The Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) is a professional association representing translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom. ITI is affiliated with the International Federation of Translators (FIT).
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ITI was founded in 1986, as a breakaway group from the Translators Guild of the Institute of Linguists (now the CIoL). As the principal professional association of translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom, it has become one of the primary sources of information on translation and interpreting to government, industry, the media and the public at large. It was one of the bodies consulted regarding the creation of the EN 15038 European quality standard for the provision of translation services.
The Institute of Translation & Interpreting aims to promote the highest standards in the translation and interpreting professions. It achieves this through a variety of methods, including the publication of a bimonthly bulletin and numerous pamphlets, the organizing of an annual conference and frequent courses linked to Continuing Professional Development, rigorous criteria for full membership including examinations and peer assessment, and a mentoring scheme for newcomers to the profession. The institute is also working together with the CIoL on the establishment and administration of the new designation of Chartered Linguist.
Although most of its members are based in the United Kingdom, ITI has members from across continental Europe and other countries where English is commonly used. The main grades of individual membership are Fellow, Qualified Member, Associate and Student, and there are also some Corporate Members. Currently (November 2007) the number at each level is 30, 1421, 987, 85 and 77 respectively, with a further 7 honorary and 35 concessionary members, making a total of 2642. Members are bound by the institute's Code of Professional Conduct. Fellows and Qualified Members are entitled to use the postnominals FITI and MITI; the equivalent AITI for Associates was abolished when the precise definition of 'Associate' changed several times in around 2005.
The bulletin is published bi-monthly and has an estimated readership of 7000. As well as publicising ITI events, including conferences, workshops etc., it contains articles relating to all aspects of translating and interpreting and is aimed at informing and entertaining its readers. Recent editions include interviews with high profile authors and articles on relevant world issues running alongside regular features on the pitfalls of poor translation, reviews of the latest translation software, taxation, money matters, and the many uses of translation and interpreting in today’s world.
From the very beginning, ITI members have sought to form groups based on regional, language and specialist lines. Currently, ITI has regional groups that span the United Kingdom, such as the ITI Scottish Network and ITI London Regional Group. Language groups such as the German Network, French Network (FrNet) and Japanese Network (J-Net), as well as subject-based networks such as STEP and infotech, maintain lively internet-based groups for purposes such as the clarification of terminological queries, discussion of best practice, sharing work, and organizing social events within what is often seen as a solitary profession.