Basic Safeguarding for Interpreters

Safeguarding is an essential process that protects vulnerable people, young people and adults, from harm, abuse, and neglect. The wellbeing and safety of adults and young people is important as they come into contact with the services that schools and workplaces provide.

It is the duty of all those who work in public services, schools and workplaces to safeguard vulnerable young people and adults and even though interpreters are often not direct employees of these public services, they still have an important role to play in ensuring vulnerable young people and adults are safeguarded and in providing the right services to those who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, harm and neglect.

If a public service works with young people and/or vulnerable adults, strict safeguarding policies must be in place including schools, hospitals, care homes and charities. To ensure every person is safe, interpreters should have a knowledge of what safeguarding is, how they can recognise abuse and what they should do if they become aware of a safeguarding concern.

This training provides the basic information that interpreters should know as a minimum and provides a platform for further safeguarding training.