Coworking for BSL–English Interpreters: Building Effective Teamwork in Remote and Face-to-Face Settings

Interpreters work together regularly, but the experience can vary depending on confidence, communication and the environment you’re working in. Good coworking supports accuracy, consistency and flow, and it has a clear impact on the client’s experience. This session looks at what effective teamwork involves and how you can build stronger, more reliable partnerships in both online and face-to-face settings.

We’ll explore what the current National Occupational Standards expect from interpreters when working as part of a team and how those expectations look in real day-to-day practice. You’ll look at practical strategies for preparation, communication, turn-taking and support, with examples from across different interpreting domains.

This session is suitable for interpreters who feel unsure about coworking or don’t yet have much experience, as well as those who have been working in teams for years and want a refresher on good practice. It’s also a chance to check how your current approach aligns with today’s National Occupational Standards.

You’ll also be introduced to reflective tools to help you review your teamwork, spot patterns and identify areas you want to develop further. Whether you’re building confidence or refreshing established skills, you’ll leave with ideas and practical steps you can use straight away.

What you’ll cover

• How coworking works in remote and face-to-face settings and how to adapt your approach

• What the National Occupational Standards say about working in teams

• Practical strategies for building effective partnerships and supporting each other’s work

• Reflective tools to help you review and strengthen your practice

If you want to improve the quality of your teamwork, feel more confident when supporting or being supported by another interpreter, and offer clients a smoother interpreting experience, this session will be a strong fit.