Interpreters' Cooperative of Madison

The Interpreters' Cooperative of Madison (ICM) has developed this code of ethics to create a shared understanding among our members of what are considered ethically appropriate principles and practices to be respected and carried out during work assignments. These ethics and standards of practice draw upon codes of ethics established among the interpreter profession nationwide to define the proper role of interpreters and the professional demands placed upon them. This code articulates the core set of principles that guide our conduct as professional interpreters.

Confidentiality

All information gained by the interpreter in the course of his/ her professional duties shall remain strictly confidential, and will not be shared outside of the interpreting team without prior authorization. Interpreters may share information within the cooperative as needed to assure quality services or to resolve potential code of ethics conflicts.

Accuracy and Completeness

The interpreter shall provide, to the best of his/her ability, an accurate and complete interpretation of what is stated conveying the content and spirit of the original message and taking into account its cultural context.
The interpreter shall not alter, omit, or add to what is stated nor make judgement on what is relevant, important or acceptable.
Interpreters who do not hear or understand what a speaker has said should seek clarification.
Interpreter identifies and corrects errors as soon as possible.
Interpreter maintains transparency, stating clearly when speaking as the interpreter vs. rendering message of speaker, for example when requesting clarification, correcting errors, or other interventions carried out as part of interpreter role.
When recognizing a misunderstanding in communication, interpreter requests direction from the parties involved.

Impartiality and Scope of Practice

The interpreter strives to be impartial and unbiased and refrains from counselling, advising or projecting personal beliefs or biases.
Interpreters will limit themselves to interpreting and shall not give advice, express personal opinions or engage in other activities outside of the interpreter role.
Interpreter shall not make comments, express opinions verbally or through body language.
The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement and disclosing conflicts of interest. If a conflict or appearance of conflict with the interpreter’s impartiality occurs, s/he will resolve it and communicate the issue and outcome to the clients and the cooperative.
Interpreters will not take personal advantage, financial or otherwise, of information obtained in the course of his/her work. Interpreters will decline personal gifts/remuneration, accepting them only on behalf of the ICM when appropriate.
Any condition that interferes with the objectivity of an interpreter constitutes a conflict of interest. Any real or potential conflicts of interest shall be disclosed to all parties as soon as the interpreter becomes aware of such conflict of interest.
The ICM observes the right to refuse assignments or continue with an assignment if the content of the information to be interpreted encourages or incites language or behaviour that is offensive and/or discriminatory based on gender, race, class, sexual orientation or ethnic and cultural origin.
Competence

Interpreters shall, at all times, assess his/her ability to provide high standards of professional interpretation and accurately represent their training, experience, and level of competence.
The interpreter will use discretion when accepting assignments and shall decline any assignment he/she believes to be beyond his/her technical knowledge or linguistic ability.
The interpreter will immediately convey any reservations about his/her ability to successfully complete an assignment to all parties and offer to withdraw, if a suitable substitute can be found.
Professionalism

The interpreter shall act at all times in a professional and ethical manner.
Interpreters strive to act in a manner that maintains the integrity of their work, upholds the values and ethical principles of their profession and the public’s trust in the interpreting profession.
Interpreters shall be puntual, prepared, and dressed in a manner appropriate for the situation and shall treat all parties with respect.
Interpreters perform their duties competently and monitor their own performance and behavior, including knowing when to withdraw and when to admit and correct an error.
Interpreter is prepared for all assignments and discloses skill limitations when appropriate.
Interpreters shall strive to maintain and improve their interpreting skills and knowledge of the languages they work in professionally, both in preparation for specific assignments and through continued studies and training.
Interpreters support the development of fellow interpreters through mentoring and providing feedback.

Cultural awareness
Interpreters strive to develop awareness of the cultures associated with the languages interpreted and use this awareness to alert all parties to significant cultural misunderstandings that arise.

Culture is a central factor in all communication; understanding of culture is necessary to interpret meaning accurately.
Interpreters are expected to have enough understanding of culture to facilitate communication across cultures and to identify potential cultural barriers that may hinder clear communication.
Reporting obstacles

Interpreters should bring to the attention of the appropriate person (ICM coordinator, contractor), any concerns they have about compliance with the code of ethics. When appropriate, interpreters will withdraw from situations they perceive as violations of this code.

I have read and understood the Interpreters' Cooperative of Madison Code of Ethics and agree to abide by them to the best of my ability.

Name: ______________________________

Signature: ___________________________

Date: _______________________________