Print2.2.3 On-site interpreting
Objective
TIS arranges for an interpreter to go to a specified location where the client requires face-to-face interpreting.
Description
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) arranges for interpreters to attend at specific locations and times where a client requires face-to-face interpreting.
Performance
Demand for on-site interpreting services declined slightly during 2007–08, consistent with a trend towards more cost-effective telephone interpreting services. A total of 41 865 on-site assignments were completed during 2007–08, compared to 42 504 the previous year.
TIS National was able to confirm 93 per cent of its on-site bookings within three days of the booking request, which was above the 85 per cent target.
The proportion of interpreting assignments performed by an interpreter with accreditation or recognition from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) was 83 per cent, compared with a target of 90 per cent. This represented a slight decline on the previous year, and can be attributed principally to the higher proportion of on-site assignments in recently introduced community languages, where NAATI accreditation or recognition is not readily available.
The 10 languages most in demand for on-site services were: Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin, Persian, Serbian, Cantonese, Turkish, Dari, Bosnian and Spanish.
Table 75: On-site interpreting—performance information| Measures | Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | |
| Quality | |||
| 85 per cent of requests for an on-site interpreter will result in a confirmed appointment within 3 working days | 91% |
90% |
93% |
| 90 per cent of interpreter jobs will be done by a NAATI accredited/recognised interpreter | 86% |
84% |
83% |
| Quantity | |||
| 43 000 on-site interpreting visits1 | 43 473 |
42 504 |
41 865 |
- The measure relates to the 2007–08 financial year (measures varied in previous years).
