MEMBERSHIP

Bournemouth Interpreters’ Group CIC welcomes applications for membership of our interpreter panel from all suitably qualified and/or experienced interpreters, particularly in those community languages where we currently have a shortfall. Prospective members are asked in the first instance to check the Membership Criteria below for eligibility.

Membership Queries: bigmembership@outlook.com 

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Individuals over the age of 18 shall be eligible to apply for either FULL or ASSOCIATE membership of the Bournemouth Interpreters’ Group provided they fulfil the following criteria:

• 1. FULL MEMBERS: the individual has a recognised interpreting qualification (e.g. DPSI) and/or certifiable community interpreting experience (e.g. evidence of assignments).

• 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: the individual has completed an Introductory Course in Community Interpreting (e.g. the Open College Network Course) and/or has some limited interpreting experience (not necessarily certified/community).

ALL applicants (FULL and ASSOCIATE) must complete and submit the required registration documentation, including any necessary photocopies of certificates, etc. before their name can be included on the Register.

All members must also sign and abide by a Code of Practice, including the scale of fees which has been agreed with providers.

Applicants will be informed of their membership status and advised of any steps which may be necessary to progress their status from Associate to Full, where appropriate.  Associate members may apply to be upgraded to Full members at half-yearly intervals from the date they join the Register.  Such applications will be considered on the basis of additional qualifications gained and/or professional development undertaken and/or interpreting experience gained since initial registration.

Currently, the guidelines state that a minimum of 20 hours' relevant experience is required to satisfy the above criteria for upgrading membership status.  Members are encouraged to keep a log of all assignments.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

The tangible benefits to community interpreters of membership of Bournemouth Interpreters’ Group are:

• inclusion on an online Register of Community Interpreters accessed by local providers such as councils, the NHS, voluntary organisations, police, etc

• full public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover when engaged in activities on behalf of the Group

• access to a centralised update facility when contact details etc change

• access to a centralised recording facility for qualifications, clearance etc

• centrally negotiated & fair rates of pay

• training and professional development opportunities, via workshops, seminars, etc

• access to BIG website for information, updates, self-development, etc

• online feedback facility following assignments

• personalised member business cards for use on assignments

• opportunities to meet socially

and above all

• enhanced opportunities for work, supported by the reputation of the Group as a whole

The less tangible benefits of membership include:

• an instant online presence

• having the back-up of a professional organisation for advice and guidance

• an enhanced curriculum vitae with the possibility of increased career prospects

• opportunities to network with others in the same field

• increased personal and professional credibility

• the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to benefit the local community

APPLICATIONS for MEMBERSHIP

Prospective members wishing to apply for registration should complete the Initial Registration/Application form as fully as possible and submit it along with a signed Code of Practice , any relevant photocopies, a passport-style photograph, and the appropriate fee (see below). 

Download Initial Registration/Application Form

• Printable .pdf format
  

• Electronic MSWord .doc format
  

Applications can be sent electronically to bigmembership@outlook.com or by post to the Group's registered office:

Bournemouth Interpreters' Group CIC, c/o Community Action Network, Northmead House, Northmead Drive, Poole, BH17 7RP

Applications are considered at the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors.  Please note that, in the interests of existing member-interpreters, we reserve the right to impose a cap on the maximum number of interpreters for any given language at any time where current membership numbers are deemed to meet requirements and that the above Membership Criteria do not confer automatic membership rights on any applicant.  Before final acceptance onto the interpreter panel, applicants are asked to meet briefly with one of the Directors.

FEES

Members pay an annual subscription fee, currently set at £30 for Full Members and £20 for Associate Members.  There is also an initial one-off Registration Fee for new members to cover the administrative costs of setting up the member profile on the online Register. This Registration Fee is £30 including VAT.  Once registered, members’ details can be changed at no cost.

To cover the cost of production and postage of member photo ID cards, plus an initial supply of business cards, there is a one-off charge of £12 (incl. VAT), and applicants should remember to include a passport style photo with their registration documents.

We prefer payment by online bank transfer, but if paying by cheque, please make the cheque payable to "Bournemouth Interpreters' Group".

Further supplies of business cards can subsequently be ordered at cost price via the Group.