NRPSI welcomes the MoJ’s acceptance of key Lost in Translation? recommendations, including a new Qualifications Framework and improved Quality Assurance. However, lasting reform requires addressing poor pay, conditions, and off-contract bookings. Without action, the justice system risks losing qualified interpreters. NRPSI urges formal recognition as the independent regulator and remains committed to sustainable, high-quality language services.

We welcome the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) formal response to the Public Services Committee’s report (MoJ ref: Sub 124328) and recognise the constructive steps being taken to improve the provision of language services within the courts.

On behalf of Professional Interpreters for Justice (PI4J), I am writing to express our appreciation for the Committee’s recent report “Lost in translation? Interpreting services in the courts.” We welcome this comprehensive examination which substantiates many of the concerns PI4J organisations have consistently raised, regarding the court interpreting system in the United Kingdom.

An independent review of qualifications and standards for assignments covered by the Ministry of Justice language contracts was announced by Lord Wolfson. PI4J have corresponded with Lord Wolfson concerning the review.

The MoJ have outlined the complaints process for anyone wishing to make a complaint about language services in HMCTS.

Interpreting professional practitioners in the criminal justice system need to be regulated and registered by an independent regulator and register and the disciplinary process needs to be removed from commercial influence.

Ministry of Justice confirms the different tiers of the MOJ’s Interpreters’ List, the ‘MoJ Register’.