Remote Interpreter
Detention Action
Remote Interpreters with Detention Action support individuals detained in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) and under immigration powers in prisons. You will interpret conversations over the telephone. Speakers of Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Kurdish Badini, Kurdish Kurmanji, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Czech or Vietnamese are needed. This role takes place during office hours on an ad hoc basis and requires a 6-9 month minimum commitment. Apply by 8 January 2026
As a Remote Interpreter with Detention Action you'll be part of a friendly, dedicated team providing practical and emotional support to individuals detained in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) and under immigration powers in prisons. You will assist office-based staff and volunteers in their casework by interpreting conversations with clients over the telephone. This role can be done from anywhere in the UK. We will provide induction training via an online platform and ongoing training, telephone support and supervision. We will do our best to ensure that, despite the distance, everyone who volunteers is fully supported and has the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. We are looking for volunteers who can give an initial commitment of 6 to 9 months, interpreting on several calls a month on an ad hoc basis. Calls will take place between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We try to be flexible within these times and will only ask you to interpret at a time that works for you. If there are barriers to you volunteering with us for this length of time, we may also be able to consider a 6 month commitment, but please explain why you would need this in your application. We will prioritise applicants who can make a longer commitment. You will need fluent spoken English plus fluency in one or more of the languages spoken by our clients. We are currently in particular need of volunteers who speak: Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Kurdish Badini, Kurdish Kurmanji, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Czech, or Vietnamese. Key tasks: - Be available within office hours to assist with interpreting between people in detention and staff or volunteers over the telephone in three-way calls. We will try to pre-arrange this with you as much as possible so that it fits around your other commitments but sometimes we may ask if you are available for last minute, emergency interpretation. - Interpret conversations quickly, accurately and respectfully. - Comply with Detention Action’s Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy to protect your own and others’ health, safety and welfare. - Immediately seek guidance and advice from your supervisor or other staff when a difficulty arises in carrying out the client work, or if you are unsure about how to proceed. - Maintain regular contact with your supervisor and inform them of changes in your availability. - Alert staff if you feel that any one you interpret for is at serious risk of self-harm. We will provide full training on this before you start. - Attend volunteer training sessions. ***Apply by 8 January 2026***
Languages & Translation
Language Skills
For this role you will need the following knowledge and experience: Fluent spoken English and fluency in one or more of the languages spoken by our clients. We are currently in particular need of volunteers who speak: Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Kurdish Badini, Kurdish Kurmanji, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Czech, or Vietnamese. Knowledge and understanding of the aims and principles of Detention Action. A willingness to learn about the asylum system, immigration detention in the UK, and the issues faced by people who migrate to the UK. Ability and commitment to interpret several times a month, during office hours, for at least six to nine months. Willingness to be flexible – interpreters may be required as often as several times a week or as little as once a month. Ability and commitment to attend Detention Action’s Online Induction & interpreter Training before starting as a Remote Interpreter and to attend volunteer training sessions regularly and to contribute to the running of the organisation in a constructive manner. Ability to use active listening skills to support people and interpret over the phone in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory, sensitive and empathic manner. Ability to seek advice and guidance from the supervisor or other staff when necessary. Excellent communication skills – ability to communicate with Detention Action staff, volunteers and people in detention. Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to relate to individuals from different backgrounds and cultures and willingness to understand their situations. Ability to act in accordance with Detention Action policies at all times, particularly Code of Conduct, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities Policies.
We ensure that our volunteers are fully supported by a supervisor, with regular check-ins and debriefs where we discuss how you are finding the role and how you would like to grow at Detention Action. There will be the possibility to try different volunteer roles as you build your confidence and knowledge. We will provide regular training. We will reimburse expenses you may incur, such as additions to your phone bill. We can provide a reference for future jobs applications on completion of the volunteer commitment.
Volunteers need to make an initial commitment of 6 to 9 months, interpreting on several calls a month on an ad hoc basis. Calls will take place between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We will only ask you to interpret at a time that works for you.
N/A
This role is done remotely from your home or workplace
Home based
10
