Court-appointed Interpreter Services Quality Framework

Overview

Interpreters play a fundamental role in courts and tribunals, they enable access to justice by ensuring justice is equally available to all court participants, regardless of the language they use. The use of an interpreter in a court or tribunal helps break down the language barrier and allows participants to communicate effectively during proceedings.

One of the ways the Ministry of Justice is enhancing the existing interpreter service is by developing a quality framework. This will help ensure services are high quality and nationally consistent.

The draft framework and a factsheet that summarises the key changes are available at the bottom of this page.

Who does this consultation apply to?

We encourage anyone with an interest in improving access to justice, especially for participants who communicate best in a language other than English, to give their feedback on the draft quality framework. In particular, please consider responding if you are a:

1. independent interpreter appointed to provide interpreting services to the courts and tribunals

2. Language Service Provider (LSPs) who provides interpreting services to courts and tribunals

3. lawyer who works with interpreters to ensure participants are represented in a proceeding in their spoken language

4. member of the judiciary

5. court and tribunal staff member who facilitates hearings with court appointed interpreters

6. service provider to the court.

What happens to your feedback?

The information collected is confidential. It will be used in an anonymous format to identify changes needed to strengthen or clarify the draft quality framework before it is finalised and becomes a requirement for all those involved in using interpreter services in court proceedings.