ABOUT ME
Introducing Myself...
My name is Mark West.
Although I have used British Sign Language for as long as I can remember with Deaf family and friends, I started my journey to become an interpreter in 1992 after qualifying at CACDP Level 2, by volunteering and later working as a part-time Communication Support Worker. I was then given the opportunity to gain experience supporting students in schools, colleges and universities while I studied for my CACDP levels 3 and 6. In 2012 I qualified as an interpreter, obtaining my Post-Graduate Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting from the University of Central Lancashire (SLI).
- I am registered with NRCPD - the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (RSLI).
- I am a member of ASLI, the Association of Sign Language Interpreters.
Although I have used British Sign Language for as long as I can remember with Deaf family and friends, I started my journey to become an interpreter in 1992 after qualifying at CACDP Level 2, by volunteering and later working as a part-time Communication Support Worker. I was then given the opportunity to gain experience supporting students in schools, colleges and universities while I studied for my CACDP levels 3 and 6. In 2012 I qualified as an interpreter, obtaining my Post-Graduate Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting from the University of Central Lancashire (SLI).
- I am registered with NRCPD - the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (RSLI).
- I am a member of ASLI, the Association of Sign Language Interpreters.
- I am a member of NUBSLI, the National Union of Sign Language Interpreters (a branch of Unite) which provides support to interpreters across the UK and publishes current fee guidance for interpreters.
- I am a member of the BSL Legal Interpreters Network (www.bsllegal.org).
I am fully insured and DBS (previously known as CRB) checked.
Please contact me to find out more - I look forward to working with you soon!
I am fully insured and DBS (previously known as CRB) checked.
Please contact me to find out more - I look forward to working with you soon!
Other Adventures...
Aside from working in the UK I have spent time with Deaf colleagues in different parts of the world including Kenya where I spent a year in 2017.
Story-telling in Kenyan Sign Language, an important part of local culture, taught me how to make sign language more visual and far less tied to any spoken language.
The determination of members of the Kenyan Deaf communities I met to preserve the natural sign language of the country rather than imposed foreign sign languages is inspiring.
Story-telling in Kenyan Sign Language, an important part of local culture, taught me how to make sign language more visual and far less tied to any spoken language.
The determination of members of the Kenyan Deaf communities I met to preserve the natural sign language of the country rather than imposed foreign sign languages is inspiring.
Interpreting at Number 10 Downing Street!
I am often asked what I like most about my career as a British Sign Language Interpreter. This is a hard question to answer as I have the best job in the world!
That said, I think the diversity of the situations I find myself working in is the thing I love the most. It is real privilege to work with such a variety of people who have different experiences and use an interpreter in different ways.
To visit places I would not normally be able to is also a thrill.
Visiting 'Number 10', which I have done a few times now, is no exception.
