Frequently Asked Questions - Translations
How can I get a quote?
Each translation is quoted on an individual basis so you will need to send us a copy of your document(s). The quickest way to do this is to send a scanned copy by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If this is difficult, our colleagues at Brasshouse Languages Reception (1st Floor of the Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2ND) will be happy to do this for you. Once we have received a copy of the document(s), we will send you an email and attach your quotation with details on what to do if you wish to proceed.
How do I pay?
You can pay with a debit or credit card over the phone direct with BTIS staff or you can pay by cash at Brasshouse Languages Reception on the first floor of the Library of Birmingham.
Can I pay on-line by bank transfer?
We are currently unable to accept on-line payments.
What type of certification will I need?
This will depend on what the translation is going to be used for. As a general rule:
- BTIS Certification is widely accepted by all bodies within the UK (universities, border agency, home office, registry office, etc)
- Statement of Truth – this will be needed if the document is going to be used in court
- Notarisation – when the translation is needed for use outside of the UK
Can you certify the translation if I translate it myself?
We are unable to certify translations which have not been translated or proofread by our own translators. In most cases it is more cost effective to have the translation redone.
Why should I use BTIS to get my translation done?
The BTIS team includes qualified linguists who are able to offer consultancy and expertise to assist you. Over the years we have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the city's diverse community and its ever-changing language needs, enabling us to offer advice and understand your individual requirements. All of our translators are qualified and have been independently assessed. All linguists sign and adhere to the BTIS code of practice and Birmingham City Council’s information governance policy.
Are you able to equate my educational qualification with a qualification from the UK?
No. The translated version will mirror whatever is written in the source language. You may need to contact NARIC in order to do this. NARIC is the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills.
My document contains confidential information. How can I guarantee that it remains secure when I send it to you?
All staff adhere to stringent guidelines in relation to data protection and other legislation to ensure that your information is kept secure and confidential. All information shared with our linguists for the purposes of translation and interpreting is sent and returned to us via encrypted email (Egress) and any files are stored on secure EU servers.
Do I need to send you my original documents?
No and we would encourage you not to. Providing you send us good quality picture images, we can work with and certify copies of your documents.
Will a translation carried out by BTIS be accepted by the UK Border Agency for visa purposes?
Yes. Our certified translations meet the requirements of all UK authorities.
Will a translation carried out by BTIS be accepted by the university I am applying to?
Yes. Our certified translations meet the requirements of all UK universities.
I am getting married abroad, what documents will I need to translate?
This will depend on the country you are getting married in. Our Team has a wealth of experience on the various country requirements and will be able to talk you through the process.
How will I receive the translation back from you?
The translation will mirror the English and will be laid out in the same format as your original document.
I need the translation urgently. Will you be able to help?
This will be determined on an individual basis and whether or not we have translators available to begin work straightaway but, wherever this is possible, we will do our best to help.
If I decide not to proceed with the translation after you have provided a quote what will happen to the document(s) I have sent?
If you tell us that you no longer want to go ahead, we will delete your documents straightaway. If not, we will retain them for 6 months and then delete them.
Privacy Notice
Personal data provided to BTIS or submitted on the website will be used for the purposes specified in this privacy notice or in relevant parts of the website. This notice sets out how we will treat your personal information, what your rights are and what to do if you are not happy.
What information do we collect?
Personal Information provided to Brasshouse Translation & Interpreting Services (BTIS), such as name, address, email address, phone number, CV, contract or any other relevant information will be processed and stored so that it is possible to contact you, respond to your correspondence and retain information relating to your relationship with BTIS.
Using your personal data
We want to keep you informed of our various activities and promotions and keep you up to date with what is happening in BTIS. The main way we will do this is by email.
If you have been sent a link to update your preferences on how we use your information, please indicate, via that link, which of the following you would like to receive:
- Email: We will contact you by email, with bulletins about news, events and promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time;
- Post: We will contact you by post about news, events and promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Sharing your information
We may share information about you to any of our employees, officers, agents or suppliers insofar as reasonably necessary for the purposes as set out in this privacy notice. In addition, we may share information about you if we are required to do so by law.
Time span for storing your data
BTIS will only keep data for the purpose it was collected for and for as long as we are legally obliged, after which it will be deleted.
Security of your personal data
We will take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information. We store all the personal information you provide on our secure password and firewall-protected server. We use a tool called Mailchimp to help us send emails to large groups of people. We will also store your email address on their system. We may, in the future, use new or different systems to help us use your data. We will have agreements in place with those companies that prevent them from using your information in any other way than that we have agreed with you. If we need to use your information in another way, we will contact you and ask your permission first.
Any documents containing personal information which need to be transmitted electronically during the transaction process are transmitted via Egress Switch Secure Email. You will not be required to download or install any software to read a Switch Secure Email but you will need to create a Switch account.
Notice amendments
We may update this privacy notice from time-to-time by posting a new version on our website. You should check this page occasionally to ensure you are happy with any changes.
Your rights in relation to the information we hold
You have a number of rights in relation to your information. The relevant ones here are as follows:
The right to access your information
You may instruct us to provide you with any personal information we hold about you at any time. You may instruct us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes by email at any time. Please contact us with your request. We will not charge you for this.
