About the role

Russian is used in the UK not only by people from Russia but as a shared language by many from Ukraine, the Baltic states, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Interpreters should expect varied accents and some mixing with other languages, and should stay neutral on politically sensitive topics.

Assignments include immigration and asylum interviews, courts, police, NHS appointments and financial or commercial work. Translators handle legal and corporate documents, financial statements and certificates from several countries.

What you will do

Interpret for Russian speakers from a range of countries, staying neutral and impartial at all times.
Translate legal, financial and corporate documents, including records issued in former Soviet states.
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.
Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.
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 Russian 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.
Ukrainian or another regional language is an advantage, not a requirement.
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.

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

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

Sometimes. Some Ukrainian clients prefer Russian, but many prefer Ukrainian, so we always ask the client first. We also recruit Ukrainian interpreters separately.

Do I need the DPSI to apply?

No. The DPSI or a similar qualification is welcome, and some clients require it for legal or police work, but it is not mandatory for every assignment.

Apply for this role

Freelance Russian Interpreter and Translator