Translation and Interpreting Services
Framework Description
NEPO512 Translation and Interpreting Services is NEPO's framework for language services for UK public sector bodies. It has six lots covering face-to-face interpreting, telephone or video interpreting, and written or Braille translation, each available as a North East lot and a national lot. It is a standard framework, not a DPS, running to 31 August 2028 with no extension listed.
Context & Use Case
Councils, government agencies, healthcare providers and other public services use NEPO512 to communicate with people who do not speak English well and to provide information in accessible formats. Face-to-face interpreting suits sensitive appointments, telephone and video suits quick or remote needs, and written and Braille translation covers documents and letters. National lots open it to buyers across the UK.
Scope of Services
Lots 1 and 4: Face to Face Interpreting (North East; National) Lots 2 and 5: Telephone or Video Interpreting (North East; National) Lots 3 and 6: Written / Braille Translation (North East; National)
Lots
Lot 1: Face to Face Interpreting - North East; Lot 2: Telephone or Video Interpreting - North East; Lot 3: Written/Braille Translation - North East; Lot 4: Face to Face Interpreting - National; Lot 5: Telephone or Video Interpreting - National; Lot 6: Written/Braille Translation - National
Who Can Apply
Suits translation and interpreting agencies and Braille transcription providers. Applications for NEPO512 are closed, so providers not appointed cannot join until it is re-tendered, likely ahead of 31 August 2028. Providers should plan for that competition now.
Buyer Benefits
Clear communication is essential for fair access to public services. Buyers value vetted linguists, separate lots for each delivery mode to control cost, and Braille translation within the same framework. National lots also let buyers outside the North East use the same agreement and rates.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should keep linguist vetting, booking performance and quality data up to date. Others should plan for the re-tender ahead of August 2028, gathering evidence of linguist qualifications, quality assurance, safeguarding and public sector clients. Decide whether to target North East lots, national lots or both.
How Athena Can Help
NEPO512 is closed to new applications until 2028, so Athena helps language service providers prepare. Our framework search service identifies other translation and interpreting frameworks open now or due to open.
For the re-tender, our bid writing and editing writes responses on linguist quality, safeguarding and booking performance, and our rate and bid advice helps you set rates across face-to-face, remote and written work. A compliance check and a review of your likely score against rival agencies are included before you submit.
