There are around 9 million people in England who have a hearing loss and over 4 million of those people are of working age. (Opportunity blocked RNID)

So it therefore very important that everything is accessible for those that need interpretation be it access to meetings and appointments but also access to everyday content such as Webinars, News, Sports, General Television etc.

Do I need to book an Interpreter or can I use someone I know that can sign?

If a D/deaf person needs access to content it is very important that the person translating be proficient. I am a good signer (Level 6 being the highest) but for something in an offical capacity I would not interpet as that is a role for a trained Interpreter. They are not only highly trained and expert signers but they also follow a code of conduct and are insured. When looking for someone to interpret there are two acronyms to look for:

RSLI (Registered Sign Language Interpreter)

• NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent) in British Sign Language
• NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent) or a post-graduate equivalent in Sign Language  Interpreting
• Have been assessed and approved as SignSafe by an awarding body.

TSLI (Trainee Sign Language Interpreter)

• TSLIs are student interpreters who are still in training 
• TSLIs can interpret but are aware of their limitations and will discuss this on bookings.