New Ministry of Justice language services contracts take effect across courts and tribunals

New Ministry of Justice contracts for language services in courts and tribunals came into effect on Monday 5 October 2026. The announcement was published on the same day by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and the Ministry of Justice.

The contracts cover spoken language interpreting, British Sign Language (BSL), visual and tactile communication, and independent quality assurance. HMCTS says the arrangements are intended to help provide "more consistent, reliable and accessible services" across its courts and tribunals.

According to the announcement, the new contracts bring in several improvements aimed at making the service more resilient and reducing the need for bookings made outside the contracts.

Who will provide the services

The Ministry of Justice awarded the contracts after a procurement process, according to the announcement. The suppliers named are:

• thebigword, the existing supplier, which will continue to provide spoken language services in the first instance.
• Translate UK, which becomes a new additional secondary spoken language supplier.
• Clarion UK, which will continue to provide visual and tactile communication services.
• The Language Shop, which will continue to provide independent quality assurance.

Changes for interpreters

Under the new contracts, interpreters will go through a stronger onboarding process. This includes a mandatory induction to the justice system. HMCTS says the induction is meant to help interpreters understand court procedures and professional expectations, as well as the needs of court and tribunal users.

Interpreters will also be able to opt out of particular types of cases where appropriate. The announcement links this to the demands of working with sensitive or distressing material.

The Language Shop will carry out independent oversight and quality assessments based on risk. HMCTS says this is intended to help identify and resolve issues sooner.

What it means for court users and legal professionals

HMCTS describes the main benefit for people who use its services as fair and effective access to justice. The announcement states that whether someone needs spoken language interpreting, BSL, or visual or tactile communication, they must be able to understand proceedings and to be understood.

The contracts are designed to make that support more consistent across all jurisdictions, according to HMCTS.

The announcement also says improvements to interpreting in person and by video, as well as to other visual and tactile communication, will continue to support effective understanding between users, the judiciary, legal professionals and HMCTS staff. The stated aim is to help people take part fully in their case.

For law firms, the announcement names legal professionals among the groups whose understanding with court users the services are intended to support. It also identifies legal professionals as one of the groups whose feedback shaped the new arrangements.

How feedback shaped the arrangements

HMCTS says feedback from interpreters and legal professionals, as well as from colleagues who use language services, has informed the new arrangements.

By combining that feedback with clearer standards and independent assurance, HMCTS says it will be better placed to deliver a service that is responsive to users and supports hearings to run as planned.

Where to read more

The full announcement is published on the GOV.UK website by HM Courts & Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice. It directs readers to the HMCTS language services page for further information.