The right for your information to be correct
If there is an error with any of the information we hold about you or if the information we hold needs to be updated please let us know and we will amend it as quickly as possible. Please note, in some instances we may have to verify certain changes and we will let you know if this is the case.
The right to ask us to stop
We hope that you find the information that we send to you useful and interesting. However, if you would like us to stop, please let us know. Please also let us know if you would like us to delete your information from our system. Please visit www.ico.org.uk for a full list of your rights.
Data controller
The data controller responsible for our website is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact / Further Information
If you would like to discuss anything in this privacy notice, please contact BTIS
Tel: 0121 303 1619 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post: BTIS P.O. Box 17193, Birmingham, B2 2YR.
As part of Birmingham City Council we also comply with the BCC Privacy Notice. You can read this policy here
If you have a concern about the way we are collecting or using your personal data please raise it with us in the first instance or directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/concerns
Accessible Information Services
"The Right to Receive the Right Information at the Right time"
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers and providers of services are required to ensure that information and services are equally available to people with disabilities. Our Accessible Information Officer, will offer you advice on how to make your important information accessible to people with disabilites.
There are many simple formats that will make information more available.
Recordings, large print, raised print or Braille will assist people with sight impairment.
British Sign Language and BSL English will assist Deaf people.
Our guide: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Communications is available as a book or audio CD. This guide has been produced to help service providers to communicate clearly in a way that does not exclude people with disabilities or particular needs. Topics include using plain language, preparing text for Braille printing, commissioning sign language or foreign language interpreters, using telephones and text phones, setting up induction loops, etc.
For the correct use of Loop Systems and Microphones, see document below.
As well as providing all of these facilities we can also transcribe text into MOON. We can also give you help and tips on how design information and configure IT software and hardware to meet individuals’ needs.
For more information or free advice contact us direct on +44 (0) 121 303 1617.
Introduction to
Public Service Interpreting
This course is suitable for you if your long term aim is to become a professional and qualified public service interpreter.
Course aims
By the end of the course you will be able to
- Explain the differences between interpreting / translation and interpreting / advocacy.
- Introduce yourself efficiently and effectively to service users and service providers.
- Describe the limits of your role.
- Make appropriate decisions when encountering straightforward ethical dilemmas.
- Intervene appropriately and effectively in an interpreted encounter.
- Prepare for the three phases of an interpreted assignment.
- Use note taking to support interpreting skills.
- Observe role plays.
- Give appropriate role play feedback to other participants.
- Undertake simple research for an interpreting assignment.
- Enter into a working relationship with a co-worker.
Topics covered during the course
- What is interpreting; differences between public service interpreting and other types of interpreting; interpreting and advocacy; difference between interpreting and translation; direct speech and reported speech in interpreting.
- Note taking for interpreters.
- Internet research for interpreters; introduction to glossary compilation.
- Consecutive interpreting; interpreting sensitive material.
- Introductions; writing an introduction; translation of introduction.
- Observation skills; seating positions; management of feedback; peer evaluation;
- Memory training.
- Interventions; reasons for and management of interventions; ethical decision making; codes of practice; preparing for an interpreting assignment; the nature of professionalism; continuing professional development; professional detachment.
- Introduction to sight translation.
- Language flexibility exercises: summarising; bilingual reconstruction; reformulation exercises; complete listening; repetition and shadowing exercises; complete reading; understanding English dialects.
- Interpreter support groups and network; individual action plans.
Please Note: The order of the elements in the course may be changed to suit the pace and needs of the participants as the course progresses, if this is considered to be appropriate.
Will I gain any qualifications?
Each participant will receive an attendance certificate that will show in detail what has been studied and which sessions have been attended.
What could this course lead to?
The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting.
Do I need any knowledge, skills or qualifications?
A high level of spoken and written competence in both your working languages which will be determined by pre-course assessment.
Who we are...
Our Translation and Interpreting Service has been in operation for over 25 years.
During this time we have been providing Birmingham and the wider community with high quality translation and interpreting services in 110 languages. In this time we have developed a great knowledge of the city's diverse community and its ever-changing language needs.
As a team we have a wealth of knowledge, built up over the years, enabling us to offer advice and understand your individual needs. Our clients include local businesses, schools, legal service providers and members of the public as well as Birmingham City Council Departments.
We are part of the Brasshouse Languages organisation known locally and internationally for its language provision, we have the unique advantage of having native speakers of 30 languages on hand to offer additional language support.
What we do...
Translation
All of our translations are carried out by qualified, professional translators and are treated with absolute confidentiality. We take pride in the presentation and quality of each translation returned to you and meeting your deadline is as important to us as it is to you. All of our translation work is covered by professional indemnity insurance.
We provide translations of letters, brochures, legal documents, contracts and instruction manuals and our certified translations meet the UKBA requirements for UK visa applications. In addition, we are able to provide notarised translations of personal documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates for use overseas.
Interpreting
We have an ever-expanding database of over 800 qualified and experienced freelance interpreters providing professional liaison, consecutive, whispering or simultaneous interpreting services depending on the situation the interpreter is needed for. Our interpreting service is quick, responsive and reliable and we are usually able to meet urgent requests particularly where safeguarding is paramount.
Accessible Information
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers and providers of services are required to ensure that their information and services are equally available to people with disabilities. Our team can offer you advice on how to achieve your legal obligation. Contact us to find out more.
