Banking Ombudsman now has phone interpreters for people with English as a second language

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme helped a non-English speaker with a banking problem within a day of offering access to a telephone interpretation service, Banking Ombudsman Deborah Battell said today.

“One of our strategic goals is to improve access to our service and we are doing this for people with English as a second language through Language Line’s telephone interpreting service.

“For these people, the simplest interactions are that much harder and the complexities of banking can be lost in translation. The fact we had a call so quickly clearly shows there is a demand.

“Anybody needing an interpreter to talk through an enquiry or complaint with the Banking Ombudsman Scheme can now call us on 0800 805 950 and within minutes an interpreter will be available on the telephone allowing them and our staff to communicate efficiently and confidentially,” Ms Battell said.

The scheme has now taken two calls from people requiring a Mandarin interpreter, through whom scheme staff comprehensively explained the process, which enabled both people to further their complaints.

“We understand the scheme is the first banking sector organisation to utilise the service. Many migrants start up small and medium businesses when they settle here and this can lead to issues with banking services.

“Language Line also adheres to a strict code of ethics which is important for us as confidentiality is a cornerstone of our service,” Ms Battell said.

Language Line is run by the Office of Ethnic Affairs and offers interpretation services in 44 different languages. Its interpreters are qualified professionals with excellent heritage language and English skills as well as knowledge and experience in intercultural issues.

For more information about the Banking Ombudsman Scheme go to www.bankomb.org.nz

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