafferty MITI is an award-winning regulated and registered Russian translator and interpreter specialising in legal, financial and media matters . . .
Published:19 June 2024
Topic: General News
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Explore the latest agenda from NRPSI for the MOJ; click here to explore the issues

If you believe there is something missing, please email mike@nrpsi.org.uk . . .
Published:18 June 2024
Topic: General News
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URGENT: thebigword issues since the launch of the new system has led to loss of earnings for many

If you can show clear evidence of loss of earnings since 3rd June due to the implementation of the new system by thebigword, contact mojinvoicing@thebigword.com as well as copying Tracey Howson at Tracey.Howson@thebigword.com . . .
Published:18 June 2024
Topic: General News
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