Better access to services ... in anyone's language

A key public authority in the Midlands has launched a comprehensive interpreting and translation service that will add a new dimension to the way it serves its ethnic minority communities.

Mansfield District Council, which has commissioned the new service, says that it will give local residents who speak little or no English access to all departments of the council and will involve telephone interpreting, face to face interpreting and written translation.

“The mission of Mansfield District Council is to work with our communities to enhance the quality of life and promote equality for present and future generations,” said Councillor Alan Weaver, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Issues at Mansfield District Council.

“We know that many members of our ethnic minority communities speak little English. This new interpreting and translation service will ensure that everyone has full and fair access to the council.”

The organisation behind the new service is the Yorkshire-based company EITI, who already provide interpreting and translation services to councils, hospitals and police forces across the UK.

“We’re here to make sure that non-English speakers can access local services as easily and as effectively as you or I,” said Dawn Bowes, EITI’s Customer Relationship Manager.

“This means that we need to ensure that a non-English speaker can communicate with council staff by phone, in person or in writing. We have a large and highly-qualified team of interpreters and translators and we’re really looking forward to delivering this service on behalf of Mansfield District Council.”

The launch of the service has already been welcomed by members of the local ethnic minority community.

Mansfield resident Yin Ting Lau said, “From the experience of some of my own non-English speaking family members, I know how difficult it can be for members of minority groups to access services, particularly when they are new to the area and new to the country.

“I am sure this service will prove to be invaluable to the hundreds of non-English speaking people living in the district.”

April 2003