What is the guideline for interpreters concerning dual relationships?

Interpreters are advised to avoid dual relationships that may compromise impartiality to ensure the integrity of their work. Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in interpreting, as it helps to protect the objectivity and neutrality that are essential to effective communication. Engaging in dual relationships, where personal and professional roles overlap, can lead to conflicts of interest or biases that may affect how an interpreter performs their duties.

By avoiding such dual relationships, interpreters can maintain a focus on their primary responsibility—facilitating communication between parties without influence from personal connections. This practice aligns with the ethical standards set forth in the RID Code of Professional Conduct, which emphasizes the importance of impartiality and professional integrity in interpreter-client interactions.