ISO 23155:2022 Interpreting Services - Conference Interpreting

ISO 23155:2022 is an international standard that sets out requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference interpreting services. This standard covers all aspects of conference interpreting, ensuring high-quality service delivery that meets the needs of clients and participants in conference settings.

Key Aspects of ISO 23155:2022

  1. Objective:
    • To provide a comprehensive framework for delivering high-quality conference interpreting services.
  2. Scope:
    • Applicable to all entities involved in providing conference interpreting services, including freelance interpreters, interpreting agencies, and in-house interpreting teams.
  3. Benefits:
    • Ensures consistent and high-quality conference interpreting services.
    • Enhances client and participant satisfaction.
    • Demonstrates adherence to internationally recognized standards.
    • Facilitates continuous improvement and professional development.

Requirements and Implementation

1. Competence and Qualifications:

  • Interpreter Competence: Conference interpreters must have advanced linguistic competence, subject-matter expertise, and interpreting skills in both the source and target languages.
  • Qualifications and Certification: Interpreters should hold relevant qualifications and certifications in conference interpreting. Continuous professional development and training are crucial to maintaining high standards.

2. Professional Practice:

  • Code of Ethics: Interpreters should adhere to a professional code of ethics, including principles such as confidentiality, impartiality, accuracy, and integrity.
  • Professional Conduct: Interpreters must demonstrate professional behavior, dress appropriately for the conference setting, and respect all parties involved.

3. Service Provision:

  • Preparation: Interpreters should prepare thoroughly for assignments by reviewing conference materials, familiarizing themselves with the agenda, specific terminology, and background information.
  • Accuracy and Completeness: Interpreters must ensure accurate and complete renditions of the spoken communication, with no omissions, additions, or alterations.
  • Confidentiality: Interpreters must maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during the conference.

4. Client Relationship:

  • Client Requirements: Clearly define and document client requirements and expectations for each conference.
  • Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with clients, organizers, and other stakeholders to ensure all requirements are understood and met.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for receiving and addressing client feedback to improve future conference interpreting services.

5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the quality of interpreting services through feedback from clients, participants, and other stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement: Use feedback and evaluation results to make ongoing improvements to interpreting services.
  • Professional Development: Encourage ongoing professional development and training to ensure interpreters stay current with relevant skills and knowledge.

6. Technical Resources:

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

Certification Process

  1. Preparation:
    • Understand the requirements of ISO 23155:2022 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 23155:2022. 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 conference 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 23155:2022.
      • 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 23155:2022 certification.
  8. Surveillance Audits:
    • Periodic surveillance audits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 23155:2022.
  9. Recertification:
    • The certification is typically valid for three years, after which a recertification audit is required.

ISO 23155:2022 Interpreting Services - Conference Interpreting

ISO 23155:2022 is an international standard that sets out requirements and recommendations for the provision of conference interpreting services. This standard covers all aspects of conference interpreting, ensuring high-quality service delivery that meets the needs of clients and participants in conference settings.

Key Aspects of ISO 23155:2022

  1. Objective:
    • To provide a comprehensive framework for delivering high-quality conference interpreting services.
  2. Scope:
    • Applicable to all entities involved in providing conference interpreting services, including freelance interpreters, interpreting agencies, and in-house interpreting teams.
  3. Benefits:
    • Ensures consistent and high-quality conference interpreting services.
    • Enhances client and participant satisfaction.
    • Demonstrates adherence to internationally recognized standards.
    • Facilitates continuous improvement and professional development.

Requirements and Implementation

1. Competence and Qualifications:

  • Interpreter Competence: Conference interpreters must have advanced linguistic competence, subject-matter expertise, and interpreting skills in both the source and target languages.
  • Qualifications and Certification: Interpreters should hold relevant qualifications and certifications in conference interpreting. Continuous professional development and training are crucial to maintaining high standards.

2. Professional Practice:

  • Code of Ethics: Interpreters should adhere to a professional code of ethics, including principles such as confidentiality, impartiality, accuracy, and integrity.
  • Professional Conduct: Interpreters must demonstrate professional behavior, dress appropriately for the conference setting, and respect all parties involved.

3. Service Provision:

  • Preparation: Interpreters should prepare thoroughly for assignments by reviewing conference materials, familiarizing themselves with the agenda, specific terminology, and background information.
  • Accuracy and Completeness: Interpreters must ensure accurate and complete renditions of the spoken communication, with no omissions, additions, or alterations.
  • Confidentiality: Interpreters must maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during the conference.

4. Client Relationship:

  • Client Requirements: Clearly define and document client requirements and expectations for each conference.
  • Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with clients, organizers, and other stakeholders to ensure all requirements are understood and met.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for receiving and addressing client feedback to improve future conference interpreting services.

5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the quality of interpreting services through feedback from clients, participants, and other stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement: Use feedback and evaluation results to make ongoing improvements to interpreting services.
  • Professional Development: Encourage ongoing professional development and training to ensure interpreters stay current with relevant skills and knowledge.

6. Technical Resources:

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

Certification Process

  1. Preparation:
    • Understand the requirements of ISO 23155:2022 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 23155:2022. 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 conference 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 23155:2022.
      • 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 23155:2022 certification.
  8. Surveillance Audits:
    • Periodic surveillance audits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 23155:2022.
  9. Recertification:
    • The certification is typically valid for three years, after which a recertification audit is required.
Professional Conference Interpreting

Why i-LICS Certification?

ISO 23155:2022 provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the quality and professionalism of conference interpreting services. By adhering to this standard, interpreters and service providers can enhance their credibility, improve client and participant satisfaction, and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards in conference interpreting. This standard benefits all parties involved by ensuring accurate, reliable, and ethical interpreting services in conference settings.

Professional Conference Interpreting

Why i-LICS Certification?

ISO 23155:2022 provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the quality and professionalism of conference interpreting services. By adhering to this standard, interpreters and service providers can enhance their credibility, improve client and participant satisfaction, and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards in conference interpreting. This standard benefits all parties involved by ensuring accurate, reliable, and ethical interpreting services in conference settings.

Need help? Book a meeting at a time to suit your schedule

If you need assistance, we're here to help! You can book a call with us at a time that suits your schedule. Simply let us know your availability. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require assistance with our services, we're committed to ensuring you receive the help you need. Contact us today to schedule your call!

Certification Milestones

  • Free strategic meeting
  • Your tailored proposal
  • Confirmation
  • Stage 1 Audit date
  • Stage 2 Audit date (Certification)
  • Obtain your Certificate

Need help? Book a meeting at a time to suit your schedule

If you need assistance, we're here to help! You can book a call with us at a time that suits your schedule. Simply let us know your availability. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require assistance with our services, we're committed to ensuring you receive the help you need. Contact us today to schedule your call!

Certification Milestones

  • Free strategic meeting
  • Your tailored proposal
  • Confirmation
  • Stage 1 Audit date
  • Stage 2 Audit date (Certification)
  • Obtain your Certificate