GMB London Region sets up Interpreters and Translators Branch
GMB London Region is delighted to announce the establishment of a dedicated branch to support interpreters working within the court system.
Our priority for translator and interpreter members is for them to be treated with respect. This includes not only their terms, conditions, and pay, but also their professional qualifications.
GMB is therefore advocating for a professional minimum standard for translators and interpreters working in the court system. This would ensure that translation and interpretation professionals are able to provide a reliable and quality service, helping to alleviate the delays in criminal trials and hearings.
Meet your new GMB Interpreters and Translators Branch Committee:
Victor Harri Victorov, Branch Secretary
Victor was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. After serving in the army, he graduated with a Masters in Law in 2012, specialising in Legal English. He worked as a Junior Legal Expert in the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice before moving to the UK. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Law).
Winston Moore, Branch President
Winston holds a PhD and MA in Government from Essex University. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). He also holds a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Law).
He has experience with trade unions, having advised union leaders in Bolivia in 1990s.
Maria J. Pineiro Ronquete, Branch Equality Officer
Maria first started interpreting in 2001 and she has noted a deterioration in conditions for interpreters.
As an older adult with hidden disabilities, she is conscious that the duration of time that interpreters can be expected to work for can seriously affect a person's health. She also wants to address a lack of accessible courts and bathrooms, limits interpreters with mobility problems where they can work.
