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Posted on13 May 2025

Why Translation Isn’t Just About Words: The Systems Behind the Scenes

By Rachel Lambert | rachellambert.biz | Copy & Content | White Papers | Case Studies

Rachel Lambert

Some people unwind with a cup of tea and a good mystery. At Atlas Translations? We reach for process manuals. Fair enough, on the surface it doesn’t sound as fun, but coupled with a good cuppa, it’s just as enjoyable. And, although our evenings might look a little less exciting than they used to, it’s this attention to the systems behind the scenes that lets us deliver translation services you can rely on—every time.

Why this level of dedication? Because when your documents involve legal clauses, personal details, or high-stakes contracts, “good enough” simply isn’t…good enough.

Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!

It’s Not Just About the Words

With organisations and people relying so heavily on translation, it’s only fair that it gets a lot of attention. But the need for excellent translation goes further than words. It’s about what holds those words up to scrutiny and keeps them accountable:

  • Clear, established workflows
  • Proper in-place quality assurance
  • Secure systems behind the scenes to handle sensitive information
  • A team that’s qualified, experienced, and knows how to follow a brief!

That’s why we’ve built our services around recognised standards—not because it looks good on paper, but because it genuinely makes our work stronger.

ISO – The Quality Standard Respected Around the Globe

Let’s talk quality and certification.

Atlas holds two key ISO standards that guide how we work from start to finish:

📌 ISO 9001 – Quality Management

This one’s all about quality management systems.

We don’t get to “make it up as we go.” This is about protecting your personal or business documents.

Every step of your project is part of a defined process, tracked for quality, and designed for consistency and improvement.

📌 ISO 17100 – Translation Services

This is the translation-specific one.

This means that we only work with qualified linguists, every translation is reviewed by a second professional, and nothing goes out the door without our quality checks being passed.

For you, that means:

  • Your translations are done by professionals, not dabblers
  • Projects are thoroughly reviewed and checked, not rushed
  • You get consistent high-quality every time

Cyber Essentials: Safety First (And Always)

We’re certified under the UK government’s Cyber Essentials scheme to help protect client data—secure systems behind the scenes, encrypted storage, and responsible data handling—so your sensitive information stays protected at every stage.

It’s not just a badge—it’s proof that we take data protection seriously.

In plain terms:

  • Secure file sharing and encrypted storage
  • Controlled access to your content
  • Up-to-date systems and internal training
  • A hard “no” to risky shortcuts or unsecured inboxes

From the bedroom to the boardroom, we treat your content like classified information!

No Cafés, No Chaos: What ‘Proper Systems’ Look Like

There’s a charming, somewhat rose-coloured image of freelancers working from bustling cafés, balancing lattes and laptops. The reality is using the free wifi at your local ‘Bucks is a recipe for cyber disaster. So, when your business and reputation is on the line, charm needs to take a back seat to secure systems behind the scenes.

Here’s what we bring instead:

  • Vetted professionals with sector expertise
  • Consistent workflows and clear communication
  • Tools that track deadlines, revisions, and file versions
  • A dedicated team who knows what they’re doing—and who’s doing what

It’s the kind of calm, organised system that makes last-minute surprises feel like a thing of the past.

Bonus Perk: We’re Actually Quite Nice

Systems are essential. But, to Atlas Translations, so are people.

We keep things professional, but friendly. Structured, but accommodating. Efficient, but human.

You won’t get lost in an endless loop of contact forms or faceless email chains. You’ll work with someone who knows your name, understands your project, and wants to help.

And who probably also likes biscuits…just sayin’ 😎

It’s a Wrap!

At Atlas, we don’t just translate—we also take care of everything around the translation.

That means making sure the systems behind the scenes are up to scratch—certified systems, secure handling, professional linguists, and a lovely-jubbly team to work with 🥰.

Because we believe that you shouldn’t need to click “Opt in” for stellar service and peace of mind.

Contact Us

We’d love for you to contact Atlas Translations! We’re always here for a chat or to answer questions!

Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!

The A-Team (l to r: Jim, Steffi, Clare, Rhys, Joanna, and Anna—not shown is our Amy)

If you’d like to meet us face to face, learn more about our translation and language services, or deliver documents, please email or call us ahead of time to arrange a meeting.

Use the Live Chat option during UK working hours to ask us any questions. You’ll chat with a real, live human—we’re a bot-free zone! Just click the little icon at the bottom right of your screen to start chatting with us.

If you need a quick quote, we have a handy Get a quote button located at the top of our website where you can get an estimate for your needs.

Can I Trust Atlas Translations?

Yes, you can! But if you’re after something a little more concrete, here’s some info:

Atlas Translations holds two ISO certifications — ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100:2017 (Translation Services).

If the project is highly confidential, we can sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for added peace of mind.

Are you wondering if we’re up to date on privacy? We registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over 20 years ago and have always placed a high importance on data protection.

You can read more about our commitment to quality here.

Atlas Translations prides itself on providing fast, friendly, and high-quality language services. But don’t just take our word for it—see what our clients are saying about us.

We’re also on TrustPilot, and you can read our reviews here.

Global Voice, Local Touch

If you’re looking for some top tips for partnering with Atlas Translations, we have some top tips to share! We answer 25 of our clients’ most frequently asked questions, ranging from typesetting queries to discussing reference materials.

Click to download Global Voice, Local Touch

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.
Logo

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 everyday 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.

The Fair Payment Code (FPC) sets standards for best payment practices and is administered by the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Gold Award is awarded to those paying at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days.

Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed certification scheme that helps protect organisations’ and customers’ data from cyber attacks. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends Cyber Essentials as the minimum cybersecurity standard for all organisations.