#Terms and Conditions – REMOTE/ONLINE BSL/English Interpreting Services (UK)
**SG Interpreting Ltd**
**Effective from: 15/09/2026**
These Terms and Conditions apply to the provision of pre-arranged/ad-hoc remote British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreting services provided by **SG Interpreting Ltd** within the United Kingdom.
They apply to individuals, organisations, agencies, employers, public bodies and other clients who engage **SG Interpreting Ltd** directly or on behalf of another person or organisation.
These Terms and Conditions do **not** apply to Video Relay Services (VRI/VRS), on-demand interpreting or call-centre-style interpreting.
## 1. Definitions
**SG Interpreting Ltd** means the company providing the interpreting service.
**Interpreter** means the suitably qualified and/or registered BSL/English interpreter engaged by SG Interpreting Ltd to undertake the assignment.
**Client** means the individual, organisation, agency or other entity engaging SG Interpreting Ltd.
**Assignment** means the agreed remote interpreting booking, including the date, start and finish time, platform and nature of the work.
**Remote interpreting** means pre-arranged interpreting where the Interpreter and one or more participants are in different physical locations and the interpreting is delivered using digital technology.
## 2. Booking and Confirmation
2.1 A booking is confirmed when SG Interpreting Ltd has accepted the assignment in writing, verbally and when the Client has confirmed the booking by email.
2.2 The Client is responsible for providing accurate information about the assignment, including:
– date and time;
– expected duration;
– nature and purpose of the assignment;
– names and roles of participants where appropriate;
– platform to be used;
– meeting or joining link;
– relevant contact details;
– preparation materials; and
– any specific access, technical or communication requirements.
2.3 Any changes to the assignment must be communicated to SG Interpreting Ltd as soon as they are known.
2.4 SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to reassess an assignment where its nature, duration, complexity or requirements change after the booking has been confirmed.
## 3. Remote Platform and Meeting Link
3.1 The Client is responsible for providing a working and accessible meeting link for the agreed platform.
3.2 The link must be provided in advance of the assignment to allow the Interpreter to access the meeting and, where appropriate, undertake any necessary technical checks.
3.3 The Client is responsible for ensuring that:
– the link is correct;
– the meeting has been created and scheduled correctly;
– the Interpreter has the necessary permissions to enter the meeting;
– the meeting has not expired or been cancelled;
– any required passwords or access codes have been provided
3.4 Where the Client requires the Interpreter to use a platform with which the Interpreter is unfamiliar, notice must be given to allow SG Interpreting Ltd upon confirmation of booking, to establish whether the platform is suitable.
3.5 Where a test call is reasonably required because of the complexity of the assignment or platform, this may be chargeable as preparation or working time and will be agreed in advance.
### 3.6 Failure to Provide a Working Link
If the Client fails to provide a working meeting link, provides the link late, provides an incorrect link, or the link does not allow the Interpreter to access the assignment at the agreed start time:
– the Interpreter will make reasonable attempts to contact the Client or designated contact;
– SG Interpreting Ltd will not be responsible for delays caused by the Client’s failure to provide appropriate access;
– if the issue cannot be resolved within a reasonable period, SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to withdraw the Interpreter from the assignment; and
– the agreed fee remains payable in full by the Client.
3.7 The same principle applies where the Client’s platform, equipment, internet connection, permissions or meeting settings prevent the Interpreter from providing the agreed interpreting service.
3.8 The Interpreter is not required to remain indefinitely available while the Client resolves technical or access problems. This will be agreed upon confirmation of the booking. This condition exists because SG Interpreting Ltd has reserved the agreed time exclusively for the Client and may have declined other work in order to fulfil the assignment.
## 4. Client Responsibilities
The Client is responsible for ensuring that all participants have appropriate equipment and a suitable environment for remote interpreting.
Participants should have:
– a reliable internet connection;
– appropriate camera and audio equipment;
– adequate lighting;
– a suitable, uncluttered background;
– the ability to clearly see and hear the Interpreter;
– the ability to see the full signing space of BSL users; and
– a quiet and private environment appropriate to the nature of the assignment.
Where the quality of the audio or video feed prevents effective interpreting, the Interpreter will inform the Client where reasonably possible.
