Eldon Bureau was formed in 1965 and is the longest established translation and interpreting agency in the North East of England. For over 40 years we have provided translation and interpreting services, both to and from over 106 registered languages, for a wide variety of clients.

Translation Services

We work on a regular basis for governmental bodies, regional councils, solicitors and local companies. Our technical capabilities also enable us to conduct business for several international blue chip companies.

The measure of our success lies in the ability of our translators to continually meet our clients deadlines no matter how complex or how large the project. We cater for all specific requirements using up-to-date equipment and technologies and are constantly in contact with freelance personnel all over the world. This enables us to ensure a high quality service conducted by professional and native linguists.

Our main areas of expertise include:-

- technical manuals and reports
- legal and semi-legal documents
- official and business correspondence
- medical reports
- tourism
- social issues and publications
- patents
- websites

However, all of our translators have their own specialist subjects, which enables us to assign each translation project to the most suitably qualified and experienced linguist.

Interpreting Services

We hold a large database of professional interpreters with extensive experience in their field. We provide interpreters in many languages for negotiations and conferences, both consecutive and simultaneous, as well as face to face and telephone interpreters.

Our specialist interpreter services include:-

- Business/technical negotiations
- Conferences
- Foreign delegates
- Court cases
- Doctor/patient interpreting
- Tour Guides

All interpreters are possess high levels of communication skills, in both English and the other language involved, and are subject to a rigorous selection process based on their working experience and qualifications.

Eldon Bureau Ltd aims to provide a defect free service to its customers, on time and within budget. We operate a Quality Management System that has gained accreditation to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 certification.

We comply with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, and have a dedicated Quality Manager who constantly monitors our internal quality performance and implements improvements when appropriate.

Translation Quality Assurance

Our translators are subject to rigorous quality control measures before registering with us in order to ensure quality. We also have internal working methods in place when dealing with completed translations, which would be completed by the Project Manager dedicated to that assignment. This would include:-

- performance of a final quality check to guarantee accuracy
- checks to ensure adherence to formatting regulations
- a secondary manual proofread by a native speaker.

Interpreter Quality Assurance

We continually strive to monitor our interpreters’ performance and obtain regular feedback from our clients in relation to regular interpreting events.

Translators

Our translators are all native speakers of the language they translate into and have extensive experience in their field of expertise.

Each translator must be qualified to degree level or equivalent, preferably in support of their translation or language ability. We also prefer applicants to hold a Diploma in Translation, issued by the Institute of Linguists, which proves their knowledge and awareness of what is involved in translation and the expectations placed upon them. In addition, registration or membership to professional bodies, such as the Institute of Linguists, or the equivalent in their native country is also an additional benefit. We require copies of all certificates in relation to their qualifications.

All freelance personnel are requested to supply three references in support of their application to show a satisfactory work history. This would include appraising factors such as:-

- overall performance
- adherence to deadlines
- stylistic and terminological proficiency
- working methods
- professional qualities
- client feedback

We establish each translator’s field of specialisation, which will be supported by previous or current working experience, as well as qualifications. We only use translators who are proficient in the necessary subject field, ensuring familiarity with specialised terms and consistency in style.

Once this initial criterion is met, our translation staff then undergo rigorous registration procedures which include:-

- ensuring their translation techniques and understanding are of a high standard.
- completion of a translation test piece, to ensure quality, terminology and consistency.
- samples of previous work in their specialised field.
- ensuring possession of the latest technology and most recent applications, in order to supply completed translations in a variety of formats.
- establishing use of relevant terminological databases and dictionaries in support of their work.

All translators adhere to our Professional Code of Conduct and Data Protection Act, and fully understand the expectations placed upon them.

Interpreters

Our interpretation personnel must also be qualified to degree level or equivalent, preferably in support of their interpreting or language ability. We also prefer applicants to hold a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting, issued by the Institute of Linguists, which verifies they have been subject to rigorous procedures and are fully aware of interpreting techniques, skills and expectations. Professional memberships are highly regarded, such as accreditation with Institute of Translators and Interpreters. As for freelance translators, we require copies of all qualifications, certificates and memberships.

As is our standard practice, freelance interpreting personnel must provide three references in support of their working experience, to ensure their proficiency and capabilities. For interpreters, we would be looking for demonstrated success in areas such as:-

- overall performance
- linguistic capability
- communication skills
- professional qualities
- punctuality
- appearance

Once we have validated all of the prospective interpreters qualifications and experience, they are required to attend an intensive interview session, so we can be confident in their capabilities. They need to prove they possess:

- an excellent command of the English language
- an understanding of the expectations placed upon them
- vocal and demonstrated competence in all areas
- a positive attitude towards equality issues
- a high level of personal presentation, both physically and verbally

Their field of expertise would be identified, supported by previous or current working experience, and it would be in this area or discipline that we would employ their services.

Interpreters are also required to sign and retain a copy of our Professional Code of Conduct and our Data Protection Act, to ensure our working practices are adhered to.