Language Services
Framework Description
Language Services (NOE.0583) is NHS North of England's (NOE CPC) framework for interpreting, translation and related support for people who speak, read or communicate in languages other than English. Its nine lots are split by service type and by region, separating London and the South East from all other regions. Applications for this framework are closed, and it runs to 1 January 2028, with a 12-month extension option.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts and other public bodies use it to book face-to-face interpreters for appointments, telephone and video interpreting for urgent conversations, BSL and other non-spoken language support, and written translation of letters and patient information. Managed service lots let a trust route every mode through one provider, while single-mode lots suit narrower needs or a specialist supplier.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Managed Services, all other regions Lot 2: Managed Services, London and South East Lot 3: Face to Face Interpretation, all other regions Lot 4: Face to Face Interpretation, London and South East Lot 5: Telephone Interpretation, all regions Lot 6: Video Interpretation (Spoken), all regions Lot 7: Non-Spoken Language Interpretation, all other regions Lot 8: Non-Spoken Language Interpretation, London and South East Lot 9: Written Translation, Transcription and Ancillary Services, all regions
Lots
Lot 1: Managed Services All other regions This lot covers managed services provided in all regions except London and the South East. Lot 2: Managed Services London and South East regions This lot covers managed services specifically for London and the South East regions. Lot 3: Face to Face Interpretation All other regions This lot includes face-to-face interpretation services available in all regions except London and the South East. Lot 4: Face to Face Interpretation London and South East regions This lot includes face-to-face interpretation services specifically for London and the South East regions. Lot 5: Telephone Interpretation All regions This lot covers telephone interpretation services available across all regions. Lot 6: Video Interpretation (Spoken) All regions This lot provides video interpretation services for spoken languages across all regions. Lot 7: Non-Spoken Language Interpretation All other regions This lot includes interpretation services for non-spoken languages in all regions except London and the South East. Lot 8: Non-Spoken Language Interpretation London and South East regions This lot includes interpretation services for non-spoken languages specifically for London and the South East regions. Lot 9: Written Translation Transcription and Ancillary Services All regions This lot covers written translation, transcription, and ancillary services available across all regions.
Who Can Apply
It suits interpreting and translation agencies, sign language specialists and providers with national telephone or video capacity. Applications for this framework are closed, so new providers cannot join until it is re-tendered, likely around 1 January 2028, or a year later if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Patient safety and consent depend on accurate interpreting, so buyers value providers already assessed for interpreter quality and coverage. Regional lots recognise the different supply market in London and the South East, and the mix of managed and single-mode lots lets trusts choose between one contract and specialist providers.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should prepare for call-offs by evidencing fill rates, interpreter qualifications and booking response times. Other providers should plan for the re-tender: the framework ends on 1 January 2028, with a possible extension to January 2029. Monitor the NOE.0583 page on the NOE CPC site, and decide early which mode and region lots you can credibly cover.
How Athena Can Help
For language providers already on NOE.0583, Athena's competitor analysis and bid writing helps you win trust call-offs by modelling how you score against other agencies on quality, coverage and price.
If you are preparing for the next tender, our framework registration team can match your services to the right mode and region lots and build the evidence base early, while public sector pricing support keeps per-hour and per-minute rates competitive but profitable.
