Celebrating the work of ITI networks

ITI’s Networks play an important role for translators and interpreters in a variety of ways, including networking, support, mentoring and professional development events. 

One way in which the Institute has recognised the importance and value of these achievements is with the ITI Networks – Best Event or Initiative award category in the ITI Awards. And the diversity of groups’ achievements is also illustrated by the winners and special commendations from when this award was first introduced in 2017.

2022 Winner: Polish Network

In the autumn of 2021, the ITI Polish Network was an exhibitor and a partner at the KTLC – one of the largest translation and localisation events in Europe. Using varied and multiple marketing materials and strategies, they succeeded in significantly increasing the profile of the network, grew their membership by 10% in the month that followed, and laid the groundwork for realising thePolish Network’s ambition to  build deeper relationships with translation and interpreting associations in Poland.

2021 Winner: Polish Network

In December 2020, the Polish Network ran a CPD event on 'Inclusive language for translating for our times'. Alicja Tokarska focused on new approaches to translating gendered terms and language for non-binary people. It sparked lively debate, created considerable interest on social media, brought new members into the network and challenged members to take a fresh approach to their translation.

2020 Winner: ITI Northern Ireland

The award was made to ITI Northern Ireland for their translation and interpeting conference. This was a large undertaking for a relatively new group, where there was no precedent for achieving the planned levels of attendance and funding. The event was fully booked; achieved a budgetary surplus; built a relationship with Queens University; led to a 30% increase in group membership; and enhanced cross-border participation, with many attendees travelling from the Republic of Ireland.

Special commendation: ITI Interpreters' Development Network

This commendation was for the network's online webinar programme, developed to support the UK interpreter community and provide easily accessible CPD.

Special commendation: ITI North-East Regional Group

The North-East Regional Group were recognised for The Women Translators who shaped International Literature - a collaborative exhibition in the City of Newcastle's Eldon Gardens shopping centre. On view to the general public, it occupied the prominent window of the city's specialist multi-lingual library.

2019 Winner: North West Translators’ Network

NWTN introduced a Social Saturday format that has boosted attendance at meetings, increased Network participation and encouraged membership of NWTN and ITI. Members could combine continuing professional development with a shopping trip or a night out, and while they acquired new skills and network in a relaxed, friendly environment, their family members could enjoy sightseeing in Manchester.

2018 Winner: ITI Western Regional Group

The ITIWRG organised translation slams in Bristol and Bath that helped to promote strong working relationships with the academics responsible for translation courses at the universities in these two cities. The slams also complemented students’ academic learning by giving them insights into the types of text a professional commercial translator might be asked to translate.

2017 Winner: ITI Medical Network

The award was made to the ITI Medical Network for its workshop on 'Acute Medicine – assessment and diagnosis’. The workshop, led by a senior consultant in the field, allowed both experienced and beginning translators to learn and benefit from key terminology and information essential for producing accurate and quality translations.