
The shift to on-demand and online interpreting has transformed the profession, making interpreters more accessible than ever before. The rise of remote Video Relay Services (VRS/VRI) and online platforms has connected Deaf communities with interpreters worldwide, breaking down barriers of time and geography. But has this shift outpaced our ethical frameworks? Are the Codes of Conduct and professional guidelines we’ve relied on for years still fit for purpose in the digital space?
These are the critical questions that will be tackled in this must-attend session at The Together Conference 2025, led by James Bailey (UK), Danielle Vicary (Australia), and Marsanne Neethling (South Africa)—three experienced interpreters with extensive expertise in remote interpreting, interpreter well-being, and service delivery.
Why This Session Matters
Interpreters working online face ethical dilemmas that were not anticipated when many professional codes were originally written. In the physical world, an interpreter might be able to assess the social and environmental context before accepting a booking—but in on-demand interpreting, many of those safeguards disappear.
Interpreters are often thrown into assignments with little preparation, working with unknown clients and navigating rapidly changing contexts with no institutional oversight. The traditional ethical standards of impartiality, confidentiality, and professional conduct are being tested in new ways, requiring interpreters to make split-second decisions in an environment where they might have limited information and no clear ethical guidance.
This session presents findings from a 2024 global survey of sign language interpreters, with a focus on perspectives from Australia, South Africa, and the UK, alongside contributions from other regions. The research highlights interpreters’ experiences and perceptions of how existing ethical guidelines do—or don’t—support them in remote work.
What You’ll Learn
📌 Do our professional standards work in the online world? – A deep dive into how interpreters perceive their Codes of Conduct in relation to on-demand interpreting.
📌 Where are the gaps? – Identifying unaddressed ethical challenges, from role boundaries to client confidentiality in digital spaces.
📌 The impact of remote interpreting – How working online changes professional relationships, decision-making, and accountability.
📌 Global insights & best practices – Examples of how interpreting communities around the world are adapting ethical frameworks to meet the challenges of digital work.
📌 Recommendations for the future – Strategies for updating Codes of Conduct, enhancing training, and ensuring that interpreters are equipped for the realities of on-demand work.
Meet the Experts
👤 Danielle Vicary (Australia) – A highly experienced Auslan/English interpreter with 27 years in the field, Danielle has held leadership roles in video relay services and is committed to interpreter well-being and sustainable practices.
👤 James Bailey (UK/Northern Ireland) – A BSL interpreter with 25+ years of experience, James has worked in video interpreting development, medical education, and interpreter training, shaping ethical discussions on VRS service delivery.
👤 Marsanne Neethling (South Africa) – A South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter with nearly 30 years of experience, Marsanne has played a key role in launching online interpreting in South Africa, revolutionising access for the Deaf community.
Each of these presenters brings a unique perspective on the ethical dilemmas and evolving standards in the on-demand interpreting space, making this session a must-attend for anyone working in or transitioning to remote interpreting.
Don’t Miss This Critical Conversation
This session isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world challenges that many interpreters face every day. The on-demand model isn’t going away—so how do we ensure professional integrity while adapting to a changing industry?
📅 Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
🌍 Presented in: English (with interpretations into BSL, IS, French and Spanish)
🔗 Explore the full programme & book your ticket now: https://www.thetogetherconference.co.uk/schedule
Join us as we explore the future of ethics in sign language interpreting—because the profession is changing, and it’s time our ethical frameworks caught up!
Comments