Who is Educating the Interpreter?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) brings global experts together to establish the best practices for various activities, from product creation to process management. Founded in 1946, ISO has been instrumental in fostering trade and cooperation worldwide, making lives easier, safer, and better through its International Standards.
ISO and the Standardization of Interpreter Training
When I first engaged with ISO in 2010, I was introduced to a community of remarkable professionals whose ideas and achievements were both impressive and inspiring. The discussions at each meeting were thoughtful and deliberate, although professional debates and arguments were not uncommon. This diversity of expert input is essential for creating the best standards.
Key ISO Standards in Interpreting
In 2014, ISO published ISO 13611: Interpreting — Guidelines for Community Interpreting, followed by:
- ISO 18841: Interpreting services — General requirements and recommendations (2018)
- ISO 20228: Interpreting services — Legal interpreting — Requirements (2019)
- ISO 21998: Interpreting services — Healthcare interpreting — Requirements and recommendations (2020)
Standards like these evolve with the changing world, evidenced by the recent updates to ISO 13611 (now ISO 13611: 2024) and the ongoing review of ISO 18841.
The Need for a Training Standard
By 2019, with three standards focusing on interpreting in public services, particularly healthcare, I reflected on their significance. Despite their importance, I realized a critical gap: the pathway for interpreters to achieve these competencies was unclear. Barriers such as cost, location, and languages offered limited access to interpreter training.
This gap led me to envision a new standard dedicated to the education and training of interpreters in community-based settings. Initially keeping my idea private, I began sharing it in 2017 with Maryse Benhoff, the ISO TC37 / SC 5 International Chair.
ISO’s Role in Standardizing Certification
ISO plays a crucial role in standardizing certification processes across various fields, including interpreter training. By establishing clear guidelines and requirements, ISO ensures that certification processes are consistent, reliable, and recognized globally. This standardization helps in maintaining high-quality services and fosters trust among clients and professionals.
Developing the Education and Training Standard
With Maryse Benhoff’s support and recognition from other interpreting experts, a new work item was proposed in 2021 to outline requirements and recommendations for Education and Training for Interpreting in Community Settings. This project, initiated eleven years after my involvement with ISO, culminated in the development of a new standard.
The journey was challenging, but with the support of an incredible team, we persevered. I am immensely grateful to Maryse Benhoff, Marguerite Lely, Christine Reinhardt, Dr. Deborah Russell, Jeanette Nicholson, and Remco Reuter. Remco joined as a working group member, later becoming part of the editorial group and eventually taking over as convener when I stepped down.
Future of the Standard
This fall, we are set to submit the final version of this standard, with publication as a Technical Specification (TS) scheduled for November 2024. Our goal is for it to achieve full requirements standard status under ISO in the coming years. This achievement highlights the collective effort and ISO’s commitment to enhancing quality across all services and sectors.
I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful work and for the unwavering support of everyone involved in bringing this standard to fruition.