Our history

SFTI was founded in Leeds in 1987 by 23 freelance translators who wanted a voice for the self-employed. Student membership was added in 2012, and the Find a translator directory launched in 2015.

Milestones

1987: founded in Leeds. 1995: first annual conference. 2004: code of conduct introduced. 2012: student membership. 2015: Find a translator launched. 2024: membership passes 4,000.

Our name

We were founded as the Northern Freelance Translators' Group and adopted our current name in 1993 when we became a national body.

Good to know

• Our office is closed between Christmas and New Year.
• SFTI is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.
• The Council publishes a summary of each meeting in the members' area.

Downloads

• Strategy 2025–28 (PDF, 640 KB)
• Articles of association (PDF, 280 KB)

Page last reviewed 6 August 2026