Planning

Translation and Interpretation Services

NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Aug 2025 at 08:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, is in the planning stage of a procurement process focused on Translation and Interpretation Services. The project's intent is to engage suppliers capable of delivering multi-language services on a 24/7 basis, operating across modalities including face-to-face, telephone, and digital platforms. This procurement activity is primarily aimed at addressing service demands for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, located in Cardiff, UK. The industry category falls under translation services, with the CPV code 79530000. Interested suppliers are encouraged to engage in pre-market sessions and register their interest by the due date of 5th September 2025. The main procurement category is services worth an estimated gross value of £1,020,000, with a portion amounting to £850,000. The subsequent communication phase is anticipated by 1st October 2025.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in language services, particularly those offering innovative technology solutions like AI-powered translation tools and digital delivery platforms. Suitable candidates might include SMEs and VCSEs that demonstrate capabilities in flexible pricing structures and strong quality assurance frameworks. Businesses with experience in public sector or healthcare settings may find themselves well-positioned to compete, especially if they can ensure compliance with NHS standards and GDPR. The procurement process allows suppliers to showcase their operational strengths and explore collaborative models to meet evolving demands, offering potential new avenues for expansion into public sector contracts.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Translation and Interpretation Services

Notice Description

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) is seeking to engage with suppliers ahead of a planned procurement exercise for the provision of multi-language translation and interpretation services, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Health Board currently utilises the Wales Interpretation and Translation Service (WITS) under a collaborative public sector contract. However, due to increased demand and evolving service needs, the Health Board intends to explore alternative and innovative service delivery models that ensure value for money, flexibility, and high-quality patient-centred care. We are particularly interested in engaging with suppliers who can offer: * 24/7 availability across all modalities (face-to-face, telephone, video, BSL, and written translation) * Digital delivery platforms with real-time scheduling and feedback * Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) and Machine Translation (MT) capabilities * AI-powered translation tools for non-clinical communications * Flexible pricing structures, including tiered or prorated billing for short-duration appointments * Transparent subcontracting arrangements and robust quality assurance mechanisms This Notice is issued to invite expressions of interest and facilitate pre-market engagement sessions to assess supplier readiness, innovation, and alignment with NHS standards and GDPR compliance. Interested suppliers are encouraged to register their interest and provide a brief overview of their capabilities, including: * Service coverage and operational hours * Technology integration and innovation * Experience in public sector or healthcare settings * Quality assurance and performance monitoring frameworks Deadline for expressions of interest: 5th September 2025 Contact for submissions and queries: - Lowri Crossman, Procurement Business Officer - Lily Prance, Procurement Business Manager This notice does not constitute a call for competition but aims to inform the market of a potential future procurement and gather insights to shape the specification and approach.

Planning Information

Interested suppliers are encouraged to register their interest and provide a brief overview of their capabilities, including: • Service coverage and operational hours • Technology integration and innovation • Experience in public sector or healthcare settings • Quality assurance and performance monitoring frameworks Contact for submissions and queries: - Lowri Crossman, Procurement Business Officer - Lily Prance, Procurement Business Manager

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058af5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050031-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79530000 - Translation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£850,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)
Contact Name
Lily Prance
Contact Email
lily.prance@wales.nhs.uk
Contact Phone
02921500642

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF14 3UZ
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Gabalfa
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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