If the problem cannot be resolved, SG Interpreting Ltd may suspend or terminate the assignment. The agreed fee will remain payable where the problem is attributable to the Client, participants or the Client’s technology.
## 5. Interpreter’s Technical Responsibilities
SG Interpreting Ltd will take reasonable steps to ensure that the Interpreter has:
– suitable equipment;
– an appropriate camera and microphone/speakers/headset;
– a reliable internet connection;
– appropriate lighting and background;
– a suitable and private working environment; and
– the necessary knowledge and competence to use the agreed platform.
SG Interpreting Ltd cannot, however, guarantee that a third-party platform or the Client’s technology will function without interruption.
## 6. Preparation Materials
6.1 The Client should provide relevant preparation materials as early as possible and, wherever practicable, at least 48 hours before the assignment.
6.2 Preparation materials may include:
– agendas;
– presentations;
– scripts;
– speaker notes;
– reports;
– technical information;
– names and terminology;
– videos;
– photographs;
– diagrams;
– relevant correspondence; and
– information about the expected format of the meeting.
6.3 Where adequate preparation materials are not provided, SG Interpreting Ltd may contact the Client to request additional information.
6.4 If insufficient preparation information is provided and SG Interpreting Ltd considers that the Interpreter cannot reasonably prepare to the required professional standard, SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to decline or withdraw from the assignment with payment.
6.5 Any additional preparation meeting requested or required by the Client may be chargeable.
## 7. Length of Assignments, Breaks and Co-Working
7.1 Remote interpreting can place additional visual, auditory and cognitive demands on an Interpreter. The duration, complexity and format of an assignment will therefore be considered when determining appropriate breaks and whether more than one Interpreter is required.
7.2 Appropriate breaks will be discussed with the Client before the assignment where necessary.
7.3 SG Interpreting Ltd may recommend a second Interpreter for longer, complex or high-demand assignments.
7.4 Where two Interpreters are required, the Client will be advised before the assignment and the additional Interpreter’s fees will be payable by the Client. SG Interpreting Ltd is not responsible for sourcing a second interpreter but may recommend suitable professionals.
7.5 An Interpreter will not be expected to interpret continuously for over an hour .
## 8. Recording
8.1 The Interpreter’s work must not be audio or video recorded without the prior explicit consent of SG Interpreting Ltd and the Interpreter.
8.2 The fact that a meeting or event is being recorded does not, in itself, constitute consent to the Interpreter’s interpretation being recorded.
8.3 If recording is requested, the Client must inform SG Interpreting Ltd before the assignment.
8.4 An additional fee may be charged for the recording of the Interpreter’s work. Any additional recording fee will be agreed with the Client before the assignment wherever practicable.
8.5 Permission to record may be subject to additional terms and conditions and/or an additional fee.
8.6 The Client must not subsequently reproduce, publish, distribute, edit or otherwise use a recording containing the Interpreter’s interpretation without obtaining any additional permissions required.
8.7 SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to refuse recording of an Interpreter’s work.
## 9. Confidentiality
9.1 SG Interpreting Ltd and its Interpreters will maintain professional confidentiality in relation to information obtained during an assignment.
9.2 SG Interpreting Ltd will take reasonable steps to ensure that the Interpreter’s remote working environment is private and appropriate.
9.3 The Client is responsible for ensuring that participants also understand and comply with any confidentiality requirements applying to the meeting.
9.4 Confidentiality obligations continue after the assignment has ended.
## 10. Personal Data and Contact Information
10.1 SG Interpreting Ltd will process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.
10.2 The Client must not share an Interpreter’s personal telephone number, email address or other personal contact information with third parties without consent, except where necessary for the administration of the agreed assignment or where otherwise legally required.
10.3 Where the Client requires an Interpreter to register on a third-party platform, the Client should provide adequate notice and information about the platform’s requirements.
## 11. Professional Conduct and Standards
SG Interpreting Ltd will provide services in accordance with its professional obligations, relevant professional standards and applicable legislation.
Where applicable, Interpreters engaged by SG Interpreting Ltd will work in accordance with the NRCPD Code of Conduct and relevant professional guidance.
SG Interpreting Ltd will only accept assignments where it considers that an appropriate Interpreter with the required competence, experience and professional scope can be provided.
