https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-contracts-to-improve-language-services-across-courts-and-tribunals
5
October 2026
New
contracts to improve language services across courts and tribunals
The
contracts cover spoken language interpreting, British Sign Language
(BSL), visual and tactile communication, and independent quality
assurance.
The
Ministry of Justice awarded the contracts following a robust
procurement process. Existing supplier thebigword will continue to
provide spoken language services in the first instance, while
Translate UK becomes a new additional secondary spoken language
supplier. Clarion UK will continue to provide visual and tactile
communication services, and The Language Shop will continue to
provide independent quality assurance.
The
new contracts introduce several improvements designed to make the
service more resilient and reduce the need for off-contract bookings.
Improvements
for interpreters
The
new contracts introduce a stronger onboarding process, including
mandatory induction to the justice system, to help interpreters
understand court procedures, professional expectations and the needs
of court and tribunal users. Interpreters will also be able to opt
out of particular types of cases where appropriate, recognising the
demands of working with sensitive or distressing material.
The
Language Shop will provide independent oversight and risk-based
quality assessments, helping to identify and resolve issues sooner.
What
this means for court and tribunal users
For
people who use HMCTS services, the main benefit is fair and effective
access to justice. Whether someone needs spoken language
interpreting, BSL, or visual or tactile communication, they must be
able to understand proceedings and to be understood. The new
contracts are designed to make that support more consistent across
all jurisdictions.
Improvements
to face-to-face, video interpreting and other visual and tactile
communication will continue to support effective understanding
between users, judiciary, legal professionals and HMCTS staff,
helping people take part fully in their case.
Interpreters,
legal professionals and colleagues who use language services provided
feedback that has informed the new arrangements. By combining that
insight with clearer standards and independent assurance, HMCTS will
be better placed to deliver a service that is responsive to users and
supports hearings to run as planned.
Find
out more on the HMCTS language services page.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/language-services
