Our Interpreter volunteers provide an essential communication link between people who use the refugee support, restoring family links services and anti-trafficking (RSRFLAT) Directorate, and staff and volunteers who provide the service. Many of our service users do not speak English as their first language and rely on a high quality, confidential and standard of interpretation and translation to relay their personal information. For many of our service users this can be a difficult and distressing process. We help them to find a way forward and help them start their lives in a new country. We would like you to: - Be available to volunteer for up to 2 hours per week or 2 hours per month for British Red Cross staff members. - Be able to commit to volunteering for at least 12 months. - Be fluent in speaking and/or translating Pashto (Afghan Dialect) and have a good level of English. - Have access to a mobile and computer/laptop, as well as a quiet space to interpret over the phone. We welcome applications from those with previous experience of interpreting and preferably with a qualification in interpreting and/or translation. Depending on experience and qualifications you may be required to undertake a language assessment. The National Interpreter Volunteer role will be mainly home based with potential for working at a local office with prior arrangement. We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker. *Unfortunately we aren't able to accept applications from 15 – 17 year olds for this role. Please get in touch and we can support you to find another role in your area.* Diversity is something we celebrate, and we want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross. We want you to feel that you are in an inclusive environment, and a great position to help us spread the power of kindness. **Health and Safety Statement** We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [
[email protected]](url)
Why we want you: The British Red Cross helps millions of people in the UK and around the world to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, disasters, and conflicts. We are part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian network and we refuse to ignore people in crisis. The British Red Cross is committed to providing, where possible, helpful interpretation and translation for individuals who use our refugee support, restoring family links and anti-trafficking services, as well as those who choose to call our National Support Line for support. This role is an essential communication link between people who use the refugee support, restoring family links services and anti-trafficking (RSRFLAT) Directorate, or the National Support Line and staff and volunteers who provide the service. Many of our service users do not speak English as their first language and rely on a high quality, confidential and standard of interpretation and translation to relay their personal information. For many of our service users this can be a difficult and distressing process. Good communication is at the heart of a quality, safe and effective service. Due to the intensity and complexity of parts of our services, it is essential to work at the highest standards that allow for effective communication between people and cultures. Professionalism, compassion, neutrality and contextual knowledge are important alongside service users having choices regarding gender, dialect/language and the mode of interpreting.
Tasks: Facilitating communication between staff/volunteers and service users by providing interpretation and/or translation services by telephone
Interpreting/translating according to the British Red Cross guidelines, policies and procedures
Identifying and respond appropriately to safeguarding and protection issues with vulnerable clients, including children and vulnerable adults
Skills: Experienced as an interpreter
Empathetic and professional; inspiring confidence that service users’ messages are being correctly relayed and that their information will be kept secure and confidential
Have good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills
Able to support with verbal interpretation and/or written translation in the language required and in English
Able to write in the source language, for those tasked to work with restoring family links
Prepared to use proven listening skills to support others
Personally resilient to effectively communicate with distressed clients
Able to respond sensitively to cultural issues, including those relating to gender and understands the challenges working with refugees and people of diverse ethnic backgrounds
Eager to work as part of the wider refugee services team and under supervision, adhering to our volunteer mutual expectations agreement
Willing to uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the Values of the British Red Cross, and adhere to the organisation’s Equality and Diversity Policy
Benefits: Being a volunteer for the British Red Cross means that you can proudly say you are part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation
The chance to work in a dynamic and inclusive team
A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and to gain new ones
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
