Purpose

This report seeks approval for the proposed
procurement strategy and to extend the current Language Services
framework arrangement with Language Line Solutions for a further 12
months, from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026. The current
agreement, commissioned through the Eastern Shires Purchasing
Organisation (ESPO) Language Services Framework (402_24), provides
vital interpretation, translation, and transcription services that
ensure Camden Council's services remain accessible and inclusive
for all residents.
 
The extension will allow continued service
delivery at a fixed tariff while commissioners complete a
comprehensive review of usage across the organisation and prepare a
re­ tendering process for a new contract to commence from April
2026. The procurement team is working in partnership with
commissioners to benchmark available frameworks and carry out early
market engagement to inform the new service design.
 
The service is used widely across Council
departments, particularly by frontline teams such as Homelessness,
Children's Services, and Adult Safeguarding. The current model is
activity-based, with no central budget-costs are met directly by
service teams using the SmartMate booking system. The continuation
of this service is essential to meet the Council's responsibilities
under equalities legislation and ensure clear communication with
residents.

Content

THAT the Director of Health and Wellbeing
agrees the second 12-month agreement with Language Line Solutions
from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026, for the estimated sum of
£200,000 (£400,000 in total for the full 24-month
duration of the contract).