Task allocation

Sessional workers may be interested to know the basis on which interpreting and translation assignments are allocated.

When allotting tasks, the Organiser takes the following considerations into account:-

1) Which sessional worker is best trained and has appropriate experience?
or:
Has the service-user specifically requested the assistance of a named sessional worker?

2) Are there any cultural/religious or other sensitivities (eg, gender) involved?

3) (In cases where there are travel cost implications): Does the most appropriate interpreter live reasonably near to the interpreting assignment?

4) Will the most appropriate interpreter be available to do the assignment?
Also: was the most appropriate interpreter contactable when the service received word of the assignment? (Of particular relevance in the case of short notice requests.)

There are other criteria, but those listed above most commonly apply.

FCIS is committed to using trained interpreters, whenever possible; this helps us to maintain service quality. Interpreters must attend the in-house training programmes that we offer each year. These are free of charge to participants and provide essential guidance on, for example, coping with specialist vocabulary and understanding agency procedures.

We are anxious to reassure our interpreters that they will not be unfairly overlooked when tasks are allocated. If you have any concerns about the number of assignments you receive, please put these to the Organiser in writing; she will reply to any such approach within ten days.

Sessional Workers Payment Rates

Interpreting (all languages)

Normal Hours:
(0900 - 2100, Monday - Friday)
Interpreting per hour £10.00
Travelling per hour £ 5.00

Unsocial Hours:
(2101 - 0859, Mon - Fri, and Weekends) add 50% to the Normal Hours fees

Travel Expenses:
Public Transport as per receipt or ticket
By Car 25p/mile

Minimum Payment:
1 hour

Translation (all languages)

Standard per 100 words £ 9.35
Technical per 100 words £11.20
Highly Technical per 100 words £13.60
Minimum Fee 50 words or fewer 50% of the above
Over 50 but fewer than 100 words will be rounded up to 100 words
The above fees include typesetting of finished text.

Proof-Reading
Standard per 100 words £2.50
Technical per 100 words £4.50
(Minimum fee for proof-reading is £5.00)

Additional Fees
Urgent delivery 4-7 working days add 10%
Very urgent delivery 3 working days add 25%
Most urgent delivery within 48 hours add 50%

Cancellations
Cancellations will be charged only where costs are incurred. The estimated date of delivery is used as the date boundary.
8 or more working days notice 50% of total fee
4-7 working days notice 75% of total fee
1-3 working days notice 100% of total fee

Job Share
In situations where one translator translates an item of work and another translator types it, the fee will be split 70% : 30% between the translator and typist respectively.

FCIS is an equal opportunity employer