Terms & Conditions of use of this Website
Please click here to read our terms and conditions of use of this website,
and our privacy policy
BSL Link for Communication - Booking Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions for the Provision of BSL/English Interpreters by BSL Link for Communication Ltd.
1. Booking Procedure and Confirmation
When a completed request form has been received, BSL Link for Communication Ltd will contact the client with details of the fees. As soon as the client has confirmed acceptance of the fees, contact will be made with interpreters to check their availability. When an interpreter has been identified and has accepted the booking, BSL Link for Communication Ltd will send a booking confirmation to the client and the Terms and Conditions will then apply (including cancellation charges - see part 4, below).
2. Preparation
To ensure that the interpreter is able to prepare effectively, the client must provide any additional information at least 4 working days in advance of the assignment taking place. Such material may include: powerpoint presentations, reports, letters, diagrams, notes, agenda, minutes, briefing papers, scripts, visual materials etc. On the day of the assignment, it is helpful if the client agrees to meet the interpreter 15minutes before the start of the assignment, especially if working with the interpreter for the first time.
3. Fees
The fee will be based on the nature of the assignment, the venue, the duration and whether the assignment will need one interpreter or two. To give you a guideline, assignments over 2hours will usually need two interpreters. Fees are charged at an hourly rate with a minimum 3hour fee.
With regard to travel expenses the interpreter will decide upon the most suitable method of transport. However, only standard class tickets will be purchased for rail and/or air travel. If the interpreter travels by car a charge of 40p per mile will be made (or 25p per mile for ‘Access To Work’ bookings). Car parking and taxi fares will be charged at cost.
4. Cancellations
Once the interpreter has been confirmed, the following charges will be made if the client cancels the booking.
- For less than 7 days notice (including weekends) the full amount is payable.
- For cancellations between 7 and 14 days notice 50% of the total fee will be payable.
- For cancellations with more than 14 days notice there will be a 10% administration fee charged.
Please note that the interpreter is not responsible should they be delayed or unable to attend the assignment due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. sudden illness / accident / transport cancellation or delays).
5. Co-Interpreters
It is preferable for two interpreters to be booked for most assignments lasting over 2 hours. A co-worker will be provided by BSL Link for Communication Ltd even if the assignment is under 2 hours if it is very intensive or demanding (depending on the type of assignment), or if the audience is expected to be one hundred people or more. The client should make sure accurate information is given at the time of the booking so that the number of interpreters required can be assessed. If a client has already booked a co-worker, details of the co-worker must be given to BSL Link for Communication Ltd at the time of the booking.
If a co-interpreter/other support has been booked but fails to attend then the interpreter attending may decide to charge an additional 50%-100% for the extra workload and will need regular breaks every 30minutes or so.
6. General Conduct
The interpreter provided by BSL Link for Communication Ltd will follow the Code of Ethics for Sign Language Interpreters as set out by Signature (formerly CACDP – Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf people) and the Code of Professional Conduct set out by ASLI (the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of England, Wales and Northern Ireland). All interpreters provided by BSL Link for Communication Ltd shall be appropriately trained and registered with the NRCPD (the National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people). It’s preferable that the interpreter also be a member of ASLI.
The client must not try to book the freelance services of the interpreter. If the client feels that the interpreter is trying to arrange to work on a freelance basis, then the client is asked to contact BSL Link for Communication Ltd straight away.
7. Failure to attend
If any client relying on the interpreter’s service has failed to attend, the interpreter will wait approximately 20 to 40 minutes before leaving the premises (after consultation with the organiser if possible). This will be applicable to all assignments with the full and agreed fee still payable. If an interpreter fails to attend, the client should inform BSL Link for Communication Ltd as soon as possible.
8. Payment of Invoices
BSL Link for Communication Ltd will invoice the client for the full amount within 14days following the assignment. Invoices from BSL Link for Communication Ltd must be paid within 28days from the date on the invoice. If the invoice from BSL Link for Communication Ltd is not paid within 28 days, an amended invoice will be sent to the client, with a 10% charge which will be added every 7 calendar days for administration cost and time.
9. Complaints Procedure
If the client wants to complain that the service given by the interpreter has been conducted in an inappropriate manner, a letter or video letter in BSL should be sent to BSL Link for Communication Ltd immediately (no later than 7 days after the assignment). The complaint will then be investigated by BSL Link for Communication Ltd who may advise the interpreter to improve the services he/she offers. The client will be notified of the decision and any action taken.