ISO 20228:2019 is an international standard that specifies requirements and recommendations for legal interpreting services. It covers all aspects of legal interpreting, ensuring that these services are delivered with the necessary quality, professionalism, and accuracy to meet the specific needs of legal settings. This standard applies to both spoken and sign language interpreting within legal contexts.

Key Aspects of ISO 20228:2019

1. Objective:
   • To provide a framework that ensures the quality, accuracy, and reliability of legal interpreting services.
2. Scope:
   • Applicable to all individuals and organizations providing legal interpreting services, including freelance interpreters, interpreting agencies, and in-house interpreting teams in legal settings.
3. Benefits:
   • Ensures high standards of legal interpreting services.
   • Enhances client and stakeholder confidence and satisfaction.
   • Provides a competitive edge by demonstrating adherence to an internationally recognized standard.
   • Facilitates continuous improvement and professional development.

Requirements and Implementation

1. Competence and Qualifications:

• Interpreter Competence: Legal interpreters must have the necessary linguistic competence, legal knowledge, and interpreting skills. This includes proficiency in both the source and target languages and familiarity with legal terminology and procedures.
• Qualifications and Certification: Interpreters should possess relevant qualifications and certifications in legal interpreting. Continuous professional development and training in legal contexts are essential.

2. Professional Practice:

• Code of Ethics: Legal interpreters should adhere to a professional code of ethics, which includes principles such as confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy.
• Professional Conduct: Interpreters must maintain professional behavior, dress appropriately for legal settings, and respect all parties involved in the legal process.

3. Service Provision:

• Preparation: Interpreters should prepare adequately for assignments by familiarizing themselves with the case details, relevant legal documents, and specific terminology.
• Accuracy and Completeness: Interpreters must provide accurate and complete renditions of the spoken or signed communication, ensuring that nothing is omitted, added, or altered.
• Confidentiality: Interpreters must maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during the interpreting assignment.

4. Client Relationship:

• Client Requirements: Clearly define and document client requirements and expectations for each assignment.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with clients, legal professionals, and other stakeholders throughout the assignment.

5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the quality of interpreting services through feedback from clients and stakeholders.
• Feedback Utilization: Use feedback to make continuous improvements to interpreting services and address any issues that arise.
• Professional Development: Encourage ongoing professional development and training to ensure interpreters remain up-to-date with legal terminology, procedures, and interpreting techniques.

6. Technical Resources:

• Equipment: Ensure that interpreters have access to appropriate equipment and technology, such as interpretation booths, audio systems, and other tools necessary for effective interpreting.
• Data Security: Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive information related to legal cases and interpreting assignments.

Certification Process

1. Preparation:
   • Understand the requirements of ISO 20228:2019 and assess the current processes and practices of your organization or individual practice.
2. Gap Analysis:
   • Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas that need improvement to meet the standard’s requirements.
3. Implementation:
   • Develop and implement procedures and practices that align with ISO 20228:2019. Ensure all interpreters and staff involved are trained and aware of these procedures.
4. Internal Audit:
   • Conduct internal audits to verify the effectiveness of the implemented processes and identify any areas needing improvement.
5. Management Review:
   • Perform regular management reviews to assess the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the interpreting services.
6. Certification Audit:
   • Engage an accredited certification body to perform an external audit. The audit will be conducted in two stages:
     • Stage 1: Review of documentation to ensure compliance with ISO 20228:2019.
     • Stage 2: On-site audit to verify the implementation of processes and procedures.
7. Certification Decision:
   • Based on the audit findings, the certification body will decide whether to grant ISO 20228:2019 certification.
8. Surveillance Audits:
   • Periodic surveillance audits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 20228:2019.
9. Recertification:
   • The certification is typically valid for three years, after which a recertification audit is required.