Looking back over 2022
As we come to the end of 2022, we look back at some of our key monthly highlights and achievements….
TLS secured a large new contract
In NOVEMBER we were delighted to grow our business by becoming the sole provider of interpreting and translation services to all Primary Care Networks and GP surgeries and federations in Barking, Havering and Redbridge. A warm welcome to all our new customers.
TLS expanded its training portfolio
In JANUARY we built on the success of our free remote training sessions for customers, launching a weekly programme to which all customers are invited. The training demystifies the many types of interpreting and explains which you need and when – which can be a blessing when you are new to the world of language support! It looks at how and when to book an interpreter and best practice for working with interpreters, helping you to get the best value for your money.
The last two years have demanded a lot of flexibility and new ways of working. In MARCH, we brought you news of our remote examinations. Whether it’s the Ministry of Defence working in far flung locations around the world, or the University of West London and the International School of Music operating under Covid restrictions, the security and accessibility of our remote exam services have meant that people can continue to achieve their educational goals in the face of adversity.
In MAY, we brought news that we had added the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to our growing list of customers using our training services.
Our training is not just reserved for customers. Many of our bookings take place in the health care sector. Psychiatrist Dr Sarkis Garjarian, from the North East London NHS Foundation Trust, provided training on Interpreting for Patients with Learning Disabilities in March, followed by a session in May on Working as an Interpreter with Clinical Staff. This session was based on feedback and was delivered to ensure interpreters provide quality interpreting.
Customers gave their feedback
In FEBRUARY, TLS reported back on the results of our annual customer survey. This showed an increase in the numbers of you using our remote interpreting services – and satisfaction with these services was up on the previous year too, from 80 to 88%. We are delighted that so many of you are taking up this new technology with us.
Just as welcome was the news that at 98%, almost all our customers would recommend TLS to a colleague or friend; a number that was also up on the previous year’s. At least part of that may be because 97% of you reported that the team was friendly and polite, and 96% that the support they provided was excellent or good.
TLS developed ways to save you time
In response to the 2021 survey results, showing an increased demand for and participation in remote services, in SEPTEMBER, TLS announced that we have developed brand new software called PRISM, a device to make booking an interpreter even easier and quicker. PRISM allows customers to book a remote interpreter immediately, using our specially designed device.
In OCTOBER, we introduced a QR code caption service, allowing you to request a translated version of a document by scanning a QR code and filling out a quick online form.
If you have any questions or comments about any of our 2022 news stories, please contact Zainub Patel at zainub.patel@newham.gov.uk