TIS National’s policy is to allocate work to interpreters on the basis of their:
This ensures that clients receive the most qualified available interpreter.
In some circumstances, limited additional factors such as those outlined below may be taken into account in determining allocation. However, the highest available credential level always remains a primary criterion.
Gender:
TIS National accepts that there are sometimes circumstances where an interpreter of a specific gender is required. For example, this may be necessary for sensitive matters, especially those of a medical nature. To facilitate this, clients can indicate the gender of interpreter required (where this is important). TIS National will then allocate the highest credentialed available interpreter of that gender, wherever possible.
Working with Children’s Check:
Occasionally, clients may advise TIS National that they require an interpreter with a Working with Children’s Check (or equivalent). Such requests are made in order to comply with relevant legislation and TIS National will therefore give such requests priority when determining allocation. In these circumstances, allocation will be to the most highly credentialed available interpreter who holds the required Check.
Specific Interpreter Requests:
TIS National strongly encourages clients to avoid requesting specific interpreters where possible.
Such requests:
- limit TIS National’s ability to supply an interpreter, particularly for urgent requests (the specified interpreter may not be available when requested); and
- may not result in allocation of the most highly credentialed interpreter available for your appointment.
In exceptional circumstances, TIS National may agree to fulfil a client’s request for a specific interpreter. However, the client must first clearly demonstrate what exceptional circumstances apply to warrant allocation outside of normal policy.
Whilst such requests are assessed on a case by case basis, they are more likely to be considered favourably where a client can demonstrate that allocation of the nominated interpreter is:
- essential to maintaining the quality and continuity of care or service; and
- of clear benefit to the non-English speaking client.
Clients will be required to complete an acknowledgement of requirements for the provision of a specific interpreter form, including details of the exceptional circumstances which apply, before TIS National will consider a specific interpreter request.
Specific interpreter requests must generally be made at least three business days prior to the appointment date. Requests made less than three business days in advance will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and will generally result in an interpreter being allocated in accordance with standard TIS National interpreter allocation policy.
If a specific interpreter request is declined, the client will be offered the highest credentialed interpreter available at the time. Where a client chooses not to accept the interpreter allocated in this manner and decides to cancel the request, this must be done with sufficient notice, in accordance with TIS National’s Cancellation Policy in order to avoid charges. Cancellations must be made in TIS Online or in writing, as appropriate.
No other considerations are ordinarily taken into account when allocating assignments.
TIS National:
- does not keep records on interpreters’ ethnicity, nationality, country of birth, religion or political affiliations and is unable to allocate interpreters based on these considerations
- will not provide a specific interpreter simply to meet the personal preferences of the client or non-English speaker (NES)
- will not agree to allocate a specific interpreter outside of the usual allocation policy where there is no evidence to substantiate a history or continuity of care or service.
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