The Ministry of Justice has introduced new language service contracts for courts and tribunals across England and Wales, aimed at delivering more reliable and consistent support for non-English speakers and deaf court users. The arrangements came into effect on Monday 5 October 2026.
According to a government announcement, the contracts cover spoken language interpreting, British Sign Language (BSL), visual and tactile communication, and independent quality assurance across HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Thebigword, the existing supplier, will continue as the primary provider of spoken language services, while Translate UK has been brought on board as an additional secondary supplier. Clarion UK will continue delivering visual and tactile communication services, and The Language Shop will maintain its role in independent quality assurance.
Stronger training and onboarding
The new arrangements introduce several changes designed to improve service resilience and reduce reliance on off-contract bookings, which have been a recurring problem in the court system.
One of the key improvements is a stronger onboarding process. All interpreters will now be required to complete a mandatory induction covering the justice system, court procedures, professional expectations and the needs of court and tribunal users. The aim is to ensure interpreters are better prepared for the demands of legal work.
The contracts also recognise the emotional toll of certain cases. Interpreters will be permitted to opt out of particular types of cases where appropriate, acknowledging the challenges of working with sensitive or distressing material.
The Language Shop will provide independent oversight and conduct risk-based quality assessments, with the goal of identifying and resolving issues more quickly than under previous arrangements.
Focus on access to justice
The Ministry of Justice said the primary benefit for court users is fair and effective access to justice. Whether someone requires spoken language interpreting, BSL or visual and tactile communication, they must be able to understand proceedings and make themselves understood.
The new contracts are designed to make that support more consistent across all jurisdictions, including criminal, civil, family and tribunal hearings. Improvements to face-to-face and video interpreting services are intended to support better understanding between users, the judiciary, legal professionals and HMCTS staff.
The government said the new arrangements were informed by feedback from interpreters, legal professionals and colleagues who use language services. By combining that insight with clearer standards and independent assurance, HMCTS aims to deliver a service that is more responsive to users and helps hearings run as planned.
What this means for Poles in the UK
If you are involved in a court or tribunal case and need an interpreter, these changes are intended to improve the quality and reliability of the service you receive. Whether you need a Polish interpreter for a criminal trial, family court hearing, immigration tribunal or civil dispute, the new contracts introduce stronger training and quality checks.
You should still request an interpreter as early as possible when a hearing is scheduled. The service is free for court and tribunal users who need it. If you believe the interpreter provided is not competent or professional, you have the right to raise concerns with the court or tribunal staff on the day.
For Poles working as interpreters in the legal system, the new contracts mean mandatory induction training and clearer professional standards. You will also have the option to opt out of particularly distressing cases. More information is available on the HMCTS language services page on GOV.UK.
