Ukrainian Interpreter: Police Arrangements and Solicitor Consultations

Identify the discussion that needs interpreting

Begin by identifying the purpose of the appointment and who is responsible for arranging language help. A discussion with a solicitor, a custody interview and a later court hearing are different settings. The arrangements for a hearing do not establish the arrangements for an interview, and neither establishes that a named interpreter is available or permitted to attend.

For someone detained at a police station who does not speak or understand English, the GOV.UK notice explains that the police arrange language help free of charge. Tell the custody officer about the language needed. Do not wait for a private booking enquiry to resolve that need. The notice concerns detention; it should not be read as a statement about every possible contact with the police.

A private solicitor consultation may involve taking instructions, explaining correspondence or preparing questions for legal advice. Describe that consultation in the enquiry and identify the solicitor who is responsible for it. Interpreting helps the participants communicate; it does not replace the advice, decisions or responsibilities of the legal representative.

Larysa Kyshkova provides Ukrainian–English solicitor and client consultations, in person or remotely. An enquiry should state the purpose, date, format and expected length. It must not assume that a booking for a private meeting includes access to a custody suite, participation in an investigation or interpreting an official interview. Those are separate arrangements to clarify with the responsible service.

Where a statement or previous record will be discussed with the solicitor, ask which papers should be available and how they can be shared for preparation. Explain whether the meeting involves reading a document aloud or checking what the client wishes to say. The solicitor remains responsible for legal advice and for decisions about the use of any statement.

Who arranges the interpreter?

The GOV.UK notice of rights and entitlements says that, if a detained person does not speak or understand English, the police will arrange someone who speaks their language to help them, free of charge. Ask the custody officer about these arrangements. The notice also addresses translation of certain documents, with conditions; it does not say that every document will always receive a written translation.

A separate private consultation should be discussed with the solicitor, organisation or client arranging that meeting. Ask which parts of the appointment are included and who will receive the written quotation. Do not assume that the police will pay for a private instruction or that a privately chosen interpreter will be appointed to an interview.

The court interpreter rules concern court and tribunal proceedings. They should not be used to assign responsibility for language help during police contact. If the matter later reaches court, ask the court or legal representative about the arrangements for that stage separately.

Confirm Ukrainian as the required language

Ask the client which language they need for the legal discussion, and tell the solicitor or custody officer as appropriate. Do not infer language preference from nationality, a document or a conversation about everyday matters. Being able to answer a simple question in English does not tell the organiser whether the person can follow a legal consultation.

For private enquiries, state Ukrainian–English clearly. Larysa works between these languages. If another language is needed, the organiser should arrange that language rather than assume Ukrainian will be suitable. Identify any documents in a different language before the consultation, and ask the solicitor what needs to be available for discussion.

What to Send First

For a separate private consultation, send a concise booking brief. Keep the first enquiry focused on arrangements; ask the solicitor which case papers need to be shared for preparation and through what channel.

1. Give the date and requested start time, so availability can be checked for the appointment you are actually arranging.
2. Identify the solicitor or organisation arranging the meeting and the person responsible for confirming it.
3. Give the address or proposed video or telephone format, and explain who will participate.
4. Describe the purpose and expected length, including any document discussion that needs time.
5. State the required language and any communication or access needs relevant to the meeting.
6. Explain who will receive the written quotation and confirm the private instruction.
7. If the date, venue or purpose changes, send the revised details and ask for confirmation again.

How to Book

Use the contact page to enquire about a solicitor consultation. Availability and scope must be checked before you treat the appointment as arranged. The written quotation should identify the meeting, format and agreed work; check those details before instructing.

1. Send the booking brief and explain that the enquiry concerns a separate private consultation.
2. Check the availability and written quotation for that appointment, with the solicitor involved as appropriate.
3. Obtain written confirmation before relying on the booking, and pass on any subsequent changes.

This page does not confirm police appointments, police access permissions or attendance at all interviews. If you are detained and need language help, raise it with the custody officer through the official route. A private website enquiry is not a substitute for that request.