Language Services
Framework Description
Language Services (RM6302) is a PCR 2015 framework, closed to new applications, from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) covering translation, interpreting, transcription and related technology for the public and third sector. All five lots are available across the whole UK. The agreement runs from 7 May 2025 to 6 May 2028, and includes options such as machine translation and automated speech recognition alongside human linguists.
Context & Use Case
Central government and wider public sector buyers use RM6302 for written translation and face-to-face, telephone and video interpreting. Lot 4 supports Deaf and Deafblind communication, and lot 5 covers overseas and UK interpreting. Human linguists can be combined with machine translation or automated speech recognition, and framework suppliers follow GCA's buyer guidance when responding to further competitions.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: National managed language service Lot 2: Translation and support services, including machine and computer-assisted translation Lot 3: Transcription, stenography and recording Lot 4: Visual interpreting, including British Sign Language and braille Lot 5: Overseas and UK interpreting by telephone, video and face to face
Lots
Lot 1: National Managed Service; Lot 2: Translation and Support Services; Lot 3: Transcription, Stenography and Recording Services; Lot 4: Visual Interpreting Services; Lot 5: Overseas and UK Interpreting
Who Can Apply
Membership is fixed until RM6302 is re-tendered, so translation agencies, interpreting providers, BSL specialists and transcription firms not already appointed cannot join before May 2028. Smaller specialists, for example in BSL or rare languages, should plan for the successor or partner with an appointed supplier.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can cover every core language need through one agreement, from a single document translation to a national managed service. Technology options such as machine translation and speech recognition can reduce cost on high volumes, while specialist BSL, braille and Deafblind services help them meet accessibility duties.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should read the buyer guidance on the GCA page for RM6302 and be ready for further competitions. Other providers should track the 6 May 2028 end date and watch GCA's pipeline for market engagement on the successor. Build evidence on linguist vetting, quality assurance and response times now.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps language providers win work through RM6302 and its successor. For appointed suppliers, our further competition support builds win themes on linguist quality, booking fill rates and technology, and models prices that win.
For providers outside the framework, our framework readiness planning sets out the lot to target and the evidence to gather before May 2028. We also help with public sector interpreting tenders run by courts, councils and health bodies.
