《Language Policy and Translation__ of Documents》.doc

Appendix B Larne Borough Council Language Policy and Translation of Documents Approved: Date for review: Language policy and translation of documents 1. General principles 1.1 All employees should understand the council’s obligations in relation to language and respond positively to all our customers or clients, who are entitled to be treated with courtesy and respect. 1.2 The principal language of the council is English and its approach to the use of other languages in council business is based on need and demand, balanced with consideration of the resources available to deliver services. 2. Sign Language 2.1 In line with official government policy, the Council recognises that sign language is a language in its own right. All staff should make appropriate arrangements to provide sign language for customers if requested. 3. Sources of guidance 3.1 The Equality Scheme, approved by the Equality Commission in April 2001, which commits the Council to making information available on request in minority languages to meet the needs of those “who are not fluent in English”. This is increasingly important as our city becomes more diverse. 4. Council procedures The council’s procedures are set out below. 4.1 Translations – written correspondence The council uses the translation service within the Linguistic Operations Branch of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), which co-ordinates translation services for all government departments for all other languages. 4.2 Interpretation The council will also provide interpreters for small meetings or in individual interview situations if required, provided advance notice is given. Please contact the Equality Officer 4.3 Telephone calls A telephone interpreting service has been established to assist with telephone enquiries from those who are not fluent in English. The bigword provides this service. Please contact the Equality Officer for details if required. 4.4 Council website The council website is design