Interpreting and Translating
For those people needing to access services provided by Durham County Council and whose first language is not English, a range of facilities are available:
- Translation Services - essential and statutory documents produced by Durham County Council can be translated into any language on request. Durham County Council have a contract with ITL in Gateshead to provide translations within five working days.
- Telephone Interpreting - For anyone who calls into any Durham County Council office or establishment and whose first language is not English, a telephone interpreting service is available. Members of staff can establish the language spoken by using a "point card". Telephone contact is then made to Language for Everything by the member of staff and an interpreter is found within 60 seconds. A three way conversation takes place between the member of staff, the client and the interpreter. NB This service is for initial contact only or in an emergency.
- Interpreter Services - Durham County Council have a contract with ITL to provide face to face interpreting services to work with clients whose first language is not English. All Interpreters are bound by a code of confidentiality and work to a code of conduct agreed by the County Council. If someone specifically requests a male or female interpreter, then this can be arranged. As much notice as possible should be given in order to ensure an Interpreter is available.
- British Sign Language (BSL) - Where a BSL Interpreter is required in order to allow a deaf person to access the services of Durham County Council, this can be arranged using qualified interpreters. In addition, all members of the Sensory Support Team for Social Care and Health who work with the deaf are able to use sign language.
- Braille - Documents can be printed in Braille on request. This is usually done within 72 hours of the request being received, if the document is already available in MS Word format or can be sent in electronically in this format.
