American Translators Association

Code of Ethics and Professional Practice

Commentary
This commentary is intended to be a living document, providing in-depth explanation and examples that reflect
our common experiences. We envision a framework where members will contribute examples over time of the
code in practice to enable a deeper understanding of the effects of our behavior on ourselves, each other, and
the industry as a whole.

We the members of the American

Translators Association accept as
our ethical and professional duty

1. to convey meaning between
people and cultures faithfully,
accurately, and impartially;
Linguistic integrity is at the core of what translators and interpreters do. Faithful,
accurate and impartial translation or interpretation conveys the message as the
author or speaker intended with the same emotional impact on the audience.
Linguistic integrity is not achieved when the target language is rendered word-
for-word from the source language. Linguistic integrity implies that nothing is
added or omitted in the target message.

● At the simplest level, a proficient translator or interpreter faced with an

expression like “blind as a bat” will use an idiom that conveys the same
meaning, register, and impact rather than render it word-for-word.
● Culturally specific terms, such as judicial proceedings that do not exist
in the target country cannot be expanded to include a long-winded
explanation of it; nor can they be omitted altogether. The translator or
interpreter must come up with an appropriate term given the nature and
purpose of the document or proceeding.
● Sometimes a footnote or note to the client is the best solution to an
unresolvable term.

Impartial translation and interpreting requires the translator or interpreter to

adopt a mantle of neutrality.

