Learn how a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can help deaf BSL users communicate and how to book one.
BSL involves a combination of:
- hand shapes and movements
- lip patterns
- facial expressions
- and shoulder movements.
It has its own grammar and is structured in a completely different way from English.
With over 200 communication support providers in the UK, it’s important to always choose one that only uses registered communication professionals. That way, you can be confident that the communication professional has the relevant qualifications, knowledge, and skills.
How to book a BSL interpreter
If you need a BSL interpreter for an event, meeting, or appointment, there are two main ways to arrange one:
Option 1 – Book through an agency
Agencies can handle the search and booking porcess for you, making it easier to find a qualified interpreter.
See our list of agencies below
Option 2 – Book direct
You can search for and contact interpreters yourself using the following resources:
- National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) – Use their postcode search tool to find registered interpreters in your area
- SRLPDC – The Scottish Register – For bookings in Scotland use the Local Authority search
Tip: If you can’t find a local interpreter, many are willing to travel within a reasonable distance, however you will have to pay the additional travel time and costs.
What BSL interpreters do
BSL interpreters allow communication between deaf sign language users and hearing people. In Great Britain, this is usually between British Sign Language (BSL) and English, but in Northern Ireland, Irish Sign Language (ISL) is also used.
Sign language interpreters are regulated by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) or the SRLPDC – The Scottish Register in Scotland. Registered interpreters must respect confidentiality and stay completely impartial.
Types of sign language interpreters
There are 2 types of sign language interpreter:
- Registered sign language interpreter (RSLI)
- Trainee sign language interpreter (TSLI).
By using either an RSLI or an TSLI, you can be confident they:
- have met the required standards in training and competence according to their level
- follow the NRCPD or SASLI Code of Conduct
- are subject to a formal complaints process
- have an enhanced disclosure certificate
- are covered by professional indemnity insurance.
TSLIs may have limited skills and experience and shouldn’t be used in certain situations, such as when someone has a mental health problem and needs an interpreter.
List of BSL interpreter agencies
| UK-wide agencies | Telephone / SMS | |
| Clarion UK | 01763 209001 | [email protected] |
| LanguageLine Solutions | 0800 169 2879 | [email protected] |
| Sign Language Interactions | 0333 344 7712 | [email protected] |
| UK Language Solutions | 0800 7565 210 | [email protected] |
| SignLive | NA | [email protected] |
| Sign Video | 03333 447712 | NA |
| Involve Interpreter | 0330 088 2412 | [email protected] |
| England agencies | Telephone / SMS | |
| Action Deafness | 0116 2533212 / 07947 714040 | [email protected] |
| BID Services | 0121 450 7765 / 07984 683182 | [email protected] |
| dDeaflinks Staffordshire | 01782 219161 / 07791 459 307 | [email protected] |
| Deaf Empowering Network | 01325 790405 | [email protected] |
| Lits Services | 01254 674514 | [email protected] |
| Manchester Deaf Centre | 0161 273 6699 | [email protected] |
| Positive Signs Ltd | 0208 064 0192 | [email protected] |
| RAD Royal Association for the Deaf | 0300 688 2626 / 07974 325563 | [email protected] |
| Remark! | 0207 269 2620 | [email protected] |
| Sign Solutions | 0121 447 9620 | [email protected] |
| Nottinghamshire Deaf Society | 01159 786 984 | [email protected] |
| Becoming Visible | 0191 233 099 / 07758 11150 | [email protected] |
| Cumbria Deaf Association | 01228 210205 | [email protected] |
| MSDP | 0151 228 0888 | [email protected] |
| BSL First | NA | [email protected] |
| Northern Ireland agencies | Telephone / SMS | |
| SLI Health & Social Care | 0333 344 7712 | [email protected] |
| Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters | +353 860840759 | [email protected] |
| Scotland agencies | Telephone / SMS | |
| Deaf Action Edinburgh | 0800 014 1401 / 07775 620757 | [email protected] |
| Deaf Services Lanarkshire | 01236 604808 / 07806 497562 | [email protected] |
| NESS North East Sensory Services | 0345 2712345 / 07593 102004 | [email protected] |
| SILA Linguists | 0333 339 8218 | [email protected] |
| Wales agencies | Telephone / SMS | |
| WCDP Wales Council for Deaf People | 01443 485687 | [email protected] |
| WITS Wales Interpretation & Translation Service | 02920 537 555 | NA |