National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters

Join us

nubsli-logo

If you’re an ASLI or VLP member you might wonder why you need to join a union.

A union is very different to your professional organisation because it defends workers’ rights to ensure they are remunerated appropriately, have fair terms & conditions and work in a safe environment.  NUBSLI members are from VLP and ASLI (or some are members of neither), both trainee and qualified interpreters and translators.

NUBSLI is part of Unite the union, the UK and Ireland’s second largest union. Unite provide us with the structure needed to represent qualified BSL/English and Deaf interpreters/translators – and those in training to become qualified – collectively, working towards persuading the government and other providers to recognise appropriate qualifications, skills, experience, pay, and terms and conditions.

We have accomplished much so far but can do even more with your support as a member. Watch our video below and see why you should join NUBSLI and then follow these instructions on joining Unite.

The best thing about being a member is the knowledge that collective action is more powerful than individual action

We're stronger together

How to join

  1. 1 Join Unite. Follow these instructions.
  2. 2 Wait for your membership number
  3. 3 Send us your membership number

Every time you introduce a new member, you make Unite stronger and to recognise your help, Unite will give you a Love2shop card worth up to £25. Find out more on Unite's website

Membership criteria

NUBSLI accepts membership from any regulated qualified BSL/English interpreter and Deaf interpreter or translator working in the UK, and any trainee interpreter or translator who is enrolled on an interpreter training course and has commenced an individual interpreter development programme.

10 reasons to join NUBSLI

  1. Be part of a democratic collective voice and have your say on issues that affect you
  2. Representation at the highest levels of government, giving interpreters a political voice
  3. Access to a buddy system – find out more
  4. Support with legal and business issues
  5. Support for both employed and freelance interpreters and translators
  6. Access to regular meetings via webinar and email updates
  7. Free room bookings for CPD events at Unite regional offices or online for NUBSLI members
  8. Access to CPD via attendance at NUBSLI meetings or webinar training
  9. Representation to relevant groups (Registration bodies, Associations, DDPOs, NRPSI/NUPIT/PI4J)
  10. Support with late payment issues

Member FAQs

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NUBSLI buddies

NUBSLI is passionate about supporting its members. It can be daunting if you’re starting out as a freelancer or if you’re working as an employed interpreter or translator. Sometimes you just need someone you can turn to for a bit of advice. That’s why NUBSLI has set up its buddy scheme.

Find out more about buddying

Unite member benefits

Being a NUBSLI member means you are a member of Unite the Union and have access to all the benefits being part of the UK’s largest union brings.

You get free legal advice and access to a free 24 hour legal helpline.* You also get personal injury cover for you and your family. You can read more about that on Unite’s website.

Unite also has partnerships with a range of providers who can offer discounts for members on financial, health, retail and travel services, along with other benefits, such as a free eye test. Have a look at Unite’s website and see some of the other benefits you get from joining NUBSLI.

* You must be a member of Unite for a minimum of one month to benefit from legal advice.