We are about to see the largest change to interpreting service provision for Deaf people in the UK for many years which could cause lasting damage to the Deaf community.

The new national framework agreement for language services (interpreting, translation, lip speakers, note takers and STTRs) is currently being drafted by the Crown Commercial Services (CCS). The #Scrap The Framework Campaign, led by NUBSLI, opposes this framework and wants to see it abolished as it is not in the best interests of the Deaf community.

Our reasons are:

• It is not robust or fit for purpose, with loopholes allowing for substandard and unsafe levels of service delivery
• It does not ensure an appropriate minimum requirement of interpreting that will ensure Deaf people are safeguarded (we have not seen levels 1-4 BSL taken out yet)
• It will not allow clinicians and other professionals to appropriately carry out their jobs with accurate communication
• It will damage SMEs’ livelihoods, creating a monopoly market
• It does not foster equality

Other options

We instead want to see alternatives to large government contracts that:

• Allow for proper regulation by appropriate bodies who are independent, as is usual and fitting for regulators such as the Legal Services Board, registers overseen by Professional Standards Authority, CQC
• Do not seek to drive down cost at the expense of quality and standard of service
• Allow Deaf people more choice and control over their access to all areas of public life
• Ensure that Deaf people have access to suitably qualified interpreters who have obtained the National Occupational Standards in interpreting level 6 or equivalent (not BSL level 6 or less) and for some assignments an approved training programme (see ASLI guidance on appropriate bookings for Trainee Interpreters).
• Ensure that interpreters and other language service professionals are suitably remunerated at sustainable rates as set out in NUBSLI guidance.

Effects on the deaf community and interpreting & translation communities

The interpreting profession is in a state of decline. NUBSLI has just completed an industry survey. Almost half of all NRCPD registered interpreters responded. 48% of respondents have said that they are either definitely or thinking about leaving the profession.

Contrary to government beliefs that a framework agreement will lower prices, if rates continue to be capped and reduced, interpreters will leave the profession.

The consequences of this will be dire for the Deaf community. We have already seen the effect of the 30 hour rule imposed by the DWP on the Access to Work scheme and people’s jobs being placed at risk. This situation is likely to be replicated in all areas of Deaf people’s lives and we believe this will not safeguard Deaf people adequately. As an organisation working with Deaf people we are sure you will agree that access and inclusion is an area that cannot be compromised.

What we are asking for

• For you or your organisation to sign our open letter to government
• For you to lobby central government departments and other statutory organisations to persuade them not to use the framework (DWP, NHS England, MoJ)
• For you to lobby local government services (NHS – CCGs, Mental Health trusts, Hospital trusts, other services) and persuade them not to buy contracts from the framework

Open letter

NUBSLI wishes to thank the individuals and organisations who showed their support for our open letter. Over 1,000 of you signed and the letter has been sent to Francis Maude MP.