10 ways Local Government can benefit from professional language services

Language is a vital channel for building communities, especially as the UK is becoming more and more linguistically and culturally diverse.

To improve communication within their constituencies and to ensure equal access to services such as education, health, social and legal, Councils and Local Authorities must ensure that everyone is provided with high quality, confidential and responsive interpreting and translation services when required.

At Translate UK, we have an excellent track record of working closely with government bodies across the country, providing essential linguistic support for non-English speakers within communities and delivering comprehensive language support to Councils and Local Authorities.

Here are our top 10 reasons why local government really does need work with a skilled and trusted language provider.

1. Experienced, qualified linguists: A professional language provider will offer access to a network of experienced, qualified individuals who are vetted, DBS checked, and who comply with GDPR regulations. At Translate UK, our linguists also sign a code of conduct and data protection agreement to ensure professionalism and compliance.
   
2. Specialist knowledge: In many cases, linguists possess further training and qualifications, which are underscored by extensive, in-depth experience across key areas, from courts and tribunals to education, healthcare, housing, and more.
   
3. Ethical behaviour: When using the services of a reputable and trusted language provider, Councils and Local Authorities can rest assured that every case, particularly those of a sensitive nature, will be handled professionally, confidentially, and impartially.
   
4. Accuracy and precision: Accuracy is critical to maintaining the integrity of the message when interpreting or translating, as a single error can easily alter meaning or intent. A professional company will offer accurate and precise language services, regardless of how technical or complex the matter is.
   
5. Quality: To ensure the provision of high-quality services, a professional language provider will assign reliable linguists with the necessary skill level, knowledge, and insight to each request. 
   
6. Cultural understanding: Skilled interpreters and translators not only provide linguistically and technically correct services, but they are also sensitive to regional or cultural influences and language preferences to ensure appropriate communications that conform on a cultural level.
   
7. Convenience: The right language partner will offer services in a variety of languages – we can deliver services in more than 200 common, rare and obscure languages – from written translations to face-to-face and remote interpretation, wherever and whenever it is needed.
   
8. Competitive rates: High quality language services do not have to be expensive. Considering that most Councils and Local Authorities face budget constraints, a reputable and trusted language partner will offer professional services at competitive rates.
   
9. Community building: By enabling clearer and more effective communication, a language partner enables Councils and Local Authorities to engage with their communities in a meaningful and inclusive way, helping to build a sense of community.
   
10. Changes lives: Translation and interpreting services are vitally important to the daily lives of non-English speakers as it makes public and social services, such as education, healthcare, and housing more accessible. Access to these amenities can be life-changing for many people.

Translate UK has been a trusted language partner to Councils and Local Authorities across the UK for more than 16 years.

To learn more about our services, visit https://www.translateuk.co.uk/