Confidentiality and professional ethics

In the course of their work, interpreters often have access to information that is not intended for the public. Therefore, the confidential treatment of sensitive information is part of the interpreters' professional ethos. Professional associations of interpreters and translators have usually adopted ethical principles for the exercise of the interpreting profession (also called professional code or code of honour).

 

Confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality, accuracy and fidelity.

These are the three most important elements of the interpreters' professional ethics:

 

• Confidentiality: interpreters are obliged to maintain the confidentiality of the information they receive in the course of their work. They must not disclose personal or confidential information.
• Impartiality and neutrality: Interpreters must be impartial and neutral in their work. This means that they do not inject personal opinions or preferences into their interpretation and provide equal and objective support to all parties.
• Accuracy and fidelity: Interpreters have a duty to convey information as accurately as possible. They must not add or omit anything and must not express opinions or value judgements.

 

Non-public events

In the case of public events or information that is accessible to the public, it is of course not sensible to oblige the interpreters to maintain confidentiality. Confidentiality/confidentiality only becomes relevant at non-public events. Here are some examples of non-public events whose contents must be treated confidentially:

 

• Supervisory board meetings, executive board meetings, meetings of the European Works Council and other bodies.
• Negotiations such as arbitration proceedings, merger negotiations, price negotiations or political negotiations
• Internal company events (kick-off events, training sessions, staff meetings)
• State and government visits, summits
• General meetings of cooperatives, clubs and associations, party conferences

 

Confidentiality, non-disclosure or non-disclosure agreements

For the above-mentioned event formats, confidentiality agreements are often concluded with the interpreters. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal document that serves to protect confidential information or business secrets. Confidentiality agreements usually contain provisions on these points:

 

• The parties: The agreement specifies which parties are covered by the agreement. These may be companies, employees, contractors, suppliers, investors or other persons or organisations.
• Definition of confidential information: The agreement provides a clear definition of the information that is considered confidential. This may include trade secrets, technical data, customer lists, financial information or other sensitive data.
• Obligations of the parties: The agreement sets out the duties and responsibilities of the parties. As a rule, a party undertakes not to disclose, pass on or use the confidential information for its own purposes.
• Duration of confidentiality: The agreement specifies how long the confidentiality obligations apply. This can be for a certain period of time or until a certain event (e.g. termination of a business relationship).
• Exceptions: In some cases there are exceptions to the confidentiality obligation. These exceptions are also listed in the agreement. For example, information that is already public knowledge is usually exempt from the duty of confidentiality.
• Consequences of breach: The agreement sets out the possible legal consequences in the event that a party breaches the confidentiality agreement. These may include damages, injunctive relief and other measures.

 

At SIMCONSULT you need not worry about the confidentiality of your documents. Confidentiality is not only part of the interpreters' professional ethos, but also forms part of our general terms and conditions and contracts.

 

We conclude confidentiality agreements with all interpreters. Upon request, we are also happy to conclude corresponding agreements with our clients.

 

Do you have any further questions about the confidential treatment of information by interpreters or would you like a quotation? Simply get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!