## 12. Overrunning
12.1 The Interpreter is booked for the agreed period.
12.2 If an assignment overruns, the Interpreter is not automatically obliged to remain available.
12.3 Where the Interpreter agrees to continue beyond the booked finish time, additional time will be charged at the applicable rate.
12.4 Where the Interpreter has another confirmed commitment, they may be required to leave at the originally agreed finish time.
## 13. Cancellation
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following cancellation charges apply:
– More than 14 days’ notice:No cancellation charge.
– 7–14 days’ notice: 50% of the agreed fee.
– **Less than 7 days’ notice:** 100% of the agreed fee.
For the avoidance of doubt, cancellation received exactly 14 days before the assignment will incur a 50% charge, and cancellation received exactly 7 days before the assignment will incur a 100% charge.
Where an assignment involves substantial preparation, specialist requirements or other non-standard commitments, different cancellation terms may be agreed at the time of booking.
## 14. Interpreter Withdrawal
SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to withdraw an Interpreter from or terminate an assignment where:
– the meeting link has not been provided or does not work;
– access to the platform is unavailable;
– the Client’s technology prevents effective interpreting;
– the Interpreter cannot adequately see or hear the participants;
– required preparation has not been provided;
– the assignment has materially changed from that originally agreed;
– working conditions are unsuitable or compromise professional standards;
– confidentiality cannot reasonably be maintained;
– SG Interpreting Ltd considers the assignment to be outside the available Interpreter’s competence or professional scope;
– the Interpreter’s health or safety would be compromised; or
– continuing would prevent the Interpreter from providing an effective professional service.
Where withdrawal is due to circumstances for which the Client is responsible, including failure to provide a working link or appropriate access to the meeting, the full agreed fee remains payable. Any interpreter working for and with SG Interpreting Ltd reserve the right to work in a safe environment free from abuse and discrimination and may withdraw in event of such experiences.
## 15. Fees and Payment
15.1 Fees will be agreed before the assignment wherever practicable.
15.2 Unless otherwise agreed, remote assignments will be charged at SG Interpreting Ltd’s normal professional rate. Rates/Fees will be agreed in advance and are booking specific. Fees will be confirmed in writing.
15.3 Remote interpreting requires professional skill, suitable technological knowledge over and above standard professional requirements, fees will reflect this accordingly.
15.4 Additional fees may apply for:
– additional preparation;
– test calls;
– meetings before or after the assignment;
– additional interpreting time;
– additional Interpreters;
– recording or permitted use of recordings;
– specialist requirements; or
– other services agreed with the Client.
15.5 Invoices are payable within 30 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing.
15.6 The Client remains responsible for payment even where the assignment cannot proceed due to a failure attributable to the Client, including failure to provide a working meeting link or appropriate access.
## 16. Late Payment
SG Interpreting Ltd reserves the right to charge interest and compensation on overdue commercial debts in accordance with applicable UK legislation, including the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation where applicable.
## 17. Intellectual Property
SG Interpreting Ltd retains ownership of its professional work and interpretation unless otherwise agreed in writing.
No recording, reproduction, publication or commercial use of an Interpreter’s interpretation is permitted without prior agreement.
## 18. Liability
SG Interpreting Ltd will take reasonable care to provide a professional interpreting service.
SG Interpreting Ltd cannot be held responsible for technical failures, interruptions, delays or other problems arising from systems, equipment, software, internet connections or actions outside its reasonable control.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful.
## 19. Force Majeure
Neither party will be liable for failure to perform contractual obligations where that failure results from circumstances reasonably beyond their control, including significant internet outages, platform failures, power failures, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.
SG Interpreting Ltd will make reasonable efforts to notify the Client as soon as possible if such circumstances affect an assignment.
## 20. Complaints and Disputes
Any concerns about the interpreting service should be raised with SG Interpreting Ltd as soon as reasonably possible so that the matter can be discussed and, where appropriate, resolved.
Where applicable, professional concerns may also be addressed through the relevant professional registration or professional body procedures.
## 21. Acceptance of These Terms
By confirming a booking, the Client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions unless alternative written terms have been expressly agreed.
Where the Client issues a purchase order or its own terms and conditions, these Terms and Conditions will continue to apply unless SG Interpreting Ltd expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
SG Interpreting Ltd
Company Number: [Insert Company Number
Email: sginterpreting@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 07801 730 200
Terms effective from: 15/09/2026