Impartiality for interpreters

Interpreters must interpret everything that is said, without adding, leaving out or changing meaning, and must not give advice or opinions.

If you're asked for your opinion

Explain politely that your role is to interpret, not advise.

Good to know

• Keep written records of instructions and agreements with clients; they matter if anything goes wrong.
• The Professional Practice helpline can talk through a tricky situation before it becomes a problem.
• Breaking the law in your professional work is also a breach of the code.

Downloads

• Guidance on machine translation and AI (PDF, 160 KB) (members only)
• Code of Professional Conduct (PDF, 7 KB)

Page last reviewed 29 March 2026