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Language Interpretation and Translation Services

West Sussex County Council

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

14 Sep 2026 at 15:17

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

28 Apr 2026 at 15:32

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

28 Apr 2026 at 15:08

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

West Sussex County Council procured a comprehensive language interpretation and translation service for its public services. The requirement covers 24/7 on-demand telephone interpreting, pre-booked telephone and spoken-language video interpreting, non-spoken-language video interpreting including British Sign Language, and face-to-face spoken and BSL interpreting. It also includes written translation, typesetting that preserves the source format, Easy Read and Braille services. Additional requested services can include subtitled BSL video, transcription, audio-to-text, text-to-audio and Deaf Relay Interpreters. The work is delivered for the Council, including in-person assignments at locations where remote interpreting is unsuitable. The main category is language interpretation and translation services.

This completed direct award selected MIGRANT HELP TRADING LIMITED trading as CLEAR VOICE. The award was made on 28 April 2026, following a standstill period ending 8 May 2026. The award value is £950,000 excluding VAT and £1,140,000 including VAT. The awarded contract period runs from 22 May 2026 to 31 December 2027; the signed contract runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 December 2027. The Council justified the direct award on the supplier’s demonstrated service levels, language coverage and responsiveness, together with value for money, continuity for vulnerable service users and reduced transition risk. There was one completed lot, identified as suitable for SMEs. The contract is above the relevant threshold.

This procurement shows demand for a single provider able to combine rapid-response and scheduled interpreting across telephone, video and face-to-face channels, including spoken languages, British Sign Language and other non-spoken communication. A credible future competitor would need broad language coverage, dependable 24/7 responsiveness and the operational capacity to allocate interpreters close to assignment locations. Written translation capability is also central, including suitably qualified and experienced linguist project managers, accurate and idiomatic output, document typesetting and accessible formats such as Easy Read and Braille. Relevant additional capability includes transcription, audio conversion, subtitled BSL video and Deaf Relay Interpreters. The requirement suits an SME with integrated interpreting, translation, accessibility and quality-management resources.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Language Interpretation and Translation Services

Notice Description

Description The Service Provider shall provide the following Language Services to the Council during the Contract Period 01/01/2026 - 31/01/2027: 1. On Demand Telephone Interpreting (24/7/365): On demand telephone interpreting to provide immediate access to language support whenever required by the Council. 2. Pre Booked Telephone Interpreting: Telephone interpreting arranged in advance in accordance with the Council's requirements. 3. Pre Booked Video Interpreting (spoken): Video interpreting for spoken languages, delivered on a platform that meets the Council's operational needs. 4. Pre Booked Video Interpreting (non spoken): Video interpreting for non spoken languages, including British Sign Language and related communication methods. 5. Face to Face Interpreting (spoken and BSL): In person interpreting for circumstances where remote interpreting is unsuitable. The Service Provider shall allocate the closest available Interpreter to the assignment location to minimise travel time and expenses. 6. Translation Services: The Service Provider shall deliver written translations in all forms requested by the Council. Translations shall be completed to a high standard, ensuring accurate rendering of the content and intent of the source document, with appropriate idiomatic style and nuance. Translation work will be managed by suitably qualified and experienced linguist Project Managers. 7. Typesetting: The Service Provider shall deliver completed translations in the same format as the original source document, provided that the Council supplies all original source files, including links and fonts. 8. Easy Read Services 9. Braille Services 10. On Demand Video: To be made available once launched by the Service Provider. Pricing and operational details shall be confirmed by the Service Provider and agreed through the Change Control Procedure where appropriate. 11. Additional Services available on request: The Service Provider may also provide BSL video with subtitles, transcription, audio to text services, text to audio services, and Deaf Relay Interpreters when requested by the Council.

Procurement Information

Clear Voice has demonstrated the ability to provide the required service levels, language coverage and responsiveness required by the Authority. The direct award represents value for money, supports continuity of service for vulnerable service users and avoids operational risks associated with transitioning to an alternative provider.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068d0d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086978-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79530000 - Translation services

79540000 - Interpretation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£950,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
£950,000 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Sep 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Apr 20266 months ago
Contract Period
1 Sep 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
West Sussex County Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CHICHESTER
Postcode
PO19 1RQ
Postcode Area
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ27 West Sussex (South West)
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Chichester
Electoral Ward
Chichester Central
Westminster Constituency
Chichester

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Migrant Help Trading Limited

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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