NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has unveiled the latest version of its ‘Translation and Interpretation Services' framework agreement, designed to support the NHS and wider public sector to communicate clearly with citizens and patients with specific language and communication requirements.

‘Clear communication is the foundation of effective public service,' said Victoria Zhao, principal category manager – Business Services, at NHS SBS.

‘From healthcare and housing to education and emergency response, language support helps frontline teams deliver services with confidence, accuracy and respect for every individual.'

The contract offers a full range of solutions, comprising face-to-face spoken language support, British Sign Language, telephone and video interpretation and document translation.

Zhao added: ‘Our framework agreement gives users the flexibility to select interpreters who best meet their needs, be it based on language, dialect, cultural understanding or sector experience.

‘This choice ensures services are tailored to the context of each interaction, whether clinical, legal or community based, supporting clearer communication, higher satisfaction and better outcomes for service users.'