The Institute of Translation & Interpreting was founded in 1986 as the only independent professional association of practising translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom. It is now one of the primary sources of information on these services to government, industry, the media and the general public. With its aim of promoting the highest standards in the profession, ITI serves as a meeting place for all those who understand the importance of translation and interpreting to the economy and society, particularly with the expansion of a single European market of over forty languages and the growth of worldwide communications. ITI offers guidance to those entering the profession and advice not only to those who offer language services but also to their customers.

Membership
ITI has a large and growing international membership of translators and interpreters, not just in the United Kingdom but also in continental Europe and other countries where English is commonly used. Different levels of membership are on offer to suit translators and interpreters with varying amounts of experience, from newcomers to the industry to experienced professionals.

Members are required to abide by the Institute's professional code of conduct. They will be expected to subscribe to ITI's aims and are encouraged to take an active part in its life and events. Corporate membership is also open to educational, commercial and government bodies as well as translation companies.

How it is organised
The governing body of the Institute is the Council which is constituted in such a way that practising translators and interpreters form a majority. The president, chairman and Council members are elected at the AGM by all eligible members. Day to day business is carried out by the Institute's office in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. It is responsible for ITI's membership, finances and carries out the Institute's strategies. It also provides an information service for members and the general public, including a referral service for translation and interpreting work.

Education and training, examinations, marketing, and public relations are the responsibility of committees. The Arbitration and Professional Standards Committees exist to maintain standards and resolve professional difficulties. ITI's members may join subject and language networks and region groups that are run by the members themselves. Electronic communication means that translators working in every part of the country, Europe and further afield can maintain close links.

ITI is a member of FIT, the International Federation of Translators and Interpreters, where it represents the interests of members and takes part in the development of international policies likely to affect the future of the profession.

The Directory
Qualified members, Fellows and Corporate members are listed in the online Directory of Members.

ITI bulletin
ITI's journal is published bi-monthly. It carries serious features on new publications, reviews, information technology, the working conditions of translators as well as more light hearted contributions. It lists events and publishes letters and job vacancies. Members can benefit from discounted advertising rates. The bulletin is free to all members, and is available by subscription to non-members.

Annual Conference
The Annual Conference is held at a different location each year. It attracts an international audience from all sectors of the language professions.

The ITI Website
ITI was the first translators' association to have its own website and carries regularly updated information and the Directory of Members.

Weekend Workshops
The residential Weekend Workshop gives members the opportunity to meet, improve their skills and evaluate their work in an informal environment.

Services
The Institute offers a number of services to members and non-members:
an arbitration service

recommended model terms of business

vetting of staff translators and interpreters

a referral service

24 hour Legal Helpline

advice on continuing professional development

a voice in the world for translators and interpreters

professional status to members

many networking opportunities

a peer support scheme

a public information service

the ITI Directory of members

the bi-monthly journal, ITI bulletin