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Liz Robertson is president of the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies (EUATC). She participated in a seminar, dedicated to the implementation of the European standard EN 15038:2006 in Bulgaria. The seminar took place in Sofia, on 19 February 2008.


Mrs. Robertson, what requirements should the companies be able to cover in order to acquire the EN 15038:2006?

Liz Robertson:

The first simple step is that you actually should buy the standard and read it. Then look how it applies to your company. Many things in the standard will be obvious and they will be things that you already do. For example, have a good relationship with your clients, know your translators, got the right software and so on.

On the other hand there will be certain things that you have to change. For example like the procedure. Which may sound more difficult than it is, because the procedure is simply what you do step by step and what you are responsible for.

So, it’s not a difficult process but it just needs some thought.

What advantages does the standard give?

Liz Robertson:

The standard shows to the outside world that you genuinely do possess quality. In other words, the service that they get from you should be the best service. It also helps differentiating you from the other people that are giving not such a good service. It means that we are assuring clients that you are genuine because we can all say that we follow quality systems and that we do the best for our clients.

Does the standard cover the written translation only or it covers the oral translations as well?

Liz Robertson:

It covers only written translations. There is another standard that we are developing at the moment for interpreting.

Are there a lot of people and firms that apply for this standard?

Liz Robertson:

Yes, there is a lot of interest across Europe. Many countries are adopting the standard. The EU institutions are well aware of it and they of course are major purchaser of translation services.


The intervew was taken by Peter Chernev