CPD Webinars
BSL Interpretations is an established training provider that has been delivering exceptional Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses and Initial Interpreter Training since 2006. Our primary goal has always been to provide the best training experience to our colleagues, emphasising structured and engaging programs that foster both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
About Our Remote Training
At BSL Interpretations, we understand the significance of continuous development and the importance of acquiring new skills as interpreters and translators, which is why our courses are mapped against the latest National Occupational Standards for interpreters and translators to ensure that they are relevant and engaging. To ensure that you have a positive learning experience, our courses are exclusively taught by qualified and experienced professionals, who are dedicated to helping you make the most of your training.
Embracing technology, we deliver all our courses live, and online, allowing you to access them from the comfort of your home or office. Despite the remote format, you'll have ample opportunities to interact with colleagues and the trainer.
Rest assured, every session will equip you with valuable materials that will serve as a useful reference in the future, supporting your CPD reflection and planning.
Starting Strong: Building Your Career as a Trainee Interpreter/Translator
Prepare yourself for a successful career with this comprehensive two-hour workshop, designed specifically for trainee interpreters and translators. Whether you're pre-registered or newly registered, this session will provide essential insights to help you navigate the complex journey of becoming a professional in the field. Packed with practical advice, this workshop offers the knowledge and confidence you need to get started.
Price
£27.80
Duration
20 May 2025
Time
7pm-9pm
Language
English (BSL Interpreter if req)
Location
Remote - Zoom
Mastering CPD Planning and Tracking - "It's all about me"
Take control of your professional development with this interactive CPD training session. Designed to help you navigate NRCPD’s CPD requirements, this course provides practical strategies for planning, logging, and maximising your CPD activities.
Course Highlights:
🔹 Master CPD Planning – Learn how to set meaningful goals and align CPD activities with your career aspirations.
🔹 Streamline Documentation – Get tips on efficiently logging CPD to save time and simplify NRCPD revalidation.
🔹 Harness Self-Reflection – Use reflection techniques to track progress, refine skills, and enhance professional growth.
Join us to gain the tools and knowledge needed to effectively plan, track, and make the most of your CPD.
Price
£27.50
Duration
29 April 2025
Time
6pm-9pm
Language
English
Location
Remote - Zoom
Working Behind Closed Doors: Navigating the Safety of Lone Working
Interpreters and translators often work alone, whether in the community or remotely, without immediate backup or support. This can present unique risks, including aggression or challenging interactions with clients, their families, pets, or the public.
This full-day training, led by experienced professionals Sarah Glendenning and Gail Dixon, explores key aspects of lone working, from risk assessment and dealing with aggression to practical strategies for staying safe. Using real-life case studies, interactive discussions, and guidance on policies and protocols, the session will provide essential tools to enhance your confidence and security in diverse working environments.
Key Topics Include:
Understanding lone working risks and essential precautions
Strategies for managing aggression and challenging situations
Interpreting policies and protocols for lone workers
Home office safety and key questions to ask before a visit
Practical hints and tips for working safely
Price
£50.00
Duration
24 May 2025
Time
10am-4pm
Language
English
Location
Remote - Zoom
Improving VO using the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT)
Enhance your BSL-to-English voiceover skills with this practical and insightful course. Learn how to apply Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) alongside Alan Bell’s Audience Design and Audience Care principles to deliver engaging, accurate, and reflective voiceovers that truly connect with your audience.
Course Highlights:
🔹 Master CAT Theory – Understand how to adapt your voiceover approach for different audiences.
🔹 Audience Design & Care – Learn strategies to tailor your interpretation to meet the needs of diverse listeners.
🔹 Processing & Coping Strategies – Improve time lag control, accuracy, and confidence when voicing over.
🔹 Reflective Practice – Develop techniques to critically analyse and refine your performance.
Join us for a dynamic and interactive session packed with practical activities, expert insights, and real-world application to elevate your voiceover skills.
Price
£30.00
Duration
2 June 2025
Time
6pm-9pm
Language
English
Location
Remote - Zoom
Mastering Multichannel Signs – Enhancing Clarity & Expression in BSL Interpreting
Using Multichannel signs appropriately is a game-changer for interpreters and translators, allowing you to layer meaning, improve clarity, and enhance your expressive range. Whether you work in community, media, education, or legal settings, mastering multichannel signs can take your work to the next level.
Join Deaf linguist and trainer Gavin Lilley for a 4-hour interactive training, packed with practical exercises, real-world examples, and expert insights to help you:
• Understand what multichannel signs are and their role in BSL structure
• Learn how to create clearer, more expressive interpretations
• Develop strategies for using multichannel signs in both live interpreting and recorded translations
• Gain insights into common pitfalls and how to overcome them
Interactive, hands-on & packed with practical techniques!
Don’t miss this chance to develop your skills & confidence in using multichannel signs – sign up now!
