BSL Sign language interpreters

We can provide registered BSL sign language interpreters by video or face to face, depending on your needs.

BSL involves a combination of hand shapes and movements, lip patterns, facial expressions and shoulder movements. It has its own grammar and is structured in a completely different way from English.

To book a BSL sign language interpreter call us on 0808 808 0123 or submit an initial enquiry form.

Who are BSL sign language interpreters?

BSL Sign language interpreters allow communication between deaf sign language users and hearing people. In Great Britain this is usually between British Sign Language (BSL) and English, but in Northern Ireland, Irish Sign Language (ISL) is also used.

Sign language interpreters are regulated by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) or the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI) in Scotland. Registered interpreters must respect confidentiality and stay completely impartial.

Pre-booked Video Remote Interpretering (VRI)

We now offer VRI in addition to our face-to-face BSL interpreting service. It enables people who are deaf or have hearing loss to receive high-quality communication support in any location during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a roundup of our frequently asked questions about the service: Video remote interpreting: top 10 questions

Lesley-Anne at NI Civil Service was delighted with her experience of using VRI. She said: “We had our first remote interpreting service with RNID last week. All went very smoothly and they were able to facilitate our requirements without any issues.”

We’re using Microsoft Teams to deliver VRI but if you’d like to use an alternative video conferencing platform, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. Pricing for VRI is the same as our face-to-face service but no mileage will be charged. For more information, get in touch and read our best practice guidelines: Best practice guidelines for video remote interpreting (VRI)

Sign language interpreter categories:

There are two categories of sign language interpreter:

1. Registered sign language interpreter (RSLI)
2. Trainee sign language interpreter (TSLI)

By using either an RSLI/TSLI, you can be confident they:

• have met the required standards in training and competence according to their level
• follow the NRCPD or SASLI Code of Conduct
• are subject to a formal complaints process
• have an enhanced disclosure certificate
• are covered by professional indemnity insurance

TSLIs may have limited skills and experience and shouldn’t be used in certain situations, such as mental health. If you’re unsure which type of sign language interpreting support should be used, please contact us.