Interpreters in virtual meetings

It’s hard enough to make sure that everyone is getting what they need from a meeting when we’re all together but it’s even harder to do that when the meeting is taking place remotely and some of the people taking part need support from an interpreter.

Since the lock down we’ve all had to think afresh about how we do things. I’ve been comparing notes with my colleagues who chair meetings for child protection cases and on behalf of children who are looked after. We shared our experience of making good use of interpreters in virtual meetings and here are some of things that I’ll be taking away.

Put the interpreter at the centre of the meeting

During ‘in person’ meetings interpreters have to work in front of the meeting. During virtual meetings we have found things work really when the interpreter is in the virtual meeting and they communicate with the person they are supporting on a separate phone call.

As different people make their contribution the interpreter has their speaker turned off and they are free to relay those contributions as they are taking place.

Throughout the meeting the chair checks with the intrepreter to make sure they have been able to pass on one contribution and riase any questions before the next person speaks.

Preparation = participation

Before the meeting work out the questions that you need to cover.

Work through those questions in a joint call with the interpreter and the person they’re supporting. This will help them understand what the meeting will be considering, what questions need to be answered and give them a chance to think about what they want to say.

Agree a plan for the meeting and stick to it. Make sure the plan has opportunities for the person speaking through the interpreter to make their contribution and to comment on what other people have said.

Practice makes better

Of course there are extra conversations that have to happen before the meeting and the person chairing the meeting and the interpreter are going to have to work really hard on the day. It won’t be easy and not everything will go right. That’s why it’s also worth setting aside some time to reflect on what could be done to improve things for the next time.