Sign Senei

Another fantastic CPD session this evening on 'The Eye & Vision: Interpretation of Orthoptic Findings'. Our host was lecturer and Clinical Orthoptist Ashli Warburton, who brought real energy to the incredibly interesting topic.

As usual, our attendees were engaging and asking fantastic questions.

Thank you all!

We're back after Easter for our next session on Sunday, 12th April - Drama & Dynamics: Interpreting Classical Vocal Solos. This is our second session in the interpreting music series - if you would like to attend this session, you can book here:

https://events.humanitix.com/classical-solos

Have a lovely Easter break and we will see you all soon.
- Sign Senei Team

We all speak English… but do we really understand it?

Join us for Native English Peculiarities, a CPD session exploring the unspoken rules that shape everyday conversation. From gendered language to the silent expectations of politeness, you’ll learn how native speakers instinctively follow patterns that can influence meaning — and interpreting.

We’ll cover:
• Hidden social rules in conversation
• How gender impacts language use
• Grice’s Maxims and how they shape communication
• What this means for interpreters and register choice

📅 Wednesday 25 February | 18:00–20:00 | Online
2 Structured CPD Points

For BSL interpreters and communication professionals who want to dig deeper into the language we think we know.

This session is sponsored by Topp Language Solutions, who are generously offering a 50% reduction in attendance fees for RSLI and Registered Communication Professionals, along with a limited number of FREE spaces for pre-registration and TSLI colleagues.

Book now via Humanitix

Native English Peculiarities: Unspoken Rules and Social Codes Register on Humanitix - Native English Peculiarities: Unspoken Rules and Social Codes hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Wednesday 25th February 2026. Find event information.

We’re excited to launch Say What Now?! – Exploring the Curious Corners of English for Interpreters & Communication Professionals — a brand new five-part CPD series for anyone who works closely with English and wants to understand it more deeply.

Across five evening sessions, we’ll explore the grammar, quirks, history and hidden patterns of English — not as abstract theory, but with a clear, practical focus on how this knowledge strengthens real interpreting and communication practice.

Each session combines taught content, interactive activities and thoughtful discussion in a relaxed, supportive learning space.

A New Year’s discount from Sign Senei will be automatically applied at checkout.

Register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/say-what-now-exploring-the-curious-corners-of-english-for-interpreters-and-communication-professionals

What’s included?

Session 1 – What Is Grammar, Anyway?
Wednesday 28 January | 18:00–20:00
A practical refresher on the building blocks of English grammar — from word types to sentence structure and voice.

Session 2 – Native English Peculiarities
Wednesday 25 February | 18:00–20:00
Unpacking the unspoken rules of everyday English: politeness, gendered language and conversational expectations.

Session 3 – The Evolution of English
Wednesday 25 March | 18:00–20:00
A fascinating look at how English developed — and why spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary are so unpredictable.

Session 4 – Figurative Language and Word Building
Wednesday 29 April | 18:00–20:00
From idioms and metaphor to prefixes, suffixes and roots, this session explores how English bends and builds meaning.

Session 5 – Building Our Vocabulary
Wednesday 27 May | 18:00–20:00
A thoughtful exploration of word choice, register, power and bias in professional communication.

Whether you’re newly qualified or have many years of experience, this series offers a supportive way to sharpen your English awareness and gain fresh insight into the language you work with every day.

We’d love to welcome you.

Warmest regards,
The Sign Senei Team :-D

Practical Applications of Theory of Mind in Sign Language Interpreting

Sunday 7th December 2025 | 09:00–11:00 (BST) | Online

How do you adapt your interpreting when Theory of Mind (ToM) differences are in play? This hands-on session explores real-world scenarios where ToM gaps can lead to misunderstanding—and equips you with practical, in-the-moment strategies to preserve meaning and client dignity.

We’ll look at interpreting challenges involving metaphor, sarcasm, and second-order beliefs, and how to adapt without compromising accuracy. You’ll also explore how to brief and debrief effectively with professionals to reduce risk and improve outcomes for clients.

You’ll learn how to:
• Recognise and respond to ToM-related risks in real time
• Adapt your interpreting to support understanding across cognitive differences
• Work with metaphor, sarcasm, and belief-based misunderstandings
• Communicate confidently with teams around ToM-related concerns

This session is ideal for interpreters who want to work more thoughtfully and effectively in complex interactions.

Practical Applications of Theory of Mind in Sign Language Interpreting Register on Humanitix - Practical Applications of Theory of Mind in Sign Language Interpreting hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Sunday 7th December 2025. Find event information.

Navigating the Environment: Boundaries, Needs, and Psychological Safety

Tuesday 25 November 2025 | 18:00-20:00 | Online | 2 Structured CPD Points

Interpreting involves far more than the words exchanged. Every interaction carries unspoken expectations, shifting roles, and emotional currents that shape how communication unfolds.

This session explores how to notice and work with those hidden layers. We’ll look at how to read the room more effectively, use boundaries as tools for clarity, and distinguish between what’s yours to hold—and what isn’t. We’ll also introduce psychological safety: what it means, why it matters for the people we work with, and how it supports our own wellbeing.

You’ll Learn:
• How to read unspoken dynamics in an interaction
• Ways to use boundaries to support clarity and professionalism
• How to recognise what is and isn’t yours to carry
• Why psychological safety is essential for clients and interpreters alike

Register and more information at:

Navigating the Environment: Boundaries, Needs, and Psychological Safety Register on Humanitix - Navigating the Environment: Boundaries, Needs, and Psychological Safety hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Tuesday 25th November 2025. Find event information.

Journaling to Support Professional Practice

Sunday 16 November 2025, 14:00–17:00 pm (GMT)

Journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection, self-regulation, and professional growth—especially for interpreters and communication professionals navigating fast-paced, emotionally demanding work.

In this interactive, evidence-informed session, we’ll explore journaling as a flexible and creative practice that helps you increase self-awareness, process your experiences, and care for your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re completely new to journaling or already jot down thoughts now and then, you’ll discover fresh, practical approaches to make it a meaningful part of your professional toolkit.

You’ll get hands-on with exercises that blend structure and creativity—helping you clarify your thinking, reflect deeply on your work, and strengthen your capacity to stay balanced and resilient.

What You’ll Learn

The benefits of journaling for interpreters and communication professionals

A range of journaling styles and techniques to suit your needs

How to design a personalised journaling plan to support ongoing reflection

You’ll Leave With:
✔ A toolkit of prompts and exercises to sustain professional growth
✔ Greater clarity and self-awareness around your interpreting experiences
✔ A personal strategy to support mental wellbeing and reflection

Join us and discover how journaling can become a trusted ally in your interpreting journey.

Register:

Journaling to Support Professional Practice Register on Humanitix - Journaling to Support Professional Practice hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Sunday 16th November 2025. Find event information.

The Interpreter’s Mindset: Tools for Navigating Doubt and Sustaining Growth

Sunday 16th November 2025 | 09:00–11:00 (GMT) | Online | 2 Structured CPD Points

How we think shapes how we interpret.

This reflective, down-to-earth session explores the mental and emotional side of interpreting—where mindset meets performance. Designed for sign language interpreters at any career stage, it offers practical tools to help manage doubt, feedback, boundaries, and pressure.

We’ll explore topics like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and all-or-nothing thinking—alongside actionable strategies to build confidence and resilience.

What you’ll gain:

Insight into how mindset impacts performance and wellbeing

Tools to manage unhelpful thought patterns and performance pressure

A mindset toolkit to support confidence and long-term growth

For more information and to register:

The Interpreter’s Mindset: Tools for Navigating Doubt and Sustaining Growth Register on Humanitix - The Interpreter’s Mindset: Tools for Navigating Doubt and Sustaining Growth hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Sunday 16th November 2025. Find event information.

Tax might not be the most glamorous topic… but understanding it can put more money back in your pocket.

Join us tomorrow - Thursday 30th October (18:30–20:30) for Interpreting Tax — a focused CPD session built for interpreters and communication professionals who want clarity and confidence with their finances.

Led by Andy Smith of The Tax Hive — the UK’s only tax adviser specialising in our sector — you’ll learn exactly what you need to stay compliant and boost profitability.

We’ll cover:
• Key tax obligations for the self-employed
• What you can (and can’t) claim as expenses
• Payments on account explained
• When VAT becomes relevant
• Making Tax Digital essentials

Walk away with practical tips you can use immediately, plus the chance to get your questions answered.

Book your place:

Master Your Money: “Interpreting Tax” for Self-Employed Interpreters & Communication Professionals Register on Humanitix - Master Your Money: “Interpreting Tax” for Self-Employed Interpreters & Communication Professionals hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Thursday 30th October 2025. Find event information.

Thank You for Joining Us This Afternoon!

What a meaningful afternoon together. Our session, Rooted in the Research of Dr. Kristin Neff: The Power of Self-Compassion for Interpreters, offered time to pause and reconnect with the importance of kindness towards ourselves—something so essential in a profession that often calls for perfection and performance.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended for bringing such openness and reflection to the discussion. Your willingness to engage made the space feel supportive and genuine.

And a very special thank you to Monique Champagne for leading us with such warmth, clarity, and compassion. Monique’s insights helped us explore how self-compassion can counter burnout, reduce compassion fatigue, and strengthen resilience—offering practical tools for a more sustainable way of working.

We hope you’re leaving today with a gentler inner voice, a few new strategies for self-kindness, and a renewed sense of balance.

Let’s keep the conversation going—what’s one takeaway you’re planning to carry into your work this week?

Enhancing Interpreting Skills for Those with Complex Communication Needs

Wednesday 5th November 2025

18:00-20:00

This CPD session is designed for communication professionals, including Registered and Trainee Sign Language Interpreters and Communication Support Workers (CSWs), who currently—or may in the future—support individuals affected by Language Deprivation.

As interpreters, we often encounter clients whose communication needs are not immediately clear. To respond effectively, we need a broad repertoire of strategies that allow us to adapt our approach in real time. This session equips you with the practical tools and awareness to do just that—enhancing your ability to identify and deliver the most appropriate communication mode for each unique individual.

What to Expect

You’ll gain:

Practical guidance on adapting communication approaches in complex scenarios

Proven techniques for working with clients with language deprivation backgrounds

Role-play opportunities in a supportive environment to build skill and confidence

Led by a highly experienced Interpreter and a seasoned Residential and Community Support Worker—both specialists in

Deafness and Language Deprivation—you’ll benefit from their combined expertise, lived experience, and hands-on knowledge.

Whether you're new to this area or looking to refine your practice, this workshop will leave you better prepared to meet the needs of clients with complex communication profiles.

Enhancing Interpreting Skills for those with Complex Communication Needs Register on Humanitix - Enhancing Interpreting Skills for those with Complex Communication Needs hosted by Sign Senei. Online. Wednesday 5th November 2025. Find event information.

It’s was such a pleasure Lollipop York! Thank you once again to all the communication professionals who signed up for this fantastic CPD session.

If you have a charity you’d like to nominate for one of our future fundraising events, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us a line at [email protected]

😍🥰😘😊