Public and voluntary sector - working with London's communities

Providing public and voluntary services to London ’s diverse population means communicating effectively. This involves taking account of different cultures and languages – which can mean translating important information and websites, and interpreting whether face-to-face or by telephone. Remember that the language and cultural skills of your team can be a real asset too.

Want business advice to help improve your service?

Our guide on communicating in the public and voluntary sector is tailored to your kind of business, and will help you work with your local communities.

We offer a range of other guides to help you learn more about translation and interpreting, recruitment and training, working with British Sign Language and intercultural skills. You can also learn how to adapt your website and publications for the languages of your community.

Need information on other cultures?

Our cultural briefings can give you a basic insight. Newham Language Shop produces an excellent range of information aimed at public service organisations. For a detailed or customised insight into a given community or for diversity training, we advise you to contact a cultural trainer.

We can also help you make the most of the languages and cultural knowledge of your team. Visit our multicultural workforce area to find out more.

Find language and cultural services

Perhaps you need to translate information on your website for your patients or clients or you need to train staff in the languages and cultures of your community. Find out more about language and cultural services or search directly for services including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) on our Service Finder.