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This is a chronicle. Analysis and opinions are the author's own.

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Almost 30 years ago, interpreter services were liberalised and placed on the private market. Many municipalities and regions chose to procure directly on the private market, while others chose to continue to operate interpreter services under their own auspices. Over time, more and more municipal agencies have been closed down, and instead municipalities have started to procure interpretive services according to LOU.

Landskrona, Hässleholm, Svalöv and Eslöv are some of those who have in recent years, for one or more reasons, chosen to switch to private interpreting services. The City of Helsingborg is at the forefront by hiring a third party to perform an in-depth analysis of, among other things, supply, service and finances. The aim is to assess whether internal mediation is beneficial or whether one should switch to a private one.

The initiative is something that I think is very positive and regardless of the results, it is a very good method of decision making. The information and analysis come from an independent third party who has no personal interest in how the interpreter service is run. They will be able to present a thorough evaluation, with facts and analysis that takes into account both quality and economy, for the benefit of all stakeholders, including staff, taxpayers and interpreters who carry out the work.

The initiative is something that I think is very positive and regardless of the results, it is a very good method of decision making.

My hope is that the independent actor carries out a rigorous analysis, including qualitative interviews with all parties involved. It is important to talk to the interpreters who currently work for the City of Helsingborg Interpreter Agency, as well as with interpreters affiliated with other agencies nearby. What influenced the interpreter's choice of employer?

Interviews with the clients are also valuable. How do social services staff experience accessibility? How do school staff assess the ease of booking interpreters? Do they have access to all the necessary languages and the right interpretive skills?

Finally, it would be beneficial to hear from those municipalities that have previously faced the same decision. It includes both those who have made the transition to private intermediation and those who have chosen not to. What were the deciding factors?

The following regions and municipalities currently operate mediation internally:

Regions‍

Region Västra Götaland, Region Dalarna, Region Örebro, Region Västmanland, Region Jönköping.‍

Municipalities‍

Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Västerås, Örebro, Jönköping, Lund, Borås, Halmstad, Karlstad, Sundsvall, Mölndal, Trollhättan, Uddevalla, Borlänge, Skövde, Falun, Partille, Falkenberg, Värnamo, Kungälv, Gislaved, Lerum, Alingsås, Härryda, Lidköping, Falköping, Mark, Köping, Karlshamn, Ludvika, Kävlinge, Avesta, Lindesberg, Härnösand, Ulricehamn, Sala, Mariestad, Kumla, Hallstahammar, Skara, Fagersta, Tranås, Strömstad, Hallsberg, Lilla Edet, Mora, Hedemora, Timrå, Säffle, Arboga, Vara, Gnosjö, Lysekil, Tranemo, Tjörn, Leksand, Surahammar, Hammarö, Vårgårda, Orust, Tibro, Årjäng, Götene, Eda, Tanum, Svenljunga, Tidaholm, Hagfors, Torsby, Kungsör, Nora, Habo, Degerfors, Smedjebacken, Munkedal, Askersund, Kil, Forshaga, Öckerö, Malung-Sälen, Töreboda, Herrljunga, Setter, Hällefors, Bollebygd, Rättvik, Grums, Gagnef, Sotenäs, Hjo, Ånge, Älvsbyn, Mullsjö, Lekeberg, Orsa, Laxå, Gullspång, Övertorneå, Karlsborg, Älvdalen, Ljusnarsberg, Vilhelmina, Essunga, Dals-Ed, Grästorp, Munkfors, Åsele, Dorotea.