Scope
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.
Total value (estimated)
- £850,000 excluding VAT
- £1,020,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79530000 - Translation services
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Engagement
Engagement deadline
5 September 2025
Engagement process description
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
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 October 2025
Contracting authority
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
- NHS Organisation Data Service: RQF
Woodland House, Maes-y-Coed Road
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Lily Prance
Telephone: 02921500642
Email: lily.prance@wales.nhs.uk
Website: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales