Professionalism - The PDC's ideas

The ITI Professional Development Committee (PDC) has focused on what professionalism means in practice for translators and interpreters. We wanted to create a framework to help ensure that the CPD on offer from ITI meets members’ needs and help all of us as we plan our own CPD.

We were keen to involve others in the development of our ideas. We started with a brainstorming session at the November 2024 PDC meeting, asking ourselves what professionalism means to us. We than asked ITI members for views on our initial ideas in a survey early in 2025. There was a great response. Well over a hundred colleagues (135 in total) responded to our survey and comments were thoughtful and thought-provoking.

We asked first whether the conversation was worth having - the answer was a resounding ‘yes’. There was also almost complete consensus that expertise, reliability, competence, seeking help when we need it, keeping up to date with developments and behaving ethically are key aspects of professionalism. The suggestions that proved most controversial were on use of new technologies, networking and managing our businesses, particularly marketing. When the PDC discussed the responses to the survey, we reflected particularly carefully on these points, testing and developing initial ideas in the light of the feedback, but reaffirming that these are all important for professional translators and interpreters.

We also asked whether we had missed anything. There were calls for a clear focus on clients. There were also clusters of suggestions around our role as a bridge between cultures, pride in our work, respect for our clients and colleagues, and the importance of confidentiality and communication.

Here is our view of what it means to be a professional translator or interpreter, taking account of the contributions from our colleagues.

1. We are experts

We have specialist language and cultural expertise.

We demonstrate our competence through academic and/or professional qualifications or other recognised credentials.

2. We are members of a professional association

Membership assures our clients of our competence and accountability.

3. We behave ethically

We adhere to a professional code of conduct.

We act with honesty, maintain confidentiality and respect individual, cultural and linguistic differences.

We look after our own wellbeing and aim to use sustainable practices.

4. We are committed to continuous improvement

We undertake professional development activities to maintain and deepen our competence.

We keep up to date with developments in our specialisms, sectors and the profession.

5. We are reliable

We do what we say we are going to do.

We communicate clearly with our clients and deliver agreed quality on time.

6. We are active members of our community

We build relationships with our colleagues, support them and seek help from them when we need it.

7. We keep abreast of technological developments

We use new technologies appropriately when they help us deliver for our clients.

8. We manage our businesses well

We have robust business processes, keep on top of our finances and market our services.

The results of our work are now feeding in to the creation of ITI’s professional development strategy and professional practice framework.