9.2 Interpreting, Signing and Communication Needs

1. Introduction

Some adults with care and support needs, and their carers, may require the services of an interpreter, signer or another professional who has specific communication skills. This may be as a result of not having sufficient comprehension or command of spoken English or other communication difficulties, as the result of hearing problems or learning or physical disabilities for example.

Adults and carers with specific communication needs should be supported to access interpreters, signers and other communicators to ensure  their needs are met, their wellbeing promoted and their needs prevented, reduced or delayed (see Wellbeing Principle and Preventing, Reducing or Delaying Needs). This includes adults and carers who are involved in the safeguarding process. The use of interpreters, signers or other communication aids must be considered at the start of the safeguarding process to ensure that the adult is included and involved in the process, as much as possible.

2. Principles for Supporting Adults with Communication Needs

• Family members should not be used as interpreters / communicators;
• Children (within the family or extended network) should not be used as interpreters / communicators;
• The person acting as the interpreters / communicator should be acceptable to both the adult / carer and the local authority;
• The adult / carer should be consulted in relation to any concerns they may have about an interpreter’s / communicator’s gender and / or religion, and issues of confidentiality and potential conflicts of interest;
• The interpreter / communicator should declare in advance of providing the service if they have any personal knowledge of the adult / carer;
• The importance of confidentiality should be discussed with the interpreter / communicator prior to them first meeting the adult / carer. They should be sourced from an agency which is already contracted with the local authority and where there is an existing confidentiality agreement. If this is not possible, they must sign a confidentiality agreement prior to undertaking any work;
• The role of the interpreter / communicator is to act solely in relation to issues of communication, not as a mediator between the adult / carer and the local authority;
• The interpreter / communicator should be briefed before the meeting. This may include preparing them for possible disclosure and discussion of sensitive or harrowing information. They should also be briefed if an advocate will also be present (see Independent Advocacy and Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service).

Decisions about the way in which the interpreter / communicator will be used will depend on their skills and training, the needs of the adult / carer and the purpose of the meeting.