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Conference Interpreting

At Interpreting Matters, we specialise in providing professional Conference Interpreters to ensure your event is fully inclusive and accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing attendees. Whether you're planning an in-person, hybrid, or online event, our team helps you meet legal requirements and foster true inclusion. Whether you're hosting an Academic Conference, Product Launch, AGM, or Public Consultation - we're here to help you get it right.

 

Why Choose Our Conference Interpreting Services?


We provide a full range of communication support tailored to your audience and event type.

 

British Sign Language Interpreters

Fully qualified and NRCPD-registered professionals for Deaf BSL users.
Learn more about BSL Interpreters

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Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs)

Live captioning displayed on screens or personal devices.
Learn more about STTRs

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Lipspeakers

Ideal for attendees who prefer to communicate through lipreading.
Learn more about Lipspeakers

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Notetakers

Manual or electronic notes provided live or after the event.
Learn more about Notetakers

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Deafblind Interpreters

Specialised support using tactile, visual frame, and haptic methods.
Learn more about Deafblind Interpreters

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Ethical Commitment

Professional, Ethical and Committed to provide quality BSL Interpreters.

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Book a Conference Interpreter »

 


Why Make Your Conference Accessible?

 

Legal Icon Legal Requirements 

You have a legal obligation to make your event accessible under several UK laws:
Equality Act 2010: You must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. If an attendee requests a BSL interpreter or other access support, you are required to provide it. Failure to do so may be considered discrimination.
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018: These regulations apply to any digital material associated with public events - including livestreams, webinars, online ticketing, and published materials.
British Sign Language Act 2022: BSL is officially recognised as a language of England, Wales, and Scotland. Public bodies are encouraged and expected to use BSL in public communications. This includes providing BSL interpretation at events.

 

Ethical Icon Ethical Commitment 

Unlike agencies that bundle interpreting into general event packages, Interpreting Matters focuses solely on interpreting. We do not offer event planning services - and we don't use AI-generated BSL avatars in place of human interpreters for live events. Our approach is based on empathy, cultural respect, and genuine accessibility. Our ethical position: "We welcome innovation that supports accessibility, but not at the cost of safety, quality, or the richness of BSL."

 

 

In-Person, Hybrid or Online? We've Got You Covered


From speaker positioning to screen sharing, we offer advice and support to ensure interpreters are seen and heard at every stage:
Stage and camera placement for visibility
Multi-platform remote interpreting setup (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
BSL-interpreted breakout rooms or workshops
STTR live caption feeds
Notetaking transcripts after the event

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Conference Interpreter?

A conference interpreter is a language professional that is working in front of the audience either on the platform, or via an interpreting booth and being shown on a screen.  They are not working on a 1:1 basis, unless they are working for a deaf/blind person and in that case proximity and individuality of need often requires them to work 1:1.  Platform interpreters are seen by the whole audience and not just the deaf attendees.  They will be interpreting the presenters message.  If they are working from Sign Language to spoken language, they will need a microphone and will be heard by all the attendees.

Do I need to provide a BSL interpreter at my event?

If a Deaf attendee requests a BSL interpreter, you are legally required to provide this service under the Equality Act 2010. This falls under your duty to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled participants.

What types of interpreting and language service professionals do you offer for conferences?

We offer:

  • BSL interpreters
  • Deafblind interpreters
  • STTR (real-time captioning)
  • Lipspeakers
  • Notetakers (manual/electronic)

All are available in-person or remotely, depending on your event setup.

Can you support hybrid or fully virtual events?

Yes. We provide interpreting and captioning services tailored for hybrid and online conferences via Zoom, Teams, or bespoke platforms. We also advise on camera framing and breakout session access.

 What’s the difference between an STTR and a BSL interpreter?

A BSL interpreter translates between spoken English and British Sign Language. An STTR provides real-time transcription of speech into written English, displayed on screens or devices.

Is AI-generated BSL acceptable for live events?

No, AI avatars are not compliant for live interpreting under the Equality Act and are not suitable for nuanced, real-time communication. At Interpreting Matters, we only use qualified human interpreters.

Are your interpreters qualified and regulated?

Yes. All our interpreters are NRCPD-registered and DBS-checked. We work only with experienced professionals committed to ethical practice, accuracy, and confidentiality.

How far in advance should I book conference interpreters?

We recommend booking as early as possible. Qualified, skilled, and experienced interpreters are in high demand. We’ll do our best to accommodate late requests, but availability may be limited.

Can you help with Access to Work funding for interpreters?

Yes. If your event involves Access to Work-funded attendees, we can help with quotes, coordination, and supporting documentation.

How much do conference interpreting services cost?

Costs depend on:

  • The number and type of interpreters needed
  • Duration and complexity of the event
  • Travel (for in-person)

We provide transparent pricing in advance - just contact us for a quote.

 

Real World Examples

 

What Happens When Access is Denied?

In a legal case, a Deaf concertgoer took action after organisers failed to provide BSL interpretation. The court ruled in her favour, reinforcing that interpreters must be provided when requested, under the Equality Act 2010.
For more information view the case details.

What Happens When It's Done Right?

The “Ableism in Academia” conference at UCL (2018) is celebrated as a benchmark for inclusivity in academic events. It detailed how thoughtful adaptations, not just token gestures can transform real-world accessibility. Planners anticipated delegates’ needs at every stage.


Conference Interpreter Booking Made Easy 


Planning an event? We'll help you assess your audience needs and recommend the right mix of communication professionals. Whether you're hosting an academic conference, product launch, AGM, or public consultation - we're here to help you get it right. Contact us today to book your Conference Interpreter.

 

Book a Conference Interpreter »