Professional guidelines for translation service providers

Professional translators and translation companies:

represent their credentials, capabilities and experiences honestly

answer, courteously, inquiries related to services, fees and available equipment,

accept only assignments that they have the knowledge, resources and time to do well

disclose, prior to accepting any assignment, any biases that may have relevance

agree, before work starts, what is to be delivered, as well as how, when, and who will bear any delivery cost

agree, before work starts, on payment amount, timing and currency, and who will bear any payment cost

set their rates at levels that allow them to deliver, on an ongoing basis, the quality levels that their clients require

treat all sensitive information as confidential, and take steps to protect that confidentiality

take any and all steps necessary to ensure consistent delivery of work of a high professional standard

accept responsibility for the quality of work they deliver, even when that work has been subcontracted

do not attempt to change, after work has begun, agreed-upon terms (except by mutual consultation)

do everything possible to meet agreed-upon terms, even when unforeseen problems are encountered

do not directly contact end clients, or subcontractors, without permission

attempt to resolve disputes directly among parties involved

strive to continually improve their own skills

do not unjustly criticize other professionals or their work

capitalize on opportunities to further the industry as a whole

do not engage in conduct or communication unbecoming of a professional

Professional interpreters:

ask for clarification, and give it, when appropriate, making clear when they are speaking and not interpreting

do not interject their own feelings, opinions or advice

interact with others only to the extent required to interpret

do not accept assignments in which payment is contingent on the outcome of a case or proceedings