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Code of Ethics

Bullseye Translation interpreters take on assignments in the medical, legal, social services, education, and business settings. This code outlines the primary components of the best practice in the professional interpreting and serves as a guide to the interpreters conduct, as well as their customers’ expectations.

1. Role of an Interpreter

The main role of an interpreter is to facilitate communication between two or more parties, who do not speak the same language. An interpreter should never give their opinions, advice, or act and speak on behalf of either participants. Their one and only purpose is to interpret, be the voice of the speaker.

2. Confidentiality

The mutual trust between all parties involved, including an interpreter, is essential for effective communication and clear understanding, especially when there is a transfer of personal or sensitive information involved. Confidentiality is extremely important and we take it very seriously.

Therefore:
- Nothing said in the session will be communicated outside the session.
- An interpreter will not reveal any personal information revealed during the session that may lead to the identification of the parties involved.

3. Impartiality

Interpreters will disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest which would affect their objectivity during the session. Interpreting for family members or friends may violate the individual’s right to confidentiality, or constitute conflict of interest.

Therefore:
- Interpreter will reveal any prior acquaintance with either party
- Inform the providers and their clients prior to the communication session that everything said during the exchange will be interpreted, even when they said something not meant for interpretation.
- Not offer any opinions/ advice either on their own initiative or when asked.
- Always maintain transparency, and if need to clarify something from one speaker, let the other parties involved know that (so all parties involved are aware what the interpreter is saying, whether it is clarifying or interpreting, at any time).

4. Accuracy

An interpreter should always use direct speech, using the first person as if the interpreter does not exist. All parties involved in the conversation should be informed about that prior to the session starting, as to avoid any confusion. An exception can be mental health settings, where an interpreter may choose to use the third person, as considered appropriate by the interpreter and clinician. If the interpreter needs to refer to him or herself, they should do so in the third person as “The interpreter”.

An interpreter should:
- Always thoroughly render the source language message into the target language, without omitting, changing or adding anything
- Reflect linguistic style, intonation, and spirit of the speakers.
- Interpret obscenities and colloquial language, and will not simplify the language used.
- If a party speaks too fast or for too long, an interpreter should stop them as appropriate in order to interpret as accurately as possible.
- If a message is not clear, an interpreter will as to repeat or rephrase.
- If there is a communication problem, the interpreter should bring it to the knowledge of all parties involved.

5. Proficiency and Professional Demeanor

An interpreter should:
- Meet the minimum proficiency requirement set by passing the required certification exam or screening evaluations.
- Maintain and develop their command of both languages
- Participate in continued professional development workshops and training courses.
- Keep up to date with the relevant procedures in any particular setting they are interpreting in.
- Behave professionally, by always being punctual, polite, and prepared
- Maintaining professional appearance

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