Transcription Services

belasta

Hi,
I have decades of experience doing transcription and now looking to do this from home using an Agency as I do VA for the past few years and looking to fill up any downtime with transcription work.

I was wondering, for those whom do this as I am aware quire a few do this, if I could get a few recommendations of agencies to check out.

Also, I am assuming insurances and ICO are required but no agencies seem to detail this, if someone could confirm

Thanks 

MalMonroe

Hi, I'm a freelance transcriptionist. I have never been asked for ICO - or any other - clearance or insurance. I prefer to work for myself rather than agencies, since the pay is better that way.

Google something like "working as transcriptionist for an agency uk" and you will be able to find links to agencies that specify what you need to work for them. Many agencies want you to be self-employed and registered with HMRC in terms of tax and NI.

As an example, the agency in the following link lists its requirements - https://www.uktranscription.com/3/jobs.html

Good luck!       

belasta

Thank you so much @MalMonroe, this answers my question.
I assumed I would have to go self employed but as I do VA work, I had thought insurance and ICO would be required too.

Could I ask a personal question if it isn't too cheeky, when you mention you freelance transcriber, is this your sole business or is it part of another role such as VA.

Thanks x

J_B

Just curious, sorry. What's transcription?  🤷‍♂️

MovingForwards

J_B said:

Just curious, sorry. What's transcription?  🤷‍♂️

Audio / copy typing, adding captions to videos etc.

DullGreyGuy

J_B said:

Just curious, sorry. What's transcription?  🤷‍♂️

Taking the spoken word and making a written version.

These days you can choose to do it by computer or person... the later is generally considered more accurate and can deal better with situations where multiple people are talking at the same time etc.

It can often then be linked to secondary services like adding subtitles to video or translation services. Subtitles is really hard work though as you have to timestamp each caption and ensure its realistic to read it in the time before the next one replaces it and so its not always a word for word transcription. The Mrs did it once but it also involved translation and that just adds another layer of complexity.

As to the OP - I doubt you'll ever find anyone asking you if you've met with your need to register with the ICO or not. I work in highly regulated industry that requires checks on my insurances, qualifications, work history, credit history, criminal record etc and never once has ICO even been mentioned.

As to insurances, I suspect that would depend more on the nature of what you are transcribing and for whom. In most cases I doubt there is realistically much chances of a loss if you mistype/hear a word or two. If you are working with regulated industries or lawyers then they probably are more risk adverse and more likely to want to ensure insurance is in place though if the contract flows via the agency it may well be them rather than you with the need for insurance. 

piesagittariusstick

gotranscript.com is also famous for fairness and a steady stream of projects you can pick from. 

Mistral001

I have taken on freelance work whenever there were slow times in my regular work from self-employment. I found that, I could not just dip into the freelance work whenever I wanted.  I found that in order to keep clients from my freelance work, I basically had to do it when they wanted me to.