Judy Scholes
Interpreting

Charges, Terms and Conditions

Thank you for contacting Judy Scholes Interpreting. My priority is making sure that effective communication takes place. This is the principle which underpins all my charges, terms and conditions.

Standard Charges

I would emphasise that every interpreting job is different. Please ask about the charges for your specific appointment, after which I will create a quote or booking confirmation for you. Specialist work, including legal appointments, incurs a higher fee. This also includes any assignment which requires additional training, specific expertise and/or a substantial amount of preparation.

Broadly speaking, charges are based on the current NUBSLI Fees Guidance.

Other Charges

Interpreting charges do not include expenses, which are charged on top. Travel costs are invoiced at cost (e.g. for train tickets, tolls and parking charges) or at 45p per mile. Please request a specific quote for subsistence fees, or you are welcome to provide meals and accommodation in consultation with me. If you need an inclusive fee e.g. for Access to Work, please get in touch.

If an appointment runs over the time on the booking confirmation, and I am available to stay, then additional time will be charged at the same rate as the initial booking, in increments of 30 minutes. The clients will be informed of any and all additional charges as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours of the end of the assignment.

It is good practice, and essential for Health and Safety, that interpreters only work for a maximum of one hour without a co-worker (second or team interpreter). I may request a co-worker for a number of reasons. For example, an appointment that is longer than one hour; is especially complex; or for any other reason that the appointment may require one in my professional opinion. I am always ready to help you find a co-worker who would be suitable.

Cancellation Charges
If any of my clients cancel the assignment, a cancellation charge may apply. This is industry standard and is based on my ability to replace the cancelled work with a new appointment. A cancellation fee may include a travel charge if, for example, I have already purchased a train ticket.

14+ days' notice: No fee charged; 8-13 days' notice: half fee; 7 days' notice or less: full fee.

If a client or agency is able to offer me equivalent work, I will do my best to accept it. 'Equivalent work' means a similar domain, a similar travel time or distance, and approximately the same time of day. Accepting equivalent work is at my discretion and I reserve the right to reject any alternative work offered and charge the cancellation fee as outlined above. If no equivalent work has been agreed at 24 hours before the original appointment, I will consider the appointment cancelled and charge the cancellation fee as outlined above. If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, I will charge the cancellation fee as outlined above.

As soon as I am made aware of a cancellation, I reserve the right to take other work in that time slot. In the event that I am able to find equivalent work from a different client or agency I may, at my sole discretion, waive or reduce the cancellation charge.

If I cannot attend an appointment for any reason, I will inform all clients as soon as possible, usually both via email and phone call. In this case no fee will be charged and JSI will make every effort to assist the clients in sourcing an appropriate interpreter to attend the appointment.

Community Fund
Judy Scholes Interpreting holds a Community Fund of a set amount per financial year. This fund allows me to adjust my fee in exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to work for charities, and occasions when the Deaf person is paying for the interpreter themselves. This adjustment is entirely at my own discretion.

Please remember that if you request that I adjust my fee, the balance will be charged to the Community Fund. If you are able to offer a 'gift' or other amount, this will help the Community Fund remain available to other clients throughout the year.
‍
Privacy
Your privacy is very important to JSI and we are fully compliant with GDPR. You can view our Privacy Policy at any time.

Invoicing

Invoices will be prepared and sent to you within 7 days of the completion of the appointment. Most invoices will arrive much faster. Invoices from Judy Scholes Interpreting should be paid within 30 days of the date on the invoice. If invoices are not paid within this time frame, I reserve the right to charge statutory interest and a debt recovery fee.

Preparation

Preparation materials are essential for interpreters to provide a good service to all our clients. Please send preparation materials at least 2 weeks in advance, or as early as possible before the appointment. Useful preparation materials might include:

Photo credit: Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash