Practical training to help professionals work effectively and safely with interpreters.
You book an interpreter. You assume communication is covered.
But how confident are you that meaning is being transferred accurately?
Many professionals assume interpreters automatically solve language barriers. In reality, interpreting quality varies, and unsafe practice can go unnoticed.
This workshop helps you recognise risk, work more effectively with interpreters, and protect patient or client safety.
Not everyone working as an interpreter is formally trained.
Some may lack understanding of key terminology.
Some may summarise rather than interpret fully.
Some may overstep into advocacy or advice.
Interpreting done by untrained ‘interpreters’ is unsafe: “Nearly 60.4% of interpreters have decreased or stopped healthcare interpreting assignments due to poor remuneration and better opportunities elsewhere.” (University of East Anglia research, 2025)
Even with a skilled interpreter present, communication can break down if staff do not structure conversations clearly.
Interpreter presence reduces risk. Interpreter and staff skill together reduce it further.
"Very useful training and great followup resources. I feel much more confident about using interpreters ad translators effectively."
When interpreting goes wrong:
These risks are rarely intentional, but they are preventable.
This practical workshop equips you with the knowledge and confidence to:
It is designed for busy professionals who need practical guidance, not theory. Participants often report feeling calmer and more in control during interpreted interactions.
Most people working in the public sector have not been trained in the conventions of working with an interpreter or how to recognise an unqualified one. (Spoiler: being able to speak two languages is not the same as being able to interpret!)
This course is for you if you have to rely on guesswork when working with interpreters.
You will learn:
Clear structure reduces confusion — for everyone in the room.
This workshop is for professionals who work with interpreters in:
If you have ever left an interpreted conversation unsure what was really said, this training will help.
The course presenter is Marta Leigh. Originally from Poland, she is one of the most highly qualified language professionals currently working in the UK. As well as working for English Unlocked, she trains Community Interpreters and owns Klotski Translations.
You cannot control interpreter shortages, but you can control how you structure and manage interpreted conversations. The right approach makes interactions safer, clearer and more effective.
Book a workshop for your team or get in touch to discuss your setting.
Do you know how you sound to non English speakers?
Find out on our communication skills course, and learn how to be more easily understood.
Please complete the form below, and we will be in touch to discuss your training requirements.
