About the role

Krio is the lingua franca of Sierra Leone, spoken as a first language by the Krio people of Freetown and as a second language by most Sierra Leoneans. It is an English-based creole, and that is exactly why interpreters matter: words that look like English can carry different meanings, and misunderstandings in medical or legal settings can be serious.

Assignments include GP and hospital care, mental health services, solicitor appointments, immigration and asylum matters, and family court. Translators work on statements and messages, which may be in Krio or in Sierra Leonean English.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Krio, explaining where a familiar-sounding word means something different.
Translate Krio messages and statements into clear standard English.
Keep everything you hear and read on assignments strictly confidential, and remain impartial throughout.
Build and maintain your own glossaries for the sectors you work in.
Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.
Produce accurate transcripts and English translations of recorded Krio speech, for example police interviews or research recordings.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Krio and English.
The DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting), DPI (Diploma in Police Interpreting) or an equivalent qualification is an advantage; CIOL or ITI membership is welcome.
Temne, Mende, Limba or Fula is an advantage.
Willingness to complete a DBS check for assignments in healthcare, education or with vulnerable people.
Right to work in the UK if you will take on-site assignments in the UK.
A reliable internet connection, headset and quiet, private workspace for remote assignments.

What we offer

Remote work by video and telephone, plus on-site bookings.
Fair compensation for your skills and time.
Opportunities for professional development.
Help from our operations team before and after assignments.
Varied assignments across healthcare, legal, government, finance and more.
Flexible working: choose the assignments that suit your availability.

Krio 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 Krio linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Krio:

Krio 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.
Krio translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Krio translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Krio 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

Why is Krio interpreting needed if speakers know English?

Because many speakers are far more precise in Krio, and English-sounding words can mislead. An interpreter keeps medical and legal conversations accurate.

Is this a freelance role?

Yes. This is freelance (self-employed) work, so you choose which assignments to accept.

Apply for this role

Freelance Krio Interpreter and Translator