Interpreting, translation and transcription services framework (SP-24-010)
Framework Description
The Scottish Government's Interpreting, Translation and Transcription Services Framework (SP-24-010) is a national multi-lot framework for spoken and sign language services. It started on 13 July 2026 and runs until 12 July 2030. Four lots cover face-to-face interpreting, telephone and video interpreting, translation and transcription, and British and international sign language, with two ranked suppliers in each of the first three lots and a single sign language supplier. This framework is used by Scottish Government and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Frontline and corporate teams across central government, health, councils, police, fire, universities, colleges and the third sector use it to communicate with people who do not speak English or who use sign language, from short-notice interpreting to translated documents. Suppliers are ranked within each lot, with Global Language Services first for face-to-face work and Language Line first for telephone and video.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Face-to-face interpreting, including short-notice and same-day assignments Lot 2: Telephone and video interpreting, including 24/7 on-demand telephone Lot 3: Translation and transcription, including braille and audio or video to text Lot 4: British and international sign language, deafblind interpreting and lipspeakers
Lots
Lot 1 - Face to Face Interpreting Services; Lot 2 - Telephone and Video Conferencing Interpreting; Lot 3 - Translation and Transcription Services (including English to English); Lot 4 - Sign Language - British and International
Who Can Apply
It suits interpreting agencies, translation companies and sign language providers able to cover languages and locations across Scotland. The framework only began in July 2026 and applications are closed, so firms not appointed will need to wait for the re-tender around 2030, or work with appointed contractors as subcontractors or partners.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get competitive rates, pre-agreed terms and dedicated framework management across all four services, so one route covers interpreting, translation and BSL needs. Round-the-clock telephone interpreting and short-notice face-to-face cover support frontline services that cannot wait for a booking, and ranking gives buyers a clear order of call.
Next Steps
Appointed contractors should focus on service levels in the early years, since performance data will shape their standing for the 2030 re-tender. Other providers should approach the ranked contractors about supplying interpreters or specialist languages, build Scottish public sector references through standalone contracts, and plan their response for the next competition well before 12 July 2030.
How Athena Can Help
With the framework just awarded, the near-term opening for most language firms lies outside it. Athena's tender support for language services covers standalone interpreting and translation contracts from bodies across the UK, from bid/no-bid to submission.
For the 2030 re-tender, our full bid lifecycle support builds win themes around language coverage, response times and quality assurance, and a framework calendar for language firms lines up other national and regional frameworks you can join sooner.
