Kvaløy Nettverk offers interpretation services into languages of the former USSR and Asia. All of the interpreters who work with Kvaløy Nettverk are personally screened and trained by the company, and are required to abide by a strict code of confidentiality, code of ethics and behavior, and can demonstrate fluency in at least two languages.

Our requirements mean that we work with only the best interpreters. Therefore, while we recognize that our interpreting services may not always be the cheapest on the market, as a company, we feel that it is important to work with only professionals.

Confidentiality

All interpreters are required to sign and abide by a strict code of confidentiality. This is very important, since interpreters are called upon to interpret in sensitive or highly confidential situations such as medical appointments, and legal depositions or trials. Therefore, it is essential to use interpreters who are unbiased, know the role of the interpreter, and adhere to state and federal confidentiality laws.

Competency

It is commonly thought that anyone who can speak two languages can be an interpreter; but this is not true. It’s like saying that anyone who can read and write English can write a newspaper article. It is important for interpreters to not only be fluent in two languages, but to demonstrate that they are resilient, have a good memory, are comfortable in a variety of settings, are intelligent, can take criticism, and are professional in both dress and conduct. We also require our interpreters to have at least 8 hours of internal training regarding interpreting techniques and code of ethics of professional conduct. Another aspect of competency is familiarity or aptitude regarding a specific subject or situation that the interpreting assignment may entail. For example, the legal interpretation field is specialized, complex, and governed by law. An interpreter may be an excellent community interpreter (which include routine medical appointments, personal appointments, or social services appointments), but not have the skills necessary to be a proficient court interpreter.

For this reason, Kvaløy Nettverk has different sets of requirements for different types of interpreters.

Procedure for requesting interpreting services

The following is the standard procedure for requesting interpreting services.

The client will call, e-mail, or fax Kvaløy Nettverk with a request including the date, time, and duration of the assignment and the type of interpreter requested. It is very important to call with as much advance notice as possible; since we work with highly qualified interpreters, their services are greatly called upon and therefore may not be available on a short notice.

Upon confirmation, Kvaløy Nettverk will call back or e-mail the client with the confirmation of the appointment date, time, and duration, and if requested, will give the client the information regarding the assigned interpreter.

The client then will need to send to Kvaløy Nettverk additional information such as: address and phone number of interpreting assignment location, billing address and contact information, the name of the person being interpreted for, and details or information that will allow the interpreter to properly prepare for the assignment. For example, if the interpreter will be interpreting for a presentation, it is essential that the interpreter be able to see a copy of the materials that will be presented to ensure the highest quality of interpreting possible. Our confidentiality policy regarding proprietary or confidential information is very strict, and we return or shred all client materials to the client after the assignment completion. In addition, our interpreters have signed strict non-compete and privacy clauses in their contracts; however, our company does not have any objection to signing additional privacy statements if requested by the client.

Code of Conduct for Interpreters

Interpreters providing services to Kvaløy Nettverk shall comply with the rules that are set out in the following Code of Conduct.

Rule 1 – Conduct Generally

• a. Interpreters shall, at all times, conduct themselves with courtesy, discretion and decorum and provide high-quality services.
• b. If the assignment is recessed, adjourned, postponed or concluded the interpreter shall return immediately to the reception area or designated area for interpreters to await further instructions; in the event that the interpreter does not return immediately to the reception/designated area, he or she shall keep the case management officer or clerk informed of his or her whereabouts in case further interpretation services are required.
• c. At no time shall the interpreter withdraw from, or leave, an assignment without discussing the reasons for this with the project manager.

Rule 2 – Competence

• a. Interpreters shall only undertake to provide and shall only provide services for which they have the required competence.
• b. If at any time the interpreter believes that he or she is unable to competently interpret or translate what is stated in the source language into the target language, the interpreter shall, without delay, inform the management officer or clerk or the project manager, as the case may be.

Rule 3 – Care, Skill, Diligence and Efficiency

Interpreters shall take all reasonable care to faithfully and accurately interpret or translate what is stated in the source language into the target language, having regard primarily to meaning and secondarily to style, without any paraphrasing, embellishment, omission, explanation, or expression of opinion, using the same person as in the source language and the closest natural equivalent of the source language.

Rule 4 – Impartiality and Avoidance of Conflict of Interest

• a. Interpreters shall be, and shall appear to be, objective and impartial at all times, inside and outside the conference or hearing room, in relation to any matter for which they provide services.
• b. Interpreters shall avoid, and where it arises, shall, without delay, disclose to the management officer, clerk or the project manager, as the case may be, any real, potential, or apparent conflict of interest in relation to any matter for which they provide services.

Commentary:

• i. As soon as an interpreter becomes aware, for example, of any ties, whether personal, professional, or other, that the interpreter has or may have with the person with respect to whom he or she is providing interpretation, the interpreter is required to disclose this fact, without delay, to the management officer or clerk or the project manager, as the case may be.
• ii. An interpreter is likewise required to disclose, in the same manner and to the same person, for example, any employment or other activity, association, or private interest, (such as membership in an organization that is critical of or in favour of the government of the country of origin of the person concerned), that may be incompatible with his or her duties as an interpreter.
• iii. An interpreter is also expected, for example, to refrain from giving advice to, or discussing any aspect of a case with, any of the participants in the proceedings for which the interpreter is providing services.

Rule 5 – Confidentiality

Interpreters shall keep confidential all information gained in the course of providing their services. More specifically, interpreters shall not, either within or outside the premises where assignment takes place, discuss, report on, or give an opinion concerning any matter for which they provide services.

Rule 6 – Compliance

Interpreters shall, without delay, disclose to the management officer or clerk or the project manager, as the case may be, any matter of which they are aware that may impede full compliance with this Code.