Farah Khosravi
Staff Interpreter
Achieving ISO 21998:2020 certification for healthcare interpreting services was a huge milestone for Interpreting New Zealand, and it took the dedication of our whole team to get there.
When Farah Khosravi, one of our busiest interpreters, was randomly selected during the ISO 21998:2020 audit process, she was surprised.
"I Felt Proud"
“I didn’t know I had been selected. At the same time, I felt proud. Being part of the ISO process reminded me that the standards we follow every day genuinely matter.”
For Farah, the audit did not require any change in practice.
“It reflected my normal practice: consistently adhering to the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality in every assignment.”
That reassurance is significant. Certification is not about performing for an audit, it is about the professionalism demonstrated every day, often behind the scenes.
Why Professional Development Matters
For Farah, ongoing learning is not optional, it is part of professional responsibility.
“Ongoing learning strengthens my terminology, ethical judgement and cultural competence. It keeps me aligned with evolving standards. Professional development is part of my responsibility.”
Professional development ensures interpreters remain prepared, reflective and aligned with best practice in healthcare communication.
Advice for Early-Career Interpreters
Farah encourages those entering the profession to prioritise strong foundations from the beginning.
“For those starting out, build strong ethical foundations and clear role boundaries from the beginning. Follow the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct in every assignment.”
Consistency, she says, is key.
Maintain high standards in every assignment, not just during audits. Invest in training. Seek feedback. Reflect on your practice. Always prepare thoroughly.
“And remember that confidence develops through competence and experience.”
What ISO 21998 Means to Her
For Farah, certification carries deep meaning.
“Achieving ISO 21998 certification is very meaningful. It shows that the work we do behind the scenes meets international standards. I’m proud to have played a part in this milestone.”
Quality in Every Assignment
Farah’s story is a reminder that quality is built into daily practice, one assignment at a time.
Her voice joins others across our organisation who contributed to this milestone. More reflections from our ISO journey will be shared in the coming months.