Covid-19 - Face to Face Interpreting Bookings Guidelines

28 Jul

Safety is Talking Heads’ number one priority.

As Covid-19 lockdown measures relax, Talking Heads is happy to provide face to face interpreting wherever it is safe and necessary to do so. In order to facilitate face to face bookings, we would ask that the following guidelines are followed from your side.

Important – if at any time our interpreter feels that any of the below is not being adhered to, they have the right to decline providing the service. Should this happen, they will communicate this to you and advise Talking Heads immediately.

The booking should not take place face to face if any of the attendees:

have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
are waiting for a coronavirus test result
have tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
live with someone who has symptoms, is waiting for a test result or has tested positive
have been instructed by a contact tracer to self-isolate
have returned from another country and are therefore quarantining for 14 days as per government regulations from 8 June 2020.

Location requirements

2m social distancing must always be possible and adhered to.
Availability of hand washing facilities wherever possible.
All parties to have face coverings ready to use, including interpreter.
Ensure all internal doors are open to minimise door handle contact.
Avoid / manage movement through busy areas like corridors / entrance halls.
Be mindful of not passing around paperwork / other objects.
Keep rooms well-ventilated.

Timesheets

In order to reduce contact, for the moment, we are no longer requiring a client signature on timesheets:
Interpreter will still have the timesheet with them to identify themselves.
Interpreter is to fill in timings.
Interpreter to show / say what timings they have written, adhering to social distancing measures.

Risk assessments

Talking Heads requires that clients have available a risk assessment for the booking you are attending.
It is interpreter’s right to ask to see this and satisfy themselves that they are working in a safe environment.

Should you have any queries about the above, please do not hesitate to contact interpreting@talkingheads.co.uk or call 0114 470 1076.

Thank you for your cooperation!