The Institute of Linguists is the leading professional language body in the UK, with over 6,500 members. Founded in 1910 with the aim of promoting high standards in the use of foreign languages in industry and commerce, the Institute promotes languages throughout educational, professional and commercial life in the UK, Europe and across the world. The DPSI provides evidence of the ability to interpret between providers and users of the public services who do not share a common language. Legislation and regulations require equal access to public services, irrespective of language and culture. There is a significant number of speakers of non-European languages in the UK who do not possess the levels of English required to gain full access to public services.
Situations often require sensitivity and appreciation of the seriousness of misinforming the public.
A regulated qualification will assist in providing the necessary skills across the public service that will serve to protect the rights of non-English speakers, aid the delivery of appropriate public services and provide career opportunities for those with desirable language skills. The DPSI is approximately equivalent to a first degree level, in terms of language skills acquired and used, but does not cover the breadth that a degree scheme does. Normally during the last week of September within the Department of Modern Languages at DMU Leicester City Campus.