Price
£45.00
Duration
19 July 2025
Time
9.00am -1pm
Language
British Sign Language (No Voiceover)
Location
Remote - Zoom
Improving VO using the Communication Accommodation Theory
Enhance your BSL-to-English voiceover skills with this practical and insightful course. Learn how to apply Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) alongside Alan Bell’s Audience Design and Audience Care principles to deliver engaging, accurate, and reflective voiceovers that truly connect with your audience.
Price
£30.00
Duration
2 September 2025
Time
6pm-9pm
Language
English
Location
Remote - Zoom
Developing International Sign Part 2
This advanced online workshop is perfect for those with some experience in International Sign (IS) or who have completed the "Introduction to International Signing for Interpreters and Translators." Dive deeper into practical applications of IS across various contexts—daily life, social interactions, professional settings, health, education, and politics. Enhance your communication skills, gain confidence, and learn to navigate complex cultural and linguistic barriers. Join us to strengthen your ability to engage meaningfully and effectively in international environments. The workshop runs from 10 am to 4 pm and is delivered in British Sign Language (BSL).
Price
£49.46
Duration
13 September 2025
Time
10am-4pm
Language
British Sign Language
Location
Remote - Zoom
Moving Forward Safely: From Imposter to Confident Professional
Many sign language interpreters and translators report experiencing feelings of fraudulence, inadequacy, and imposter syndrome. This insightful workshop, led by Jill Henshaw, delves into how these feelings manifest and impact both individuals and the wider profession.
In addition to addressing these internal struggles, the workshop will explore the decision-making processes interpreters and translators use to determine which assignments to accept or decline, and the reasoning behind these choices. Drawing from her own research and broader discussions on the imposter phenomenon, Jill will provide strategies for professionals to better understand and overcome the barriers to healthy career progression, job satisfaction, and personal well-being.
Join us to gain a deeper understanding of these common challenges and learn practical techniques to enhance your professional growth and mental health.
Price
£35.00
Duration
23 October 2025
Time
18.30-20.30
Language
English (BSL Interpretation available)
Location
Remote - Zoom
Simultaneity and Dynamic Equivalence in Interpreting: Developing Clear, Meaning-Focused Interpretations
This session looks at how interpreters can move away from English-led, word-for-word interpreting and instead produce more accurate, thought-for-thought versions of the source message. You’ll explore the role of simultaneity and dynamic equivalence in creating clear, meaningful interpretations that better reflect the intent and structure of the original content.
Through practical activities and group discussion, you’ll have the chance to try out techniques, reflect on your own work, and build confidence in applying these approaches across different settings.
If you're looking to strengthen your decision-making, improve message clarity, and develop a more responsive, meaning-led style of interpreting — this session will give you the tools to do just that.
Price
£50.00
Duration
22 March 2025
Time
9am-4pm
Language
English
Location
Remote - Zoom
"Wait, What Do They Mean?" Interpreting Idioms, Metaphors & Cultural References in BSL.
Idioms, metaphors, and cultural references often crop up in fast-paced interpreted interactions—but they don’t always land clearly with clients. This 3-hour session explores the challenges these expressions pose in BSL/English interpreting, especially when working with clients from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds.
Through real-life examples, discussion, and breakout activities, you’ll learn how to recognise and interpret figurative language effectively, adapt your strategies in real time, and reflect on the impact of cultural assumptions on access.
Price
£30.00
Duration
15 November 2025
Time
9.00am-12.00pm
Language
English Only
Location
Remote - Zoom
"Wait, What Do They Mean?" Translating Idioms, Metaphors & Cultural References in BSL.
Translating idioms, metaphors, and cultural references is a familiar challenge for Deaf interpreters and Deaf Translators—particularly when working from scripts, texts, or input from a hearing interpreter, and producing live or recorded BSL translations. These expressions often carry layered meanings that may not land clearly with clients who come from different linguistic, cultural, or generational backgrounds.
Through real-life examples, discussion, and breakout activities, you’ll learn how to recognise and translate figurative language effectively, adapt your strategies in real time, and reflect on the impact of cultural assumptions on access.
Price
£30.00
Duration
22 November 2025
Time
9am-12pm
Language
BSL Only
Location
Remote - Zoom
“It’s Just a Check-up isn’t it?” Interpreting in Medical Settings
“It’s Just a Check-up, Isn’t It?” Interpreting in Medical Settings
Medical interpreting is one of the most challenging areas of practice — not because of terminology, but because of the unpredictable nature of appointments, the emotional weight of the content, and the need to make quick, well-informed decisions in real time.
This half-day workshop doesn’t focus on vocabulary or anatomy. Instead, it looks at the practical realities of medical bookings: how to assess your own readiness, prepare when information is limited, and manage situations where things change unexpectedly — such as when a routine appointment turns into a mental health or safeguarding issue.
We’ll also cover the importance of debriefing, reflecting on what went well (or didn’t), and common pitfalls to avoid — all supported with real-world examples and strategies you can apply straight away.
Ideal for qualified and trainee BSL/English interpreters working in or preparing for medical settings, this session is a practical, supportive space to build confidence and sharpen your decision-making.
Price
£40.00
Duration
17 January 2026
Time
9am-12pm
Language
English Only
Location
Remote - Zoom