European Works Council (EWC) meetings bring together employee representatives and management from different countries to discuss issues that can have a real impact on people’s working lives.
As an interpreter, your role is to make sure everyone can communicate effectively, regardless of the language they speak. But there are also clear professional boundaries to keep in mind.
Here are four things you should avoid:
❌ 1. Summarising or editing
Even when discussions are complex or a speaker goes into great detail, it isn’t the interpreter’s job to decide what is important enough to leave out. Every participant deserves to hear the full message, conveyed as accurately as possible.
❌ 2. Giving advice or suggesting solutions
An interpreter facilitates communication, not decision-making. Offering personal opinions or suggesting solutions can influence the discussion and take the focus away from the people involved.
❌ 3. Acting as an advocate
You may understand why someone feels strongly about an issue, but your role isn’t to defend their position or make their argument more persuasive. Your responsibility is to convey their message faithfully, without adding your own judgement.
❌ 4. Taking sides
Impartiality goes beyond avoiding openly supporting one party. It also means being mindful of your tone, word choices and personal assumptions, ensuring that every participant’s contribution receives the same professional care.
💬 Why does this matter?
EWC meetings can involve sensitive issues, different perspectives and decisions that affect employees across countries. Trust in the interpreting process is essential to meaningful participation.🤝