As a result of globalisation, interpreters are an increasingly valuable asset to social work practice. Through their work with interpreters, social workers can provide support, safeguarding and services to individuals and families with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Research suggests that individuals with LEP are more likely to:

• self-report poor health

• are older

• are female

• are from low socio-economic backgrounds

This indicates that there are intersectional barriers preventing access to services and impacting on health outcomes and social care.

When attempting to access support, these barriers result in:

• deferring treatment

• missing appointments

• leaving without advice.

This inequity is at odds with both social work and interpreter professional values therefore change is essential to anti-discriminatory practice.

This event begins the conversation about how existing practitioner knowledge can be shared, in a structured way, to improve the lives of those individuals and families who have limited English proficiency.

The event shares the findings of a British Academy-funded research project that asked social workers and interpreters what they wished they knew about their counterparts, the challenges they face in mediating the social world, and what we can learn from their positive experiences.

• The afternoon will begin with a lunch and conclude with a call to action.

• All delegates will receive a certificate of attendance to use towards their professional CPD requirements.