THE TTI PROFESSIONAL FRAMEWORK

Welcome to Target Translations & Interpretations (TTI).

At TTI, we believe that language access is essential to effective communication.

Communication affects rights, safety, healthcare, education, business, and civic participation. When communication barriers exist, outcomes can be affected.

For that reason, we approach language access as more than a language service. We view it as an interdisciplinary field that combines professional language services, education, consulting, technology, and organizational strategy to improve communication in high-stakes environments.

This framework establishes the principles, standards, ethical expectations, and professional culture that guide every member of the TTI network.

Whether you provide interpretation, translation, transcription, captioning, consulting, training, education, or another language-access service, we are grateful to welcome you to our professional community.

Many organizations provide translation or interpretation services. TTI exists to solve communication challenges.

We believe that language access is most effective when it combines exceptional professionals, thoughtfully designed systems, continuous education, responsible use of technology, and a deep understanding of the environments in which communication takes place.

Our role is not simply to provide interpreters or translators. Our role is to help individuals and organizations communicate accurately, ethically, and confidently whenever communication matters most.

Because of this philosophy, we view every professional within the TTI network as an essential contributor to our mission of improving communication outcomes.

Technical proficiency alone is not enough.

Professional credentials, language fluency, certifications, and subject-matter expertise are essential. However, they do not fully define what it means to represent TTI.

Over time, our organization has developed a professional culture that guides how we approach our work, our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we serve.

We call this culture The Target Way.

The Target Way reflects the professional habits, attitudes, and behaviors that distinguish members of the TTI network.

Excellence begins before an assignment starts.

Preparation means understanding the purpose of the assignment, reviewing terminology, confirming logistics, testing equipment, anticipating potential challenges, and arriving ready to perform at the highest professional level.

Every assignment deserves thoughtful preparation.

Trust is built through consistency.

We honor our commitments, respect deadlines, communicate proactively, and follow through on our responsibilities.

Clients, colleagues, and the individuals we serve should be able to depend on us with confidence.

Time reflects professionalism and respect.

Professionals are expected to arrive with sufficient time to prepare before assignments begin. For on-site services, this generally means arriving approximately 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled start time unless different instructions have been provided.

Timeliness demonstrates respect for everyone involved.

Clear communication strengthens professional relationships.

Questions, concerns, scheduling conflicts, technical difficulties, emergencies, and unexpected circumstances should be communicated as early as possible.

Open communication allows challenges to be addressed before they affect the quality of service.

Professional boundaries protect trust.

We recognize that every assignment involves professional relationships that should be treated with integrity and respect.

We avoid situations that could create conflicts of interest, compromise impartiality, or blur professional boundaries.

TTI is built on relationships.

Those relationships include clients, interpreters, translators, transcribers, captioners, educators, consultants, administrative professionals, and community partners who work together to support language access.

Professionals representing TTI are expected to follow established communication channels, respect organizational relationships, and contribute to a collaborative professional environment.

Accountability means accepting responsibility for our work.

When mistakes occur, we address them honestly, learn from them, and take appropriate steps to improve.

Professional growth depends on personal responsibility.

Language, technology, regulations, industries, and communities continue to evolve.

For that reason, learning cannot remain static.

Professionals are encouraged to pursue continuing education, strengthen their language skills, expand their subject-matter knowledge, remain informed about industry standards, and seek opportunities for professional growth.

Every assignment provides an opportunity to learn.

The Target Way is not a checklist.

It is a shared commitment to excellence.

When members of the TTI network consistently demonstrate these values, clients experience the same level of professionalism, quality, and trust regardless of the language, service, or setting.

The Target Way reflects who we are, how we work, and what we believe language access should be.

All professionals representing TTI are expected to uphold the following principles:

• Accuracy
• Confidentiality
• Impartiality
• Professionalism
• Respect
• Cultural humility
• Accountability
• Continuous learning

Many assignments performed through TTI involve healthcare decisions, legal rights, immigration matters, educational services, government programs, business transactions, public services, and other situations in which communication directly affects outcomes.

For that reason, professional standards are essential to every assignment, regardless of the language, setting, service, or client.

TTI professionals shall:

• Perform their work faithfully, accurately, and completely.
• Preserve the meaning, intent, tone, and context of the original communication.
• Remain impartial and avoid personal opinions, advice, or advocacy.
• Respect the professional boundaries associated with their role.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, client requirements, and recognized professional standards.
• Immediately disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.

If circumstances arise that could affect impartiality or the quality of services provided, professionals are expected to notify TTI immediately.

Confidentiality is more than a professional obligation. It is the foundation of trust.

All information obtained during assignments is confidential, regardless of format or setting.

This responsibility applies to in-person, telephone, video, and written assignments and includes all documents, communications, and information encountered while providing services.

Unless expressly authorized, professionals may not:

• Record assignments.
• Take screenshots or photographs.
• Share confidential information.
• Store or distribute protected materials.

Professionals working in specialized environments, including healthcare and legal settings, are expected to comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Confidentiality obligations continue after an assignment has been completed.

While performing assignments through TTI, professionals are expected to:

• Demonstrate courtesy, professionalism, and respect.
• Maintain an appropriate appearance and demeanor.
• Follow assignment instructions and client-specific requirements.
• Respect cultural and linguistic differences.
• Communicate promptly regarding delays, emergencies, or scheduling conflicts.
• Protect professional boundaries.

Professionals should avoid:

• Sharing personal contact information without authorization.
• Soliciting clients for independent work.
• Engaging in unnecessary side conversations.
• Multitasking during assignments.
• Discussing personal opinions unrelated to the assignment.

Interpreters are expected to:

• Interpret in the first person.
• Interpret accurately and completely.
• Use the appropriate interpreting mode.
• Request clarification when necessary.
• Preserve the speaker's meaning, tone, and intent.

Professionals providing written language services are expected to:

• Preserve the meaning and intent of the source material.
• Follow project instructions and terminology requirements.
• Review their work carefully before submission.
• Deliver assignments on time.

Professionals providing specialized language services are expected to:

• Follow assignment-specific guidelines.
• Maintain quality and accuracy.
• Protect confidentiality.
• Seek clarification whenever instructions are unclear.

Before accepting an assignment, professionals should ensure that they have the skills, qualifications, equipment, and availability necessary to perform the work successfully.

Professionals should:

• Work from a private and secure location.
• Test all required technology before the session.
• Minimize distractions and background noise.
• Ensure that audio and video systems function properly.
• Use the approved Target Translations virtual background to maintain a professional and consistent visual presence during video assignments.

Professionals should:

• Arrive with sufficient time to prepare.
• Follow all security requirements and site-specific procedures.
• Comply with client and facility protocols.

Quality is a shared responsibility.

TTI encourages all professionals to pursue continuing education, remain current in their areas of expertise, and participate in professional development opportunities.

Professionals are encouraged to:

• Strengthen their language skills.
• Expand their subject-matter knowledge.
• Stay informed about industry standards.
• Continue developing their professional competencies.

Excellence in language access requires a commitment to lifelong learning.

The strength of the TTI network depends on collaboration, professionalism, and a shared commitment to communication without barriers.

Every assignment represents an opportunity to protect understanding, preserve trust, and ensure that individuals can participate fully in the conversations that affect their lives.

We appreciate your commitment to advancing language access and helping people communicate when communication matters most.