The language desk

Choosing a translation partner: test the handover, too.

A useful partner delivers language work your team can confidently pass on. Evaluate the communication and production process alongside the translation sample.

Define where your team needs support

The right partner for occasional overflow may differ from the right partner for weekly video scripts or multilingual courses. Describe the content, languages, volumes and deadlines that recur in your business.

List the tasks you will keep: client communication, design, subject approval, platform integration or final quality assurance. Then specify what the language partner needs to deliver into that process.

Clarify the relationship before sharing client material

Discuss confidentiality and the conditions under which client names and files can be shared. Agree whether the partner communicates only with your team or can join a client call with your permission.

White-label arrangements should specify branding, document metadata and attribution where relevant. Write down the client-contact rules rather than relying on an informal understanding.

Use a representative paid pilot

Choose a small assignment that includes the real constraints: terminology, file format, source questions and a plausible deadline. Agree acceptance criteria and the review owner before the work begins.

Do not judge only the first clean-looking file. Assess whether questions arrived early, instructions were followed, terminology decisions were documented and the handover was easy to use.

Score the parts your clients will feel

AreaWhat to observe
LanguageMeaning, terminology, tone and completeness
CoordinationQueries raised at a useful time and clearly resolved
ProductionCorrect formats, filenames and protected elements
RevisionsFeedback handