This article presents the results of a self-perception study carried out amongst public service interpreters in Andalusia, southern Spain. The interpreters involved work in different settings including hospitals, social services, emergency services, education, police and courts. The aim of the study was to explore the interpreters’ perception of their role in the interpreted encounter, the limits of that role and their views with regard to such issues as the addition and omission of information, and the explanation of cultural references and specialized terminology, amongst others. The methodology used is based on questionnaires and structured interviews, similar to that used in previous studies carried out by members of the GRETI research group.