Be an interpreter or translator for the council

Freelance interpreters and translators can use our online platform Panacea to take on paid work.

We often need:

• foreign language interpreters for meetings, calls and appointments
• British Sign Language interpreters
  
• document translators
• suppliers of documents in braille or audio CD

Recruiting languages

Required qualifications and experience

All interpreters and translators must:

• have the right to work in the UK
• pass a DBS criminal record check
  
• provide 2 references, if they are not registered with the NRPSI, CIOL, ITI or APCI

Interpreter requirements

Our freelance interpreters attend appointments, calls and meetings to help people communicate in a foreign language or British Sign Language (BSL).

To be an interpreter you will need to meet our requirements in one of three ways.

Option 1

You have completed 50 hours' professional experience of interpreting.

Option 2

You have achieved Community Interpreting Level 3, or an interpreting qualification that's equivalent or higher such as DPSI or DPI.

Option 3

You must be willing to complete our language assessment and have one of the following:

• a qualification from overseas which is in a subject related to the English language such as linguistics, philology, or teaching
• a high level qualification studied in an English speaking country such as a degree, diploma or certificate in English proficiency

Translator requirements

Our freelance translators write foreign language versions of documents, with each job priced by the word count.

To be a translator you will need to meet our requirements in one of two ways.

Option 1

You have at least 2 years’ experience of professional translation and hold a degree in English or a related field such as philology, linguistics, or teaching.

Option 2

You have at least 2 years’ experience of professional translation and a degree or diploma (minimum QCF Level 6) studied in an English speaking country.

How to apply

To apply you will need to create a Panacea account and complete a questionnaire.

1. Request a Panacea account External site, and make sure you select Supplier when you enter your details.
2. When we have approved your request, you will get an email with instructions on how to finish setting up your account.
3. Log in to Panacea external link and go to the supplier interface.
4. Find the questionnaire called Leeds City Council Register of Freelance Interpreters and Translators and select Participate.
5. The questionnaire will now move to the My questionnaires section. Complete and submit this questionnaire.
6. We'll review your answers and we may contact you if we need more information.