For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
Holders of the Diploma can apply for admission to the National Register of Public Service Interpreters which we manage. Bodies such as the police, local authorities subscribe to the Register and consult it when an interpreter is needed. Those on the Register are subject to a Code of Conduct and, if necessary, disciplinary procedures. The Diploma is awarded in 1 of 3 options in the first instance-Law, Local Govt or Health but Diploma holders can progress through 2 or more options, if they so wish. Additional pathways such a Mental Health and Prison Service Interpreting are also being added to the basic qualification to meet interpreting needs in particular areas.
Units 01 and 02 are externally assessed by trained examiners; each examining team is sampled for accuracy and consistency in applying the criteria; results are agreed by Chief Moderator.
In case of unit 03 all scripts are externally marked; approx 20% of scripts are double marked for each language; results are agreed by Chief Moderator
The following endorsed titles are achievable under this qualification accreditation number:
IoL Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (English Law);
IoL Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Scottish Law);
IoL Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Health);
IoL Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Local Government).
To obtain the full Diploma a candidate must successfully complete all 3 Units in one of the above options.
For candidates who have already achieved the full Diploma in any of the above contexts, an additional, optional pathway is available in Mental Health by completion of units 01 and 02 in that context.
For candidates who have already achieved the full Diploma in the context of English or Scottish Law, an additional, optional pathway is available in Prison Service Interpreting by completion of units 01 and 02 in that context.