We believe that all members of the community have the right to equal access to information and services provided by the council.
For this reason we provide translation, interpretation and communication services for people who:
- do not speak English
- are blind or have a visual impairment
- are Deaf or have a hearing impairment
We offer the following services:
- interpretation, including sign language
- language translations
- Braille, Large Print and audiotape (English and other languages)
Our services are professional, confidential and sensitive to the needs of the individual. Our experienced interpreters and translators reflect the cultural diversity of our residents.
Asking for an interpreter
If you visit a council office or have an appointment to see a council officer, you can ask for an interpreter. We will arrange for an interpreter to interpret for you, either in person or over the phone. If an interpreter is not available we will arrange another appointment for you with an interpreter. You will not have to pay for the interpreter.
Asking for a translation
You can ask a council officer who is dealing with your enquiry for a translation of council letters or other council documents. Most council documents have a language panel on the back cover. You can ask for a translation of that particular document by completing your details on the form given and returning to the freepost address shown. You do not have to pay for translations.
Asking for information in Braille, Large Print or audiotape
You can ask a council officer who is dealing with your enquiry to arrange council letters or other council documents in Braille, Large Print or audiotape. Most council documents have a language panel on the back cover. You can ask for a particular document in one of these formats by completing your details on the form given and returning to the freepost address shown. You do not have to pay for this service.
Voluntary groups and other public sector services
Our translation and interpreting services are provided by thebigword. We have made a referral to thebigword on the back of our contract agreement so that eligible organisations in Haringey can also receive the council’s preferential rates.
You can set up an account with thebigword to request translations, telephone interpreting or face to face interpreting directly via their online booking system.
You can contact thebigword via either:
- phone: 0800 757 3100
- email: info@thebigword.com
Automatic translation of webpages
Google Translate is a free 3rd party service that, for the most part, performs an acceptable level of translation. However, it does attempt to perform a literal translation and, as with any automated system, it is not always accurate.
Please keep this in mind when using automated translation services.
Translate this site using Google Translate (you can select the language you wish to translate to at the top of the page).
Support to communicate over the phone
See what support is available if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired and you need to communicate with us over the phone.