About the role

Urdu is widely used in Pakistani and some Indian communities, and many clients also speak Punjabi, Pahari-Pothwari or Pashto at home. Interpreters should be able to move between formal Urdu and everyday spoken styles, and recognise when a client would be better served in another language.

Assignments take place in hospitals, GP practices, mental health settings, children's services, police stations and courts, as well as solicitor appointments on immigration and family matters. Translation work often involves Nastaliq script documents such as nikah certificates, court papers and educational records.

What you will do

Interpret in family, immigration and child protection proceedings, keeping a neutral, accurate register.
Translate Urdu documents written in Nastaliq, including certificates and handwritten letters, into clear English.
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 Urdu 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.
Strong reading and writing skills in Urdu (Nastaliq) and English.
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.

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

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

Is Pahari or Punjabi useful alongside Urdu?

Yes. Many clients who are booked for Urdu are more comfortable in Pahari-Pothwari or Punjabi, so tell us about every language you speak.

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 Urdu Interpreter and Translator