About the role

French in the UK serves two quite different groups: European and Canadian French speakers, often in business, education and professional settings, and many people from French-speaking Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. African clients may also speak Lingala, Wolof, Fula or other languages, and their French vocabulary can differ from European usage.

Work includes asylum and immigration matters, healthcare, police and courts, as well as conferences, contracts, technical documentation and marketing translation for French-speaking markets.

What you will do

Interpret for European and African French speakers, adapting to accent and regional vocabulary.
Translate commercial, legal and technical texts into French for the target country.
Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
Translate and proofread documents carefully, querying unclear source text rather than guessing.
Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in French and English, spoken and written.
A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
An African language such as Lingala, Wolof or Fula is an advantage for some assignments.
A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
Fair pay for your expertise and time.
Professional development to keep your skills current.
A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

French work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a French linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in French:

French interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
French translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified French translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
French transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Do you need French interpreters for asylum work?

Yes. Many French-speaking clients in immigration settings come from Central and West Africa, so experience with African French is valuable.

How do I apply?

Use the application form on this page. Tell us your languages, dialects, qualifications and the type of work you are interested in.

Apply for this role

Freelance French Interpreter and Translator