● In most cases it is not appropriate for a translator or interpreter to

overlay American gender-neutral language on a language that is by
nature patriarchal.
● It would also be inappropriate to “clean up” objectionable language in
the target language.
2. to hold in confidence any
privileged and/or confidential
information entrusted to us in the
course of our work;
Clients expect their information to be held in strict confidence. This includes
information conveyed in a translation or during interpreting, as well as the very
fact that the translation or interpreting has taken place. This holds even for
published material.
It goes without saying that translators and interpreters adhere to all existing
international, federal, or state laws or acts concerning confidentiality (for
example, HIPAA in the medical arena).
Some information is obviously sensitive and confidential, for example,
information contained in personal documents, financial statements and court
proceedings. But it is not always so obvious.
● Consider the case of a company needing translations of already
published marketing materials to help weigh the possibility of entering a
new and competitive market. If a competitor were to learn that this
material is being translated, they would realize that the company is
preparing to compete in that market.
● Or perhaps a prosecutor overhears interpreters cheerfully conferring
about the fact that their trial has only two more defense witnesses, and
they’ll be done for the day. Maybe the opposing counsel did not intend
to reveal the witness lineup yet. And even if this information is already
available to the public, someone overhearing these two interpreters
may come away with the perception that there has been a breach of
confidentiality.
It may sometimes be appropriate for an interpreter or translator to debrief or
consult with a professional colleague or mentor.
● For example, even experienced translators can use the help of
colleagues to untangle the meaning of convoluted sentences or text that
seems ambiguous.
● Or an interpreter may find it helpful to debrief with a colleague or
supervisor after an emotionally-charged day of interpreting.
● Or a translator or interpreter may benefit from feedback on a particular
situation.
When consulting with colleagues, the translator or interpreter must give enough
context to show what the problem is while limiting and disguising information so
that no confidential information is disclosed.
3. to represent our qualifications,
capabilities and responsibilities
honestly and to work always within
them;
4. to enhance those capabilities
at every opportunity by continuing
education in language, subject field,
and professional practice;
Truth in advertising applies to professional translators and interpreters:
resumes, websites, brochures, business cards and our business demeanor all
need to accurately reflect who we are and what we can actually do, both
practically and professionally.
● For example, a translator or interpreter resume that lists 20 or more
areas of specialization and 50 Fortune 500 clients raises red flags.
Make sure those lists reflect true expertise and real client relationships,
not just a one-off contract through an agency for an impressive end
client. Also note that if you didn’t ask permission to use their name,
clients may consider that listing as a breach of confidentiality.
This extends beyond listing degrees on a resume or adding a credential to an
email signature: Most certifications and credentials have guidelines for how to
use them; these guidelines should be strictly adhered to.
● For example, ATA certification should always specify the language pair
and direction of the certification.
Professional translators and interpreters decline assignments that are beyond
their expertise or capacity.
● For example, a translator that specializes in software may not have the
expertise to produce quality legal copy.
● Or a diplomatic conference interpreter’s experience may not prepare
them for interpreting in a medical setting.
Subcontracting to a colleague to meet an unrealistic deadline--or for any other
reason--is not acceptable without the express permission of the client.
In the face of constant change in language, technology, and business models,
professional translators and interpreters travel frequently to countries to
enhance their languages and cultural sensitivity, seek continuing education in
subject areas, business practices and other skills.
Continuing education is often a requirement for maintaining credentials.
Common strategies include:
● Attending conferences, seminars (both live and online)
● Participating in online fora
● Taking advantage of learning opportunities in a specialty areas
5. to act collegially by sharing
knowledge and experience;
6. to define in advance by
mutual agreement, and to abide by,
the terms of all business
transactions among ourselves and
with others;
Professional translators and interpreters share information, both informally
(such as list serves) and more formally, giving workshops and mentoring.
Activities include:
● Participating in online fora and social media communities,
● Volunteering (both for professional societies and humanitarian causes),
● Authoring articles and books,
● Presenting at conferences and seminars
● Mentoring
Everyone benefits from this sharing: learning by teaching, enjoying increased
exposure and improved perception of their expertise and abilities. In addition to
the valuable information that is shared, the association and industry benefit from
the professionalism that is reflected by those sharing.
Collegial behavior also includes refraining from negative statements about
colleagues.
● For example, if a translator is contracted to edit a colleague’s work, the
translator should limit critique to substantiated, objective comments
about the project at hand.
It is widely considered best practice to use a contract or other agreement tool to
avoid misunderstandings. The responsibility for this is shared by both parties to
an agreement.
There is a range of instruments available, from a simple email or telephone
conversation all the way to a formal contract that undergoes full legal review.
Whatever the instrument, the agreement must be fair and acceptable to both
parties.
● For example, an interpreter may get a call to interpret immediately for a
patient in an emergency room. During the conversation, a rate is agreed
upon, and the interpreter sends a quick SMS to the client to confirm.
This meets the need for immediacy and provides the interpreter with
basic protection in case of a misunderstanding about fees.
● Or a translator may receive a 10-page contract from a translation
company with several clauses, including one stipulating the client’s right
to inspect the translator’s premises. Since this might breach
confidentiality for the translator’s other clients, the translator strikes
through the clause in question and signs the contract.
There is no single standard contract for the translation and interpretation
industry. Contracts often contain language relating to non-competition,
independent contractor status, intellectual property transfer, cancellation/non-
performance, and other best practices. Even if these issues are not specifically
addressed in an agreement, best business practices and fairness still apply.
● for example, it is inappropriate for an independent contractor to solicit or
accept business directly from a contact made through a translation
company even if no non-competition clause has been signed.
Independent translators and interpreters often have templates ready to use with
clients who do not have their own contracts or agreements for translators or
interpreters to sign.
7. to ask for and offer due
recognition of our work, and
compensation commensurate with
our abilities;
8. to endeavor in good faith to
resolve among ourselves any
dispute that arises from our
professional interactions;
mindful that failure to abide by
these principles may harm
ourselves, our fellow members, the
Association, or those we serve.
Due recognition means that translators may seek acknowledgement for their
work. For example:
● Literary translators often negotiate to have their name (and bio)
included on the title page, flap and/or and cover of a book.
● Translators of corporate financial reports may request to have their
names included in the mastheads.
● Software localizers’ names commonly appear in the list of people who
worked on the program.
● Seattle baseball fans are used to seeing their favorite Japanese players
accompanied by interpreters: the Seattle Mariners make sure the
interpreter’s name gets mentioned in the press.
All language service providers are free to negotiate fees that realistically reflect
their experience, skills, and quality of service.
ATA has no authority over the business matters (see the Policy of Non-
Involvement in Commercial Disputes, 2002) of its members. ATA members
(both corporate and individual) who find themselves in disagreement with each
other are encouraged to resolve their differences as they would resolve any
other business dispute.
● Example: A translation company is contesting the quality of a translation
they received. Possible solutions: 1) translator acknowledges that
translation is not up to standard and agrees to rework the translation, 2)
translator and company agree to bring in a third party to evaluate and/or
edit the document at shared cost.
● Example: The due date for an invoice has come and gone, and the
client is unresponsive to calls and emails. The translator, after following
best business practices to encourage payment can resort to standard
resources commonly used by small businesses such as collection
agencies, reporting to payment lists or even small claims court.
Complaints about illegal behavior on the part of another ATA member may be
brought to the ATA Ethics Committee. A document outlining the procedure is
posted on the ATA website and available from ATA headquarters. This
document describes the organization of the ATA Ethics Committee, and gives
the steps for filing and reviewing complaints, determining if a violation has taken
place, outlining a process for deciding and appealing sanctions in accordance
with ATA bylaws.
AUSIT Code of Ethics

The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Inc (AUSIT) was founded at a
meeting in Canberra in 1987, convened by the National Accreditation Authority for
Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to establish a national association of interpreting
and translation professionals in Australia.

Central to the establishment of any profession is the codification of its practices not only
in organisational matters, but also, and crucially, in matters of professional conduct.
Adherence to a Code of Ethics represents an undertaking by the members of a
professional association that they can be relied upon to behave according to rules that
protect and respect the interests of their clients as well as those of their fellow members.

The development of the AUSIT Code of Ethics was completed in 1995, when it was
endorsed by NAATI, adopted by AUSIT at the National General Meeting and presented
to the International Federation of Translators at its World Congress in Melbourne in
1996.

In summary, the Code obliges members to:

• respect their clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality

• decline to undertake work beyond their competence or accreditation levels

• take responsibility for the work of people under their supervision

• decline to mix promotional activity for clients with interpreting or translation work

• guard against misuse of inside information for personal gain

• guard against encroaching on the work of co-members

• maintain professional detachment, impartiality and objectivity

• refer to arbitration by the National Council of any dispute with other members and to
accept the Council decision as binding.

The development of the rules embodied in the Code has been a serious and painstaking
undertaking, but its effectiveness is attested to by the fact that, apart from the NAATI
endorsement, a number of major organisations have sought and been granted the right to
adopt and reproduce it. They include interalia the Commonwealth Government’s
Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS), Centrelink Multicultural Services, the
Refugee Review Tribunal.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Interpreters and translators shall at all times act in accordance with the standards of
conduct and decorum appropriate to the aims of AUSIT, the national professional
association of interpreting and translation practitioners.

2. CONFIDENTIALITY
Interpreters and translators shall not disclose information acquired during the course of
their assignments.

3. COMPETENCE
Interpreters and translators shall undertake only work which they are competent to
perform in the language areas for which they are “accredited” or “recognised” by
NAATI.

4. IMPARTIALITY
Interpreters and translators shall observe impartiality in all professional contracts.

5. ACCURACY
Interpreters and translators shall take all reasonable care to be accurate.

6. EMPLOYMENT
Interpreters and translators shall be responsible for the quality of their work, whether as
freelance practitioners or employed practitioners of interpreting and translation agencies
and other employers.

7. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Interpreters and translators shall continue to develop their professional knowledge and
skills.

8. PROFESSIONAL SOLIDARITY
Interpreters and translators shall respect and support their fellow professionals.
CODE OF PRACTICE
Annotations to General Principles of Code of Ethics

1. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

a) Standards of Conduct and Decorum

i. Interpreters and translators shall be polite and courteous at all times.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall explain their role to those unaccustomed to
working with them.
iii. Interpreters and translators shall be unobtrusive, but firm and dignified, at all
times.
iv. It is the responsibility of interpreters and translators to ensure that the conditions
under which they work facilitate rather than hinder communication.
v. Interpreters shall encourage speakers to address each other directly.

b) Honesty, Integrity and Dignity

i. Interpreters and translators shall not allow personal or other interests to prejudice
or influence their work.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall not solicit or accept gratuities or other benefits.
[Cf. 6. Employment b) (iii)]
iii. Interpreters and translators shall not exercise power or influence over their clients.
iv. Interpreters and translators shall maintain their integrity and independence at all
times.
v. Interpreters and translators shall frankly disclose any possible conflict of interest.

c) Reliability
i. Interpreters and translators shall adhere to appointment times and deadlines, or in
emergencies advise clients promptly.
ii .Interpreters and translators shall undertake appropriate preparations for all
translating and interpreting (T&I) assignments.
iii. Interpreters and translators shall complete interpreting and translation assignments
they have accepted.

d) Infamous Conduct
Interpreters and translators shall refrain from behaviour which their colleagues
would reasonably regard as unprofessional or dishonourable.

e) Disputes
i. Interpreters and translators shall try to resolve any disputes with their interpreting
and translating colleagues in a cooperative, constructive and professional manner.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall refer any unresolved disputes with other AUSIT
members to the Executive Committee of their professional association and the
conclusive direction of the Executive Committee shall be binding on members,
with the provision of appeal or review in the interests of natural justice.
2. CONFIDENTIALITY

a) Information Sharing
i. Information shared in interpreting and translating assignments is strictly
confidential.
ii. Disclosure of information may be permissible with clients’ agreement or when
disclosure is mandated by law.
iii. Where teamwork is required, and with the clients’ permission, it may be
necessary to brief other interpreters or translators who are members of the team
involved in the assignment. In such circumstances, the ethical obligation for
confidentiality extends to all members of the team and/or agency.
iv. Information gained by interpreters and translators from consultations between
clients and their legal representatives is protected under the common law rule of
legal professional privilege.
v. Interpreters and translators shall not sub-contract work to interpreting and
translating colleagues without permission from their client.
vi. Translated documents at all times remain the property of the client and shall not
be shown or released to a third party without the express permission of the client,
or by order of a court of law.

3. COMPETENCE

a) Qualifications and Accreditation

i. Interpreters and translators shall accept only interpreting and translation
assignments which they are competent to perform.
ii. Acceptance of an interpreting and translation is an implicit declaration of an
interpreter’s or translator’s competence and constitutes a contract (oral or written).
iii. Interpreters and translators shall clearly specify to their clients the NAATI level
and direction in the languages for which they are accredited or recognised.
iv. If requested by clients, interpreters and translators shall explain the difference
between NAATI “Accreditation” and “Recognition”.

b) Level of Expertise
In the course of an assignment, if it becomes apparent to interpreters and
translators that expertise beyond their competence is required, they shall inform
the clients immediately and offer to withdraw from the assignment.

c) Prior Preparation
Interpreters and translators shall ascertain beforehand what will be required of
them in a projected assignment, and then make the necessary preparation.

d) Second Opinions and Reviews

Any alterations made to interpreting and translation work, as a result of a second
opinion and/or review by other interpreters or translators, shall be agreed upon by
consultation between the interpreters and translators concerned.
4. IMPARTIALITY

a) Conflicts of Interest
i. Interpreters and translators shall not recommend to clients any business, agency,
process, substance or material matters in which they have a personal or financial
interest, without fully disclosing this interest to the clients.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall frankly disclose all conflicts of interest, including
assignments for relatives or friends, and those affecting their employers.
iii. Interpreters and translators shall not accept, or shall withdraw from assignments
in which impartiality may be difficult to maintain because of personal beliefs or
circumstances.
b) Objectivity
i. A professional detachment is required for interpreting and translation assignments
in all situations.
ii. If objectivity is threatened, interpreters and translators shall withdraw from the
assignment.
c) Responsibility related to Impartiality
i. Interpreters and translators are not responsible for what clients say or write.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall not voice or write an opinion, solicited or
unsolicited, on any matter or person in relation to an assignment.
iii If approached independently by separate parties to the same legal dispute, an
interpreter or translator shall notify all parties and give the first party opportunity
to claim exclusive right to the requested interpreting or translation service.

5. ACCURACY

a) Truth and Completeness

i. In order to ensure the same access to all that is said by all parties involved in a
meeting, interpreters shall relay accurately and completely everything that is said.
ii. Interpreters shall convey the whole message, including derogatory or vulgar remarks,
as well as non-verbal clues.
iii. If patent untruths are uttered or written, interpreters and translators shall convey
these accurately as presented.
iv. Interpreters and translators shall not alter, make additions to, or omit anything from
their assigned work.

b) Uncertainties in Transmission and Comprehension

i. Interpreters and translators shall acknowledge and promptly rectify their interpreting
and translation mistakes.
ii. If anything is unclear, interpreters and translators shall ask for repetition,
rephrasing or explanation.
iii. If recall and interpreting are being overtaxed, interpreters shall ask the speaker to
pause, then signal to continue.

c) Clear Transmission
i. Interpreters shall ensure that speech is clearly heard and understood by everyone
present.
ii. A short general conversation with clients prior to an assignment may be necessary
to ensure interpreter and clients clearly understand each other’s speech.
iii. In a law court, simultaneous interpreting for clients shall be whispered.

d) Certification
Translators shall provide certification, if requested by their clients, that their
translation is true and accurate so far as they know. Certification shall include the
translator’s name, details of NAATI accreditation/recognition, language and
language direction, and be signed and dated.

6. EMPLOYMENT

a) Freelance and Agency-employed Practitioners

i. Interpreters and translators may work in interpreting and translation assignments
as independent (freelance) professionals, or under contract to a commercial or
government agency.
ii. In both instances, freelance and employed interpreters and translators shall abide
by the AUSIT Code of Ethics.
iii. If this Code of Ethics and an employing agency’s directions are in conflict,
interpreters and translators shall abide by the Code of Ethics and, if necessary,
withdraw from the assignment.

b) Fees and Payment in Kind

i. Members are free to set their own rates and conditions. AUSIT may provide
information on ranges of rates charged by members.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall not accept for personal gain any fees, favours,
commissions or the like from any person, firm, corporation or government
agency, including another interpreter or translator, in connection with
recommending to a client any person, business agency, substance, material
matters, process or service.
iii. In general, gifts and tips in addition to the agreed fee shall not be accepted.
However, some discretionary latitude may be exercised in accepting a gift as a
token of gratitude, as this is obligatory in certain client cultures.

c) Accountability
i. Interpreters and translators shall be responsible for any services to or on behalf of
clients by assistants or sub-contractors employed by the interpreters or translators.
ii. Interpreters and translators in the employment of another practitioner or
interpreting and translation agency shall exercise the same diligence as in all
professional contexts in the performance of their duties.

7. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

a) Maintaining Skills
i. Interpreters and translators shall constantly review and re-evaluate their work
performance to maintain acceptable standards.
ii. Practising interpreters and translators are expected to maintain and enhance their
language skills by pursuing further relevant study and experience.
iii. Interpreters and translators shall maintain close familiarity with the languages and
cultures for which they offer professional interpreting and translation expertise.
i. Interpreters and translators shall continually endeavour to improve their
interpreting and translating skills.

b) Training and Practice

ii. It is incumbent on interpreters and translators to support and encourage the
professional development of their colleagues.

8. PROFESSIONAL SOLIDARITY

a) Support of Colleagues
i. Interpreters and translators shall support and further the interests of the profession
and their colleagues and offer each other reasonable assistance as required.
ii. Interpreters and translators shall refrain from making comments injurious to the
reputation of a colleague.

b) Trust and Respect

i. Interpreters and translators shall promote and enhance the integrity of the
profession by fostering trust and mutual respect between colleagues.
ii. Any differences of opinion interpreters and translators shall be expressed with
candour and respect, rather than by denigration.
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES TO THE CODE OF PRACTICE
Some useful suggestions follow which do not fit neatly into the Code of Practice,
but which may help explain some clauses.

1. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

To determine the appropriateness or otherwise of a proposed course of action,

consider whether or not it might impede or jeopardise effective communication.

If approached directly by a client, known to be a client or another interpreting or

translation professional or agency, do not accept any assignments offered without
first conferring with, and obtaining endorsement from, the other professional or
agency.

..............

3. COMPETENCE

It is more informative for interpreters and translators to use arrows <> rather than
hyphens to specify in writing language directions for which they are NAATI
“accredited” or “recognised”. [cf3(a) (ii)].

The distinction between NAATI “accreditation” and “recognition” needs to be

understood, and those who work with interpreters and translators should be given
the opportunity to make informed decisions when seeking their services. [cf3 (a)
(iii)].

Interpreters and translators ought to be given the opportunity to comment on any

alterations made to their work a result of a second opinion and/or review by other
interpreters or translators. [cf3 (d)].

..............

6. EMPLOYMENT

When employed by an interpreting and translation agency for specific tasks,

interpreters and translators may present business cards representing that agency
only - do not use personal cards or cards which imply employment by any other
organisation. [cf1 (d)].
 FIT EUROPE
REGIONAL CENTRE EUROPE OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRANSLATORS
info@fit-europe.org

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Considering the important role played by translators and interpreters in facilitating and promoting
international communication and understanding,

Seeking to ensure that a high level of professionalism is achieved and maintained in translating and
interpreting,

The FIT Regional Centre Europe (FIT Europe) has therefore issued this Code of Professional Practice
laying down the basic rights and obligations of translators and interpreters as a non-exhaustive guide
for its member associations.

1. GENERAL CONDUCT

1.1 Basic principles

Translators and interpreters shall observe the respective laws and regulations. They shall always seek
to maintain the highest standards in their work and serve their clients in the best possible way. In their
relations with clients, with each other and with the public at large, they shall at all times act in a
manner that does not bring the profession into disrepute.

1.2 Responsibility

Translators and interpreters have sole responsibility and liability for their work; any exclusion of
liability has to be expressly agreed in writing. Translators should consider taking out professional
indemnity insurance.

Translators and interpreters shall not knowingly mistranslate or misinterpret. Instructions received
from the client cannot justify deviation from this Code.

1.3 Impartiality

Translators and interpreters shall carry out their work with complete impartiality and not express any
personal opinions in the course of the work.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Postal address: Rue Montoyer 24, bte 12 1000 Bruxelles
 REGIONAL CENTRE EUROPE OF THE
FIT EUROPE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRANSLATORS info@fit-europe.org

1.4 Confidentiality

Translators and interpreters shall maintain complete confidentiality at all times and treat any
information received in the course of work as privileged, except when the law requires disclosure.
They shall ensure that any person assisting them in their work is similarly bound. This confidentiality
requirement continues beyond the respective assignment and also applies vis-à-vis persons who have
acquired knowledge of the relevant information from another source.

1.5 Exploitation of knowledge acquired

Translators and interpreters shall not derive any gain from privileged information acquired in the
course of work undertaken. In particular, they shall not interfere in a client’s business relations with
his/her customers.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

2.1 Competence

Translators and interpreters shall only work in languages and subject areas for which they are qualified
and have the requisite skills. Translators should translate only into their mother tongue, their language
of habitual use or a language in which they have proven equivalent competence.

2.2 Self-development

Translators and interpreters shall keep up to date with developments in the profession and the relevant
tools by means of continuing professional development.

2.3 Titles

Translators and interpreters shall only use academic or other titles which they are permitted to use by
law.

3. RELATIONS WITH FELLOW TRANSLATORS/INTERPRETERS

3.1 Competition

Translators and interpreters shall refrain from unfair competition (e.g. predatory pricing) and from
public attacks on the reputation and competence of other translators and interpreters. Any criticism of
another translator's or interpreter's work must first be expressed directly to the person concerned as
objectively as possible.

3.2 Advertising

Translators and interpreters shall not infringe accepted advertising standards, nor make claims which
cannot be substantiated. They may mention a client as a reference only with his/her prior consent.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Postal address: Rue Montoyer 24, bte 12 1000 Bruxelles
 REGIONAL CENTRE EUROPE OF THE
FIT EUROPE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRANSLATORS info@fit-europe.org

3.3 Collegiality

Translators and interpreters, especially those belonging to professional associations, should assist each
other where practicable. If offered work they are unable to accept, they should seek to recommend to
the client another translator or interpreter who has the necessary skills.

3.4 Partners and employees

Relations with partners or employees are also governed by this Code where applicable. Inter alia, these
persons must be granted reasonable remuneration for the services rendered.

4. PERFORMANCE OF WORK

4.1 Acceptance

Translators and interpreters are free to accept or turn down work, subject to any legal constraints. They
shall decline work if it results in a clash of interests, if they believe it is intended for illegal or
dishonest purposes or if they know that their own capacity, working conditions or time will prevent its
proper completion. When declining work, they shall do so without unnecessary delay.

4.2 Contracts

Translators and interpreters should always seek to sign a written contract in advance of an assignment.
The contract should, inter alia, specify the deliverables, deadlines, quality assurance methods,
copyright, confidentiality, ownership of any translation memories used, terms of payment and access
to background information.

The client must be informed as early as possible if it becomes evident that an agreed deadline cannot
be met. If facing insoluble difficulties, the translator shall advise the client promptly so that they can
jointly decide on how to proceed.

A fixed quotation in writing shall only be made if the full scope of the work to be performed is known.
It shall explicitly state that services not specified in it will be charged at current rates.

4.3 Methods and procedures

4.3.1 Translating

Translators shall at all times maintain the highest level of work, ensuring fidelity of meaning and
register, unless demanded otherwise by the client. They should seek to apply the relevant European
standards.

They shall draw the client's attention to any significant errors or ambiguities in the source text. If the
client is acting as an intermediary, they shall not directly contact the client's own customer without the
client's prior consent.

Translators shall refrain from plagiarism; use of another's translation must be duly accredited.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Postal address: Rue Montoyer 24, bte 12 1000 Bruxelles
 REGIONAL CENTRE EUROPE OF THE
FIT EUROPE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRANSLATORS info@fit-europe.org

4.3.2 Interpreting

Interpreters shall take all reasonable steps to ensure complete and effective communication between
the parties, including intervention to prevent misunderstanding and incorrect cultural inference. They
should seek to apply the relevant European or national standards.

Court interpreters shall always be mindful of the overriding interest of justice.

4.4 Distribution of work

Translators and interpreters shall not distribute work to colleagues or partners without first obtaining
the client's consent. When distributing work, they shall not withhold an unreasonable portion of the
fee. They shall ensure that colleagues, partners or employees performing such distributed work
observe all the relevant clauses of this Code.

Where subcontracting is permitted, this Code shall apply accordingly.

5. DISPUTES

In the event of any disputes between a translator or interpreter and his/her colleagues or clients or in
the event of any infringement of this Code, the matter should preferably be settled by arbitration, for
which appropriate rules of procedure must be put in place.

Disputes with clients can be avoided by the translator or interpreter responding appropriately to a
client's criticism which is legitimate and expressed directly to the translator or interpreter. If time
permits and if given a fair opportunity, the translator should correct any proven fault in the work
submitted, thus avoiding a cause for the withholding of payment or even cancellation of the contract
by the client.

6. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Code must be approved by the General or Annual Meeting of FIT Europe.

Relevant documents (optional part of the Code):

• Nairobi recommendation
• EN 15038: Translation services – Service requirements

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Postal address: Rue Montoyer 24, bte 12 1000 Bruxelles
Institute of Translation & Interpreting
Interpreting
Code of professional conduct
(individual members)
1. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE
Members of the Institute shall in all cases act in
accordance with the high standards appropriate to a
professional body and shall not act to the detriment of the
Institute, its members or the profession or bring these into
disrepute. In particular, members shall refrain from public
attacks on the competence, reputation and honour of other
members of the Institute or of a professional body of
equivalent standing.
2. DEFINITIONS
Except where the context requires otherwise, in this Code:
Member means any person admitted to membership of the
Institute, regardless of category.
Principal means any legal or natural person from whom a
member accepts work.
Work means translation, interpreting or the teaching
thereof, or other activities connected therewith.
Articles means the Articles of Association of the Institute of
Translation & Interpreting in force for the time being.
Institute, By-laws and Council have the same meaning
as in the Articles.
Words importing the singular number shall include the
plural number and vice versa.
Words importing the masculine gender shall include the
feminine gender.
3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
3.1 Advertising
Members shall not infringe any accepted advertising
standards nor make claims which they cannot substantiate.
3.2 Mutual assistance
3.2.1 Members shall assist each other in every
practical way, and shall conduct themselves loyally
towards their fellow members and the Institute.
3.2.2. Members who are approached with instructions to
carry out work which they are unable to accept without
infringing the provisions of this Code (in particular
section 4 below) or which they cannot complete by the
required date, shall endeavour to introduce the Principal
to another member who has the necessary skills.
3.3 Dispersion of work
No member shall sub-commission or subcontract work
without his Principal's prior knowledge and agreement,
without defining the changed responsibilities, if any.
Members acting as a company or agency shall disclose this
fact to anyone to whom they subcontract work.
3.4 Exploitation of knowledge acquired
3.4.1 No member shall derive any gain from privileged
information acquired in the course of work undertaken.
3.4.2 No member shall accept remuneration from any
party in respect of work other than as contractually
agreed.
3.4.3 Members shall carry out all work entrusted to
them with complete impartiality and shall disclose any
business, financial or other interest which might affect
this impartiality.
3.5 Confidentiality
3.5.1. Members shall maintain complete confidentiality
at all times and treat any information which may come to
them in the course of their work as privileged
information, not to be communicated to any third party
without authority. They shall also require all those
assisting them in their work to be similarly bound,
subject to 4.4.4 below.
3.5.2 No member shall disclose privileged information
about other members.
3.6 Media and Public Statements
In making public statements and in their contacts with the
media, members must bear in mind that, if they have been
identified as members of the Institute, their statements may
be interpreted as representing the view of the Institute or of
the profession and shall respond accordingly with dignity
and professionalism.
Institute of Translation & Interpreting
Suite 165, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6GD, UK
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4. STANDARDS OF WORK
4.1 Translation
4.1.1 Subject to 4.4 and 4.5 below, members shall
translate only into a language which is either (i) their
mother tongue or language of habitual use, or (ii) one
in which they have satisfied the Institute that they have
equal competence. They shall translate only from those
languages in which they can demonstrate they have the
requisite skills.
4.1.2 Subject to 4.5 below, members shall at all times
maintain the highest standards of work according to
their abilities, ensuring fidelity of meaning and register,
unless specifically instructed by their Principals,
preferably in writing, to re-create the text in the cultural
context of the target language.
4.1.3 Individual members shall have sole
responsibility and liability for work which they accept
from Principals, whether or not this is delegated or
subcontracted.
4.1.4 Members shall draw the attention of their
Principals to any significant ambiguities, errors,
omission or imprecise language in the material on
which they work.
4.2 Interpreting
Members shall interpret impartially between the various
parties in the languages for which they are registered with
the Institute and, with due regard to the circumstances
prevailing at the time, take all reasonable steps to ensure
complete and effective communication between the parties,
including intervention to prevent misunderstanding and
incorrect cultural inference.
4.3 Competence
Subject to 4.5 below, members shall refuse work which
they know to be beyond their competence, either
linguistically or because of lack of specialised knowledge,
unless the work is to be subcontracted to another translator
or interpreter who has the necessary competence, in which
case the provisions of this Code and in particular section
3.3 shall apply.
4.3A Continuing Professional Development
Members should endeavour to undertake continuing
professional development, as appropriate, in order that
they can continue to offer the highest possible standards of
work by maintaining and updating their language skills,
subject knowledge, or any other skills or knowledge
necessary for their work.
4.4 Contractual arrangements
4.4.1 Members shall endeavour to accept work on
terms and conditions which, as far as is practicable or
agreed, are consistent with the Institute's Standard
Terms of Business, but where no such terms are
agreed, the Institute's standard terms shall be deemed
to apply by default in any dispute resolution or
arbitration proceedings.
4.4.2 Where members accept work on agreed terms
they shall not unilaterally vary such terms without valid
reason and giving the maximum possible notice to their
Principal, except in cases of force majeure.
4.4.3 Where members receive work from a Principal
who is acting as an intermediary they shall not make
any direct contact with the Principal's client without the
Principal's and the client's express agreement. If such
agreement is given they shall not make any statements
which may be detrimental to their Principal's business.
4.4.4 Members shall not accept work contrary to the
provisions of this Code, except in the circumstances
specified in section 4.5. They shall not knowingly
mistranslate or misinterpret, even if instructed so to do,
and shall not accept work which they believe may
further any illegal or criminal activity, concerning which
they shall have a duty of disclosure to the proper
authorities.
4.4.5 Members who are employees of the Principal or
are bound by a contract of services shall:
a) give their employer loyal, willing and diligent
service
b) deal honestly with their employer's property
c) not accept any work in breach of the terms of their
contract of employment
d) not accept any bribe, secret commission or corrupt
inducement.
4.4.6 Members acting as Principals shall:
a) wherever possible give preference to members of
the Institute
b) encourage and assist non-members employed in any
capacity to improve their skills and also, in the case of
translators and interpreters, to seek membership of the
Institute.
c) ensure that they and their employees and
subcontractors observe all relevant clauses of this
Code, especially section 4.1.3, and shall apply stated
procedures to check work not carried out by
themselves.
4.5 Exception
Where a Principal requires a member to carry out work in
circumstances which contravene the provisions of 3.2.2,
4.1 or 4.3 above, the member may, exceptionally, accept
the work provided always that:
a) the member has taken appropriate steps, preferably
putting his concerns in writing, to ensure that the Principal
is fully aware of the risks involved
b) the member has satisfied himself that the Principal is
genuinely aware of the risks involved
c) the Principal has expressly agreed to accept the risks
involved, preferably in writing
d) the work carries or is accompanied by a cautionary
notice
5. GENERAL
5.1 Professional Standards Committee
The composition and conditions of operation of the
Professional Standards Committee shall, in accordance
with the Articles, be specified by the Council.
5.2 Application of the Code
Members shall be governed by this Code in all
circumstances.
5.3 Arbitration
5.3.1 Any dispute which cannot be amicably resolved,
either between members or, where the circumstances
permit, between members and non-members, should be
referred to the Institute for arbitration.
5.3.2 Where the Arbitration Committee finds any
significant failure on the part of a member to meet the
standards laid down in this Code, its findings may be
passed to the Professional Standards Committee for
disciplinary proceedings in accordance with 5.4 below.
5.4 Disciplinary proceedings
5.4.1 The Professional Standards Committee acting as
the body appointed by the Articles to investigate
allegations of dishonourable or unprofessional conduct
or failure to achieve the standards set by the Institute
will base its decisions and recommendations on this
Code. In circumstances where this Code is silent the
Committee may take into account wider considerations
including the codes of conduct applicable to other
professional bodies.
5.4.2 Where the Professional Standards Committee
finds the allegations proved it shall report its findings to
the Council.
5.5 Amendment
The provisions of this Code may be amended by a majority
decision of the Institute's members present or represented
at an annual or extraordinary general meeting, provided
that due notice in writing is given.
 Institute of Translation & Interpreting

ITI Code of Professional Conduct

for Individual Members

Declaration

I, (first name) ______________________________________

(surname) _________________________________________

have read the ITI Code of Professional Conduct for Individuals

and hereby agree to abide by it.

Signature:_________________________________________

Date: _____________________
ITI Reference 020 (01/12)

Institute of Translation & Interpreting

Suite 165, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6GD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1908 325250 Fax: +44 (0)1908 325259 Email: info@iti.org.uk Website: www.iti.org.uk
 Code of Professional Conduct
Preamble
This code of practice governs the professional conduct of the
members of France’s national union of professional translators,
the Société française des traducteurs, which shall hereafter be
referred to as “the SFT”. Members of the SFT, hereafter
referred to as “translators”, agree to adhere in every
circumstance to this code of practice and the principles, duties
and professional standards it contains.
1. General Principles
a. Trust
Translators shall carry out their work with honesty and integrity,
these two qualities being the foundation of trust between them
and their clients.
Translators shall not accept work that would demean them or
their profession.
b. Fidelity
Translators shall endeavour to reproduce the message to be
conveyed as faithfully as possible.
c. Confidentiality
Translators shall treat as confidential and protect the
confidentiality of any information or document conveyed to them
for the purposes of their work; however translators may breach
this rule of confidentiality if the owner authorizes them to do so,
if for some reason this is required by law, or if they must do so
for their own defence.
2. Legal obligations
Translators shall abide by the laws of the country where their
place of business is domiciled, in particular those related to
social welfare and taxation.
3. Obligations to clients
a. Translators shall at all times honour the trust placed in them
by the client. They shall refuse to undertake work which they
cannot execute or have executed to a satisfactory standard and
they shall inform and secure the approval of their client before
subcontracting any or all of their work to other translators.
b. Translators shall refrain from any form of misleading
advertising, such as claiming titles, qualifications or expertise
that they do not possess.
c. Translators shall endeavour at all times to deliver an
appropriate standard of work to their clients. To do this, they
shall:
i. translate solely into their native language or a language in
which they are fluent;
ii. possess the special knowledge and skills required to
complete their work;
iii. research thoroughly the subject of the communication to be
translated in order to produce an appropriate translation;
iv. maintain and develop their knowledge and professional
skills on a continuous basis; and
v. refuse to accept unrealistic deadlines.
d. Translators shall always advise their clients as to the most
appropriate manner in which to accomplish the translation.
4. Obligations to colleagues
a. Translators shall recognize all professional translators as
their colleagues and treat them fairly and with respect. When
working as a team translators shall respect their colleagues’
interests and relationship with their clients.
b. Translators shall be remunerated according to their level of
experience, training and expertise, the complexity of the work to
be translated, the amount of research required, the deadlines to
be met, and any expenses, investments and costs that may be
incurred.
Translators shall refrain from granting rebates or discounts
and soliciting or accepting fees that would create unfair
competition, except in the case of occasional and voluntary
services delivered to charitable works or organizations.
5. Compliance with other codes of practice
Translators shall comply with the Nairobi Recommendation
(UNESCO, 1976).
Translators shall respect intellectual property laws.
Translators are entitled to copyright over their work.
Translators shall also comply with any rules governing best
practice which may be applicable in the subject field and in
the country in which they practise.
6. Respect for the profession and for the SFT
a. Translators shall abstain from any behaviour that may
demean their profession or the SFT.
b. Translators shall not accept any instruction from a client or
an employer that could be construed as a breach of the
present code.
This document is provided for information only. The original French
version, signed by all members of the SFT, is the authoritative text
and can be downloaded from www.sft.fr.
Original title: Code de déontologie des adhérents de la Société
française des traducteurs. Translation: Patricia Lane, Graham
macLachlan. Design: Graham macLachlan. This document was
prepared by the Communications Committee of the SFT.
© 2011 Société française des traducteurs.