Provision of Professional Interpreting and Translation Services

Tender description

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (the “Contracting Authority”), acting through its wholly owned subsidiary King’s Facilities Management (KFM), invites suitably qualified and experienced providers to participate in a Competitive Flexible Procedure for the Provision of Interpretation and Translation Services across all King’s sites, including King’s College Hospital (Denmark Hill), Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington Hospital, Beckenham Beacon, Queen Mary’s Sidcup, and associated community locations. The Trust serves a highly diverse population, representing over 120 languages, and seeks to procure a comprehensive, responsive, and technology-enabled language support service to ensure equitable access to healthcare. The service will include: Face-to-face, telephone, video, and AI-assisted interpretation (including British Sign Language and non-spoken communication support). Translation services for clinical and non-clinical documents in multiple formats, with appropriate human verification of AI-assisted outputs. Real-time digital booking and reporting systems, capable of integration with NHS systems and compliant with NHS Information Governance and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. Performance monitoring against defined KPIs, including minimum 95–98% fill rates, rapid response to urgent requests, and at least 90% patient satisfaction. The service aims to deliver cost-effective, high-quality, and inclusive communication support aligned with the Trust’s equality, diversity, and digital transformation objectives. Providers will be expected to demonstrate innovation, use of AI and automation responsibly, and capacity to deliver across a multi-site NHS environment. This opportunity will follow a multi-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. Stage 1 and 2 will involve assessment of Supplier Information Questionnaires (SIQs) and tender submission. Upon evaluation, shortlisted suppliers will be invited to demonstration, negotiation and BAFO - Stage 3.