14 January 2013
This week, 21 interpreters in Scotland who hold the Heriot-Watt Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Interpreting Studies & Skills (BSL/English) are undergoing Professional Practice Assessment with a view to joining NRCPD.
This is a one-off scheme in response to a request from and discussions with representatives of Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh. It uses the principles and precedent established by NRCPD to offer holders of the Heriot Watt qualifications a route to participate actively in the regulated professional environment NRCPD provides across the UK.
We hope it will achieve a much clearer situation for purchasers of interpreter services, meaning far fewer untrained practitioners will be able to secure an income at the expense of users.
A panel of NRCPD Professional Standards Advisors are assessing the candidates. They will assess the progress they have made toward the safe to practise standard set out in the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting since completing their Heriot-Watt qualification.
