Supplier FAQs

Useful information for freelance translators and linguists wanting to work with Atlas Translations.
Prior to applying with us, we ask that you read all the advice below for working with us.

For the link to our application form, potential freelance translators and interpreters (i.e. suppliers) need to go to the Work With Us Freelance page. Before then, please read through to the end of this page where we hope our Supplier FAQs and downloadable Top Tips for Freelancers will help answer some questions up front!

question mark on an image of the globe to show supplier faqs

Please note that we do not accept unsolicited CVs by email – unless they are accompanied by a stunning, personalised cover note!

If you’d really like to work with us, you must contact us first and make a good first impression. We’ll be doing the same with you, so don’t think it’s a one-way street 😎

At this point, we can also let you know if we are looking for translators working in your languages and take it from there.

If the below Supplier FAQs and downloadable Top Tips for Freelance Suppliers aren’t able to answer your questions, please call us on 01727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk and we’ll be happy to chat.

A downloadable PDF that includes tips, tricks, and advice on how to be a successful freelance supplier with Atlas Translations! Covers need-to-know topics such as how to break into the industry, finding work, responding to potential clients, invoicing info and much more 🎉

Click to download Top Tips for Freelance Suppliers

We are always looking for those with the right skills to join our friendly team. Some languages are in more demand than others, so it’s always worth ringing us – or getting in touch using the livechat – so we can discuss your language pairing.

Translators who take part in translation projects under ISO 17100:2017 must demonstrate the professional competencies specified in the standard by meeting at least one of the three requirements below:

  • Advanced translation studies (recognised qualification) plus a minimum of two years of
    documented experience in translation
  • Equivalent qualification in another specialisation plus a minimum of three years’ documented experience in translation
  • At least five years’ of documented professional experience in translation.

In order to receive the password, you’ll need to get in touch with us first so that we can have a chat about your experience, specialisms, language pairing and rates. We believe transparent communication from day one helps us to build and maintain strong relationships with our suppliers and produce high-quality results every time.

Where possible, we like to be able to pay your going rate, which will naturally vary from person to person, and language to language. The best thing is to have a chat with us first to see if we align with one another.

Here are some tips to help you when applying:

    • Have your CV to hand to copy and paste relevant information
    • Give as much information as possible to make it easier to find you in our database when a suitable project could be assigned to you
    • Make a note of your password so you can log in at any time to update your record
    • Set your own rates – per 1000 source words for translation – but if you do not have a half-day / full-day rate, please just put a ‘0’ in that field
    • Supply details of three recent examples of relevant work – how many words, client name, date work carried out
    • Provide three (3) references and their full contact details (including email address) – we need at least two (2) out of the three (3) to respond positively before we can move ahead with your application
    • Only click on the relevant buttons while completing the application; if you hit the ‘enter’ key on your keyboard, you will be taken back to the start screen
    • You will not be able to submit your application unless every mandatory question has been answered and your CV has been uploaded
    • Incomplete applications will be rejected
    • When you have finished, REMEMBER TO PRESS SUBMIT

 

We hope to work together in the future. You are welcome to contact us and confirm that we have received your completed application, but please do not expect an update or offer of work at that time. Don’t forget that we have to collect your references before we can offer you an assignment.

However, if you have not heard from us within three weeks of submitting your application, you should definitely contact us for an update.

Meanwhile, we invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and read our latest blogs. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram 😃

The translator did an impeccable job. The translation notes were not only helpful but showed a tremendous dedication to the task and outstanding professionalism all around. A very special thank you to Atlas.

Sistemas Congnitivos (SISCOG)

I was particularly impressed with the speed in which you turned the work around, and the quality of the work was excellent. Many thanks. It was a pleasure working with you.

Snell & Wilcox

Atlas have been translating (policy documents) for us into several languages since 2004. They are friendly and efficient and have always provided accurate and cost-effective translations well within the agreed deadlines.

Oxford Policy Management

Atlas provided another high-quality French translation of one of our policy briefs. They respond quickly to our needs and delivered a document that we were confident to send straight to printing and distribution. We’re happy to include Atlas as one of our trusted partners.

Future Agricultures Consortium

What an excellent and prompt service! Thank you very much for the extremely fast turnaround and efficient service.

Scottish Prison Service

ISO 17100 – ISO 17100:2017 for Translation Services (since this standard began, in 2008, externally audited annually).
Mindful employer

Mindful Employer Plus – As a Charter member, our team have access to an Employee Assistance Program with 24/7/365 support, as we work toward achieving better mental health at work.
Federation of Small Businesses and the Self-Employed

A proud member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), a dynamic and inclusive not-for-profit membership organisation. FSB is dedicated to supporting and empowering small businesses across the UK and is committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and succeed.

Atlas Translations has been accredited by the Fair Tax Foundation since February 2024. The Fair Tax Foundation is a not-for-profit social enterprise developed by a team of tax justice, corporate responsibility, and ethical consumer experts. It was launched in 2014.

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2004. Go to https://ico.org.uk/ for more information.

We hold a full membership in the Association of British HealthTech Industries. The ABHI supports the HealthTech community by providing products and services that help people live healthier lives. As the voice of the industry, we show the value of health technology and overcome barriers to people benefitting from it now and in the future.

Certified since 2003, externally audited annually. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), applicable across all sectors. ISO 9001 provides a framework to respond to changing quality requirements in line with changing demands across society, economics and the environment.
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Disability Confident Committed is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers like ourselves to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being a DCC employer is a unique opportunity to lead the way in our community and show that we’re a disability inclusive employer.

Corporate membership of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) since 1994. Corporate Member of the Year 2021. ITI is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector.

CIEP: We’ve held Corporate membership Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading since 1993. CIEP are an international membership organisation that offers training and community for editorial professionals (copy editors and proofreaders) while helping members develop business confidence.

ATC: We hold full membership with the Association of Translation Companies, a trade association representing the interests of language service companies in the UK and internationally. It is the leading voice for companies operating in the UK’s language services industry.

Living Wage Employer: As a living wage employer, we believe our staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs. The Living Wage Foundation has a mission to encourage employers to play their part in tackling in-work and post-work poverty and provide a decent standard of living by paying the real Living Wage, adopting Living Hours and Living Pensions as well as wider good employment practices.
4-day week

Proudly a 4-Day Week Employer since 2019. Amongst other items, the 4-Day Week initiative calls for a reduction to the maximum working week from 48 hours per week to 32 hours per week by 2030.

 
GBC_Accredited_Logo

A member of the Good Business Charter since 2022. The GBC is a simple accreditation that organisations of all sizes in the UK can apply for in recognition of responsible business practices.
PIF

We’re a proud member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF), a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. PIF promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals.