Vandu Languages

An asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home and is waiting for a decision on their claim for protection. A refugee has already been recognised under international law as needing protection. Seeking asylum is a human right, and no one is “illegal” for doing so.

Practical tip for working with interpreters: Speak directly to the person, not the interpreter. Use first-person language, e.g, “How are you today?” instead of “Can you ask him how he is?”

If you’re working with interpreters in asylum cases, make sure you read the newest blog on our website: vandu.co.uk/blog/tips-for-… This blog was written by Daniel Absolon, Independent Social Worker and Founder of Social Work Immigration Matters.

Urgent action demanded as racist abuse against UK nurses increases by 55%: vandu.co.uk/News/Detail/32

Ensuring language services are available requires moving from assuming people understand to making sure they do. It will always be an important way to uphold justice. We take our hats off to the people who fight for this inside a system that struggles to meet demand.

We recently had a little photoshoot to capture some new images for our website. And what a wonderful moment it is to officially welcome our newest team members: Sam, Anthony, Corn and Dania 🎉 Our people make us who we are, and it’s always exciting to see the team grow.

Our director, Aaron Clarke, is working on his Master’s, researching the future of AI in language services. He has 45 responses on his survey, but needs even more! If you work in the language services industry, please help him by filling it out here: forms.office.com/e/YqZKmvkepL

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our email server. If your request is urgent or time-sensitive, please contact us by phone: Interpreting (01273 473986) Translations (07771 415011)

5/5🧵As a translation agency, we keep insisting on giving patients the right to understand. As healthcare professionals, we ask you to translate documents. To offer them a chance. If your patient doesn't fully understand a document in English, their consent is not informed.

4/5 🧵They're told they'd “confuse themselves” if they get explained too much. When something goes wrong, we have seen time and time again how they blame patients and their “lack of comprehension”.

1/5 🧵Imagine this: a woman signs a consent form for a surgery. She didn’t sign because she understood it. She signed because she trusted. Trusted the doctors, trusted the system, trusted that if they put a paper in front of her, it must mean it's the safest option.

@CAWestSussex Looks awesome!

Our FREE Language Classes are in Crawley. You can improve your skills, boost confidence, and make new friends. No booking needed! Just drop by for tea, coffee, and enjoyable conversations. For more information, visit: advicewestsussex.org.uk/crawleycafe/

The 40 jobs most likely to be impacted by AI, according to Microsoft linkedin.com/pulse/40-jobs-…

Becoming an interpreter is committing to understanding public services, navigating cultural contexts, and representing the voices of people who are often unheard. ➡️Click the link to register for @DRI_Training's course starting on September: driorg.com/level-3-commun… #UKCourses

Based in our #Lewes office, you'll be the first point of contact for clients, ensuring the smooth running of our interpreting bookings system. Sounds like this is for you? Read the full job information and apply today through LinkedIn: lnkd.in/ewiZdPE9

If you are an interpreter and would like to attend this event, please email comms@vandu.co.uk, as we may have interpreting jobs available on the day.

One aspect of relying on staff for interpreting is the expectation that they can do it consistently alongside their main duties. Rather than placing pressure on them, emphasis should be on investing in interpreters trained in navigating conversations with skill and neutrality.

Happy 1st Anniversary at Vandu, Suki! 🎉 We appreciate your reliability, hard work, and your ability to stand up for yourself. So glad to have had you on this journey!