Interpreting Services

British Sign Language interpreting

NRCPD-registered BSL interpreters across the UK, so Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can take full part in appointments, meetings and events.

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A British Sign Language interpreter makes communication work both ways between a Deaf person who signs and a hearing person who does not. They voice over what is signed and sign what is spoken, in real time, so a Deaf patient, employee or witness can take part as an equal rather than catch up afterwards.

Prism Linguistics supplies NRCPD-registered BSL interpreters across the UK. We work with NHS trusts, employers, courts, schools and event organisers, on site and by video, and we treat a BSL booking with exactly the same care as any spoken-language assignment.

It is usually a legal duty, not a favour

Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations have to make reasonable adjustments so a Deaf person is not left at a disadvantage. In practice that often means providing a qualified BSL interpreter, whether that is a hospital arranging one for an outpatient appointment, an employer running a disciplinary meeting, or a venue hosting a public event.

Getting this right is not only the law. It is the difference between a Deaf person being included in a conversation and being talked about in front of them. If you are an employer, the government's Access to Work scheme can also help fund interpreting support for a Deaf member of staff, and we are happy to invoice in a way that fits that.

Where we work

BSL interpreting, wherever it is needed

Healthcare and the NHS

GP and hospital appointments, mental health assessments, maternity care and dental visits, with interpreters used to medical settings.

Employment

Interviews, inductions, appraisals, training and meetings. We can support recurring bookings for a Deaf employee, including Access to Work arrangements.

Legal and courts

Solicitor meetings, tribunals and court hearings, with interpreters experienced in legal language and the formality of a courtroom.

Events and conferences

Stage interpreting for talks, ceremonies, AGMs and public meetings, positioned so the audience can see both speaker and interpreter.

Education

Parents' evenings, admissions meetings, SEN reviews and open days, so Deaf parents and students are fully part of the conversation.

Video remote

A BSL interpreter joined into a video call for shorter, less formal appointments where travel would not be practical.

More than BSL alone

Not every Deaf or hard-of-hearing person uses British Sign Language, and not every situation calls for it. As well as BSL interpreters, we can arrange:

  • Lipspeakers, who repeat what is said clearly and silently for people who lip-read.
  • Sign Supported English, which follows spoken English word order with signs.
  • Interpreters for Deafblind people, using hands-on signing or the deafblind manual alphabet.

If you are not sure what a person needs, just ask them, and tell us what they say. We will match the right professional rather than assume.

Questions people ask

BSL interpreting FAQs

Is my organisation legally required to provide a BSL interpreter?
Often, yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers and employers must make reasonable adjustments so a Deaf person is not put at a disadvantage. For many appointments, meetings and events that means booking a qualified BSL interpreter. Failing to do so can amount to disability discrimination.
What does NRCPD registration mean?
NRCPD is the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people. An interpreter on the register is qualified, insured, DBS-checked and bound by a code of conduct. We use NRCPD-registered interpreters, which is the standard the NHS and courts expect.
Can you provide BSL interpreting online?
Yes. Video remote interpreting connects a BSL interpreter into a video call, which works well for shorter meetings and appointments. For long, sensitive or formal occasions, an interpreter in the room is usually still the better choice.
How much notice do you need to book a BSL interpreter?
The pool of registered BSL interpreters is smaller than for spoken languages, so the earlier you book, the better. A week or more is comfortable. We can sometimes cover urgent requests, and we will be honest about availability when you call.
Do you offer lipspeakers or interpreters for Deafblind people?
Yes. Alongside BSL interpreting we can arrange lipspeakers, Sign Supported English, and interpreters who work with Deafblind people using hands-on signing or the deafblind manual alphabet. Tell us how the person prefers to communicate and we will match the right professional.

Need a BSL interpreter?

Tell us the date, the setting and where it is. We will confirm a registered interpreter and a clear price as quickly as we can.