We believe in transparency.
Easily navigate our mission, Code of ethics and principles:
Our mission
At Words We Trust, we are stewards of effective communication. Our mission is to bridge the language gap and promote a more equitable world by providing exceptional humanitarian and legal language services. We are deeply committed to social and environmental responsibility, and by implementing socially and environmentally conscious practices we ensure that our clients’ projects also contribute to a better world. Our formal commitment to social and environmental responsibility and towards our stakeholders can be found here.
We strive to enhance cross-cultural understanding, break down linguistic boundaries, and contribute to a world where language is no longer an obstacle but a unifying force, and these goals align with several SDGs.
Our social responsibility goals:
- Goal 1: Quality education (SDG 4). We actively support education initiatives by offering pro bono translation services to educational organizations, empowering them to reach diverse communities and improve access to knowledge and resources. Initiatives we supported include Education in Emergencies (EiE). We believe in the power of education and language access as tools to build a more inclusive world.
- Goal 2: Gender equality (SDG 5). We are advocates for gender equality and commit to providing language services for non-profit organizations focused on women’s rights, ensuring that their critical messages are accessible to all communities. We are committed to building a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. In addition, we are a woman-led business making a conscious effort to partner with and uplift other women-led businesses and initiatives.
- Goal 3: Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). We prioritize fair and transparent labor practices, ensuring that our translations uphold workers’ rights and promote economic growth within marginalized communities.
- Goal 4: Reduced inequalities (SDG 10). By offering affordable and accessible translation services, we strive to reduce inequalities and improve communication between individuals, organizations, and institutions across different linguistic backgrounds.
- Goal 5: Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). We support legal transparency and access to justice by providing accurate and culturally sensitive legal translations, enabling individuals to understand and exercise their rights effectively.
Environmental Goals:
- Goal 1: Climate action (SDG 13). we commit to combatting climate change by choosing a green web hosting provider. This ensures that the energy powering our website supports renewable sources and minimizes our environmental impact. Learn more about green hosting on our hosting provider’s website: https://www.bluehost.com/blog/what-is-green-hosting/nk to their page about green hosting. We made our carbon footprint even smaller by transitioning to digital workflows reduced our paper consumption and transportation-related emissions.
- Goal 2: Life on land (SDG 15). We commit to protecting terrestrial ecosystems by choosing 100% green energy providers. Our current provider is the leading Dutch company Greenchoice. This sustainable choice helps minimize our environmental impact and supports a healthy planet. Learn more about Greenchoice here: https://www.greenchoice.nl/.
- Goal 3: Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). We commit to sustainable operations by minimizing waste (digital workflows, recycling, closed-loop coffee solutions) and prioritizing responsible sourcing. Our partners share our environmental values, including recycled materials, minimal packaging, and B Corp certifications.
At Words We Trust, we believe that language should be a unifying force that breaks down barriers and fosters understanding among diverse communities. Our dedication to social and environmental responsibility drives us to positively impact the world while providing outstanding humanitarian, development, corporate and legal translation services. We contribute to a future where language empowers individuals and transforms lives, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world for generations to come.
Continuous improvement is a pledge. We actively learn about and explore new ways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our processes.
Our Code of Ethics
- Accuracy: we uphold the highest standards of accuracy and precision in our translations, ensuring that the intended meaning and context are faithfully conveyed.
- Confidentiality: we treat all client information with the utmost confidentiality and respect, maintaining strict data protection measures to safeguard sensitive materials.
- Cultural sensitivity: We approach each translation with cultural sensitivity, recognizing and respecting the nuances and differences across diverse communities.
- Inclusive language: in close consultation with the client, and according to the specific demands and culture concerned, we endeavor to use inclusive language.
- Professionalism and professional boundaries: We conduct ourselves with professionalism, integrity, and honesty in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and partners. We maintain appropriate professional boundaries, refraining from engaging in any activities that may create conflicts or undermine trust with clients.
- Impartiality: We remain impartial and unbiased in our translations, refraining from any form of personal or ideological influence.
- Timeliness: we strive to deliver translations within agreed-upon deadlines, respecting the time-sensitive nature of our clients’ projects.
- Continuous improvement: we commit to continuous professional development, staying updated with industry trends and enhancing our linguistic skills and our expertise.
- Client collaboration: we value open communication and collaboration with clients, seeking their feedback to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
- Non-discrimination: We reject any form of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other characteristic, promoting inclusivity in all aspects of our work.
- Respect for intellectual property: We respect the intellectual property rights of others and adhere to copyright laws when working with source materials.
- Transparency: We provide transparent and detailed pricing, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the cost and scope of our services.
- Sustainable practices: We promote sustainable business practices, minimizing waste, and using eco-friendly resources whenever possible.
- Social impact and Pro Bono support: We actively engage in pro bono work and support social causes that align with our mission to make a positive impact on society. We offer pro bono translation services to organizations and causes in need, striving to contribute positively to the communities we serve.
- Conflict of interest: We avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise the objectivity and integrity of our translations.
- Anti-corruption: We strictly adhere to anti-corruption laws and regulations, maintaining the highest ethical standards in our business operations.
- Data security: We employ robust cybersecurity measures to protect client data from unauthorized access or breaches.
- Prohibition of plagiarism: we strictly prohibit any form of plagiarism, ensuring that all translations are original and properly attributed.
- Compliance: We commit to complying with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, fostering a reputation of trust and reliability within the translation industry.
Let’s talk! Do you have further questions about specific points within the Code or how they are implemented? We’re always happy to provide clarification.
What we require of our collaborators
At Words We Trust, we hold our collaborators to the same high principles that guide our own work. To ensure a positive and inclusive work environment, we require our collaborators to:
- Uphold Ethical Conduct: demonstrate honesty, integrity, and transparency in all business interactions.
- Respect diversity and inclusion: embrace diversity in all forms, treating individuals with dignity and valuing their unique perspectives.
- Reject discrimination: refrain from any discriminatory practices based on race, religion, gender, nationality, age, or any other characteristic.
- Maintain confidentiality: protect sensitive client information with strict confidentiality measures.
- Deliver excellence: provide accurate, culturally sensitive translations of the highest quality.
- Meet deadlines: adhere to agreed-upon timelines and communicate promptly about potential delays.
- Avoid conflicts of interest: disclose any potential conflicts that could compromise impartiality.
- Demonstrate social responsibility: support initiatives aligned with positive social impact.
- Promote gender equality: provide equal opportunities and treatment for all genders.
- Adopt sustainable practices: encourage environmentally responsible choices to minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Act with professionalism: maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
- Embrace Continuous Improvement: actively seek professional development opportunities to enhance their linguistic and cultural expertise.
By adhering to these ethical and social standards, collaborators contribute to creating a positive and inclusive work environment and uphold the values of Words We Trust.
Confidentiality & Guidelines
Client confidentiality forms part of our core principles and values. We strongly enforce confidentiality for all the documents we process. Your confidentiality is strictly protected, your data is yours, and we only share your information with the persons you specify. Any information imparted to us will not, under any circumstances, be disclosed to a third party.
You may ask for it to be deleted right after project completion, or 6 months later, when it is not essential to the mandate.
We are also happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement with you before you send us your text. For all inquiries, contact us today.
Guidelines
Communication:
- answer any inquiries regarding services, fees and available equipment promptly
- disclose, prior to accepting any assignment, any biases that may have relevance
- agree, before work starts, what is to be delivered, as well as how, when, and who will bear any delivery cost
- agree, before work starts, on payment amount, timing and currency, and who will bear any payment cost
- treat all information as confidential, and take steps to protect that confidentiality
- do not attempt to change, after work has begun, agreed-upon terms (except by mutual consultation)
- attempt to resolve disputes directly among parties involved
Quality:
- set our rates at levels that allow us to deliver, on an ongoing basis, the quality levels required
- accept only assignments that we have the knowledge, resources and time to do well
- take any and all steps necessary to ensure consistent delivery of work of a high professional standard
- accept responsibility for the quality of work delivered
- do everything possible to meet agreed-upon terms, even when unforeseen problems are encountered
- refrain from unjustly criticizing other professionals or their work
- strive to continually improve our own skills
Client Satisfaction: 100%.