Using a BlueLight Commercial framework is a ready-made solution, saving both time and money as we have already carried out due diligence and supplier negotiation. This means customers get best value through our centralised buying power and can be reassured all suppliers, and products, will comply with required legislative and technical standards. Rigorous operational testing has been carried out to enable customers to buy with confidence.

We maintain the strategic relationships with suppliers, whilst the customer maintains control of operational contract management. We will oversee the implementation and onboarding of the contract, act as a single point of contact and provide an escalation route for any performance issues.

 

Police Approved Interpreters and Translators (PAIT)

The introduction of the PAIT Scheme and Register in 2021, was primarily led by Leicestershire Police. The scheme determined the expected level of vetting, experience and qualifications that an individual must possess in order to qualify to be on the PAIT register. For the current PAIT requirements please see click here. 

The administration of the PAIT scheme was passed over to BlueLight Commercial in 2024, when the Language Services DPS Framework was novated to them. BlueLight Commercial do not engage directly with any application from individuals to join the PAIT Scheme. The Language Service Providers on the national framework deal with applicants and guide them through the different stages. They will then approach BlueLight Commercial to have suitable applicants added to the PAIT Register.

The PAIT Scheme does allow for individuals to be used who don’t fulfil all of the requirements outlined on the PAIT Table (see above). This is generally when an assignment cannot be fulfilled by person from the PAIT register. The particular Police Force that needs the interpreting or translating work to be carried out will then make a decision based on the information provided by their Language Service Provider. If they decide to proceed with the person who is not PAIT registered, then approval has to be given by a Police Officer of at least the rank of Inspector.

 

Scope of contract

This is a 7 year Dynamic Purchasing Solution (DPS) bespoke for the UK Police Service, covering Face to Face, Translation, Telephone, British Sign Language (BSL), Remote Interpreting and has a managed service option for all requirements under one solution. 

As part of the framework development, a  new system called PAIT has been launched. The PAIT system seeks to provide a national database, supported by the regulation of interpreters and translators for all the police services of England and Wales. ​ 

It provides consistency across the UK in the regulation of those interpreters and translators who undertake work for police services. PAIT provides a layer of reassurance that those assisting the police with investigations or collecting evidence from limited or non-English speakers by stating the qualifications, vetting and experience required​.

 

Contract details

Contract title:       DPS Agreement for the Provision of Language Services 

Contract term:     14/09/2020 to 15/09/2027

Review Date:         September 2027    

 

Supplier Details

There are 6 overarching Lots on the Police DPS for Language Services. The suppliers that have qualified for each Lot are detailed below together with those suppliers that have also qualified for Regional Lots under Lot 1 Face to Face, Lot 2 Translation/Transcription, Lot 4 BSL and Lot 6 Managed service.   

 

Lot 1: Face to Face	Lot 2: Translation and Transcription	Lot 3: Telephone
Cintra DA Languages (Dals) thebigword Language Line Global Language Solutions	Cintra DA Languages (Dals) thebigword Language Line Global Language Solutions	thebigword DA Languages (Dals) Language Line
Lot 4: British Sign Language (BSL)	Lot 5: Video / Remote	Lot 6: Managed Service
thebigword DA Languages (Dals)	Evidential video / remote No suppliers qualified for this lot Non-evidential video / remote Language Line thebigword Language Line	Cintra DA Languages (Dals) thebigword Language Line

 

 

Lot 1: Face to Face	North East	North West	Yorkshire and The Humber	Midlands	East	South East	South West	London	Wales	Scotland	GB
thebigword	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
DA Languages (Dals)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Global										✔
Cintra				✔	✔		✔
Language Line	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

 

Lot 2: Translation / Transcription	North East	North West	Yorkshire and The Humber	Midlands	East	South East	South West	London	Wales	Scotland	GB
thebigword	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
DA Languages (Dals)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Global										✔
Cintra				✔	✔	✔	✔
Language Line		✔	✔	✔		✔					✔

 

Lot 4: BSL	North East	North West	Yorkshire and The Humber	Midlands	East	South East	South West	London	Wales	Scotland	GB
thebigword	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
DA Languages (Dals)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔

 

Lot 6: Managed Services	North East	North West	Yorkshire and The Humber	Midlands	East	South East	South West	London	Wales	Scotland	GB
thebigword	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
DA Languages (Dals)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
Cintra				✔	✔		✔			✔
Language Line	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

 

Access the framework

For more information and to access the framework contact PAIT@bluelight.police.uk.

 

Useful Links

For more information on the Non Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Scheme: Police National Vetting Service | Warwickshire Police

College of Policing Published Guidance of the use of interpreters:

Using language services

Working-with-an-interpreter

Briefing_the_interviewee_aide_memoire

Roy Towler Senior Contract Manager  Click here to send email

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