Why I Chose to Work with Convo — And Why It Feels Like Home
As an interpreter, I’ve worked in a variety of settings over the years - face-to-face, remote, VRS, in educational environments, medical, legal, you name it. But finding an organisation that genuinely values interpreters as people, not just service providers, is rarer than you might think. That’s why working with Convo has been such a refreshing and empowering experience for me.
At Convo, interpreters aren’t seen as just another resource. We’re considered an essential part of the ecosystem. And I don’t mean that in a “fluffy mission statement” kind of way - it’s actually reflected in the way things are run. Every part of the system has been built with interpreters in mind: from the tech (which is actually designed by interpreters, for interpreters), to the support we receive, to the emphasis on professional development.
One of the things I appreciate most is that we’re not just employed - we’re collaborated with. Convo has created a culture that supports us as professionals and as whole people. There’s a real focus on wellbeing, autonomy, and growth, and it shows. You’re never treated as an afterthought. Quite the opposite, in fact - we’re at the heart of it all.
Flexibility That Actually Works
Like many interpreters, I wear a lot of hats - I’m not just a professional; I’m also a parent, a partner, a friend, and a member of my community. Convo gets that. Their approach to scheduling is genuinely flexible and family-friendly, which means I can find shifts that fit around life, not the other way round.
Whether you’re looking to fill a full-time calendar or just pick up a few hours here and there, there’s space for you. Working remotely is an option, which for me has been a game changer - no more stressful commutes, and I can interpret from the comfort of my own home. There’s also a variety of shift lengths and time slots, which is ideal for anyone juggling multiple roles (and let’s be honest, most of us are).
And if you’re someone who also works in community or face-to-face settings, Convo’s platform is a brilliant way to fill in those inevitable gaps between bookings. It’s a sustainable way to keep your income steady without burning out — something I think we could all do with more of in this profession.
Tech That Lets You Focus on What Matters
Because Convo is Deaf-owned and Deaf-led, the perspective on accessibility is refreshingly authentic. The people making the decisions are those who live Deaf culture — so the platform isn’t just adapted for the community; it’s built with the community in mind. And honestly, you can feel the difference.
The technology is intentionally simple and intuitive, so the hardest part of the job is exactly what it should be: interpreting. I’m not spending half my time wrestling with software or jumping through hoops to get help. There’s always peer support, someone to reach out to, and a real sense of being in it together.
A Career with Meaning
At Convo, I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself - a global movement grounded in accessibility, respect, and Deaf-led innovation. As a global company it’s given me the opportunity to meet and talk to colleagues from Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States. Sometimes this has been opportunities to learn or just to hear how it's done elsewhere. The nice thing is we have the opportunity to connect globally but are focused on the countries where we live and work.
Being mindful as a local makes us feel that working here is not just about clocking in and out. It’s about contributing to a shared vision where Deaf and hearing professionals work side by side with purpose and mutual respect.
If you’re an interpreter looking for a role where your time is respected, your voice is heard, and your skills are truly valued, I can’t recommend Convo enough. And if you’re not sure whether it’s the right fit - just have a chat with any of the interpreters already on board. We’re a pretty honest bunch. You can also reach out to chat to me or any of my colleagues just contact us on interpreters@convo.io
For me, Convo isn’t just a place to work - it’s a place to grow.
- James Bailey, Director of Service Delivery, Convo UK
