Work with Us Freelance!

If you would like to apply to work with us as a Freelance supplier, please read the below information carefully and follow the instructions.

Updated April 28th 2025:

Applications to work with us as a freelance supplier are now open! We’ll be accepting applications from 9:00am (BST) on Monday 28th April 2025 to 5:00pm (BST) on Friday 9th May 2025.

Please note, we are NOT accepting applications for the following language combinations (both from and into English)

  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • Arabic

We’re very sorry to disappoint, but simply put, we already have enough specialists in our network for these languages. We don’t feel it’s fair to onboard more people when we are already well-resourced.

Specialism Shout Out:

  • Medical
  • Legal

We are always on the lookout for individuals with this particular expertise. If this is you, please highlight it in the subject line of your email and/or application.

1. Now that you’ve read the above, please read this part next!

⬇️ This part is super important!! ⬇️

If you really want to work as a freelancer with Atlas, you’ll need to contact us first and make a good first impression. Why, I hear you ask? Well, during this initial contact, we’ll answer your questions, determine what languages and skills you offer, and let you know if we have a need for them.

Don’t worry; this won’t be a one-way street. We’ll be doing our best to make a great first impression with you as well 😊

You can contact us by any of the following:

  • Emailing Amy at amy@atlas-translations.co.uk
    • As you can imagine, she’ll get a LOT of emails, so please be patient
    • Now is the time to personalise your email/application and stand out from the crowd
  • Phoning us on 01727 812725
  • Chatting with us during UK office hours via our Live Chat function on our website

2. What Qualifications Do You Need

If you would like to apply, you will need to have at least one of the following:

  • A recognised qualification in advanced translation studies and at least two years’ documented relevant experience; or,
  • An equivalent qualification and at least three years’ documented relevant experience; or,
  • Five years or more of documented relevant professional experience.

3. Your Application—Please Read This Carefully 👀

Contact Us First!!

Did we mention that you should contact us first before doing anything else? We cannot stress this first step enough.

Atlas Translations receives a large number of applications, so it is vital you contact us BEFORE you try to go any further in the application process.

We can discuss your languages, subject areas, and rates and give you a realistic indication of the likelihood of us working together.

If everything looks good for both sides, we will give you a password to access the application form.

4. What Should You Do Next?

At this point in the process, we’ll have determined that working together will be a good fit, and we’ve given you the password to complete the application, so now:

  • Click on the bright green “Begin Application” button below.
  • Verify that you understand the requirements by reading and ticking the six (6) boxes.
    • We recommend that you print a copy or save the “Terms and Conditions plus the Non-Disclosure Agreement” along with the “Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation Tools (MTT) Policy” documents.
  • Click on “Continue”
  • Enter the password you have been given.
  • Click “Submit”
  • This will take you to the application form.
  • Review the “How To Get Our Attention” section below while completing your application 😎

We want you to know that our translation services are ISO-certified. So, all job applicants must use the same application process. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation regarding this requirement.

Assuming you have all your information ready, we recommend allowing at least 15 minutes to complete the form.

5. How To Get Our Attention

Okay, so you’ve contacted us, and both sides have decided this could be a good fit. We’ve given you the password to complete the application. Now, you get to use your personality and shine bright like a diamond! 💎

  • We encourage applications with a personal touch. Generic, uninformed, and just plain rude (yes, it happens ☹️) applications won’t help at this stage.
  • You should also complete the application as accurately and thoroughly as possible to include three (3) referees*, your CV/resumé, and your rates.
  • We’ll also ignore mass emails and applications (where we’ve been cc’ed with 100 other translation agencies!). We want to feel special, too!

*We ask for three referees as we need a minimum of two responses to move forward with your application. So, if we ask for three, at least two people will usually respond. This way, we can complete the application process quickly.

6. Stay in Contact and Keep Us Updated

After you’ve completed your application and submitted it to us, you are welcome to check that we’ve received it and that we have everything we need to process it.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack from Atlas Translations.

After that, we recommend you stay in touch with us:

Why Work With Us?

You came here for a reason, but we also want to tell you about why our freelance suppliers enjoy working with us:

  • Most importantly…
    • You’re a person, not a number, and we treat our suppliers well. We pay your invoices promptly and always deal with queries quickly. Currently, we average less than 7 days to pay our suppliers; payments are now made at least twice weekly rather than monthly.
  • Opportunity Knocks!
    • Atlas Translations has been a leader in language services since 1991. We also offer support services such as localisation, proofreading, design and typesetting work, voice-over artists, and transcreation.
  • Networking
    • You’re very welcome to attend one of our Open Days for translators and suppliers, even if it’s just to have a chat about starting your career using your language skills.
      • All our events are free to attend and are held in St Albans – though we do also travel around and held open days in Edinburgh (September 2024) and Exeter (January 2025). Bath is likely to be following soon!
      • The next one will be on TO BE DETERMINED so be sure to keep an eye on our website for details!

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

Scottish Prison Service

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

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 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.