2026-2027 Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter
Commitment #05:
Interpretation and Translation Policy and Practice
Adopt a policy and standard operating procedure for the use of interpretation and translation, and demonstrate use of interpretation and translation within operations.
See below on this page for details about how to complete this commitment.
⚠️ Instructions To Complete This Commitment:
Commitment:
Adopt a policy and standard operating procedure for the use of interpretation and translation, and demonstrate use of interpretation and translation within operations.
Part A: Policy and Standard Operating Procedure
Adopt an Interpretation and Translation Policy and Standard Operating Procedure, outlining when and how your organization will use professional language interpretation and translation.
The policy should include the following:
Which types of communications (written and verbal) your organization considers critical enough to engage professional translation or interpretation (for our recommendations, see the section on why this commitment is important)
Steps that your organization will follow to translate critical documents.
Steps that your organization will follow to offer interpretation.
Part B: Story
Submit one written story or testimonial showing how your organization used interpretation or translation.
Your document should include:
The situation where you used language interpretation or translation
The impact it had
Any questions or comments about using interpretation or translation.
If your organization has not needed to access translation or interpretation, please indicate why not.
Evidence
Evidence may include the following:
Policy and Standard Operating Procedure documents
Sample translated materials or interpretation booking records
Staff guidance or training record.
Reflection statement
How to submit evidence:
Once you have completed each of the above requirements, upload your evidence using our online form as soon as possible. This allows time for review and feedback.
Evidence may be in the form of a document, email, newsletter, meeting minutes, social media post, etc.
Deadline to submit all evidence for the 2026-2027 WIC: 3PM, Tuesday, November 30th, 2027.
⏰ Key Dates:
Important dates to remember:
By November 30th, 2027: Deadline to submit evidence
✅ Why This Commitment Is Important:
The problem we’re trying to solve:
Important information may not be understood by all employees: When communication is only available in English, people may miss key details about safety, employment, benefits, services, policies, or their rights.
Staff may rely on informal translation: Asking family members, coworkers, or untrained staff to interpret can create privacy concerns, misunderstandings, and added pressure for employees.
Access can be inconsistent: Without a clear policy and procedure, decisions about translation and interpretation may depend on the individual manager, the worksite, or available time and budget.
Benefits:
Improve access, safety, and informed participation: Professional interpretation and translation help people understand important information and make informed decisions.
Create clear and consistent practices: A policy gives staff practical guidance on when and how to arrange language support, including for critical written and verbal communication.
Build trust and belonging: Providing language support shows that the organization values employees and clients from different language backgrounds, and is committed to respectful and accessible service.
📝 Resources:
Details to come
📧 Contact:
Supporting Agency
For questions and support to complete this commitment, please contact:
Heather Bates (she/her)
Community Connections Coordinator, Settlement Services in the Bow Valley
Email: Heather.bates@banff.ca