Language Services
Framework Description
Language Services (reference 402_24) is an ESPO framework run with YPO for interpretation, translation and transcription. It runs from 9 July 2024 to 8 July 2028 with no extension. Its 29 lots cover a managed service, face-to-face spoken and non-spoken interpretation in 12 UK regions, remote telephone and video interpretation, and translation and transcription. Procured under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, it is now closed to new applications.
Context & Use Case
Councils, NHS bodies, police, schools and other public services use it to communicate with people who do not speak English or who use sign language. They can take a managed service covering all needs or buy face-to-face, remote or translation services separately. Work can be placed by direct award or through further competition.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Managed Service for Language Services Lots 2.1-2.12: Face-to-face spoken interpretation, by region Lots 3.1-3.12: Face-to-face non-spoken interpretation, by region Lot 4a: Remote Interpretation - Telephone Lot 4b: Remote Interpretation - Video (Spoken) Lot 4c: Remote Interpretation - Video (Non-Spoken) Lot 5: Translation, Transcription and Additional Services
Lots
Lot 1 Managed Service for Language Services; Lot 2.1 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-North East; Lot 2.2 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-North West; Lot 2.3 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-Yorkshire & Humber; Lot 2.4 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-East Midlands; Lot 2.5 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-West Midlands; Lot 2.6 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-East of England; Lot 2.7 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-London; Lot 2.8 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-South East; Lot 2.9 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-South West; Lot 2.10 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-Scotland; Lot 2.11 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-Northern Ireland; Lot 2.12 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Spoken-Wales; Lot 3.1 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-North East; Lot 3.2 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-North West; Lot 3.3 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-Yorkshire & Humber; Lot 3.4 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-East Midlands; Lot 3.5 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-West Midlands; Lot 3.6 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-East of England; Lot 3.7 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-London; Lot 3.8 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-South East; Lot 3.9 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-South West; Lot 3.10 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-Scotland; Lot 3.11 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-Northern Ireland; Lot 3.12 Face to Face Interpretation Services-Non-Spoken-Wales; Lot 4a Remote Interpretation Services - Telephone; Lot 4b Remote Interpretation Services - Video (Spoken); Lot 4c Remote Interpretation Services - Video (Non-Spoken); Lot 5 Translation, Transcription And Additional Services
Who Can Apply
Suits language service providers, interpreting agencies, BSL interpreting providers and translation companies. Applications for this framework are closed, so providers not appointed cannot join until ESPO and YPO re-tender it, around 8 July 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers reach qualified interpreters quickly, including at short notice, without their own tender. Regional face-to-face lots support local supply, while remote telephone and video lots cover needs that do not require an interpreter in the room. Buyers value interpreter qualifications, safeguarding, language coverage, fast booking and good management information on use and spend.
Next Steps
Read the 402_24 page on ESPO's website for appointed providers by lot. If appointed, prepare for further competitions and make sure buyers in your regions know your coverage. Non-appointed suppliers should plan for the re-tender ahead of 8 July 2028 with interpreter vetting, quality controls and public sector references.
How Athena Can Help
Language services lots are numerous, so choosing where to compete matters. If you are on 402_24, Athena's interpreting bid support can help you win further competitions with win themes around quality and coverage. If you are not, our framework lot planning will plan lots and evidence for the re-tender. Our per-minute pricing advice helps price interpretation by the hour or minute so you win without losing margin, and covers social value commitments that public buyers score.
