30 September 2014
We have produced a letter asking agencies to use only NRCPD registered communication professionals. You can download the letter now.
We are regularly contacted by concerned individuals about agencies that use communication professionals who are not registered with us.
They are concerned because registration protects the public. It reduces the chance of something going wrong by setting standards of training and conduct that must be met.
It also means a service user can make a complaint to us when something does go wrong. We can objectively review the complaint and take action if necessary. And we can try and make sure something similar doesn't happen again.
The agencies that use unregistered communication professionals aren't breaking the law. Neither are people who call themselves, for example, a sign language interpreter when they don't have the proper qualifications. That's why we're working towards statutory regulation.
But it does mean they're not doing all they could do to protect the public. That's why we've written a letter you can download and send to an agency that uses unregistered communication professionals.
If you do send it to an agency, we would appreciate you letting us know via enquiries@nrcpd.org.uk.
As you may know, NRCPD regulates communication professionals who work with deaf and deafblind people. We hold registers for interpreters for deafblind people, lipspeakers, notetakers, sign language interpreters. sign language translators and speech to text reporters.
NRCPD registration guarantees the registrant has met the minimum requirement to practise. If a communication professional is registered with NRCPD it means a service user can be confident they
Our reason for holding the registers is simple: public protection. If a communication professional does their job badly the consequences can be serious. It can threaten the life or liberty of a service user. Registration reduces the chance of something going wrong by setting standards of training and conduct that must be met.
It also means that when something does go wrong, a service user can make a complaint to us. We can objectively review the complaint and take action if necessary. And we can try and make sure something similar doesn't happen again.
The NRCPD badge is well recognised and regarded by both service users and purchasers of communication services, such as the NHS and education institutions. Increasingly, they expect to see it.
The Ministry of Justice has made it a requirement. Communication professionals working in a court, police station or other legal agency should, where possible, be registered with NRCPD.
This is because purchasers take the care of their clients and customers very seriously. So they value the peace of mind NRCPD registration gives them.
By using only registered communication professionals, an agency demonstrates its own concern for public protection. It tells your clients you are dedicated to providing a safe, high quality service.
I therefore hope you will consider using only NRCPD registered communication professionals. But if you have any questions or would like to discuss this, please feel free to contact us via enquiries@nrcpd.org.uk, 0191 383 1155 (telephone) or 07974 121594 (text).
Huw Vaughan Thomas
Chair
