Promoting a common understanding of professional competence: the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting and in Translation
CILT, the National Centre for Languages is the government's centre of expertise and UK Standards Setting Body for languages. In partnership with professional bodies, expert practitioners, employers and educators, CILT has developed statements of performance, knowledge and skills which define competence in languages and the specialist professions.
National Occupational Standards can be used to:- assess skills
- identify professional development needs
- design and deliver courses
- enhance access routes to the professions
- develop qualifications
- recruit staff
CILT research highlighted in 2004 the complexity and fragmentation of the translation and interpreting sectors, the diversity of training provision, qualifications and professional registers, and the risks of neglecting the professional development needs of the UK workforce. One key recommendation was that training and qualifications be benchmarked to the National Occupational Standards.
The Standards, which have recently been revised to reflect current best practice, now present a golden opportunity for us to share, and articulate for others, a common understanding of professional competence. The more we can do this, the better equipped we will be to tackle the challenges of globalisation - and the better our chances of being understood by those who need and use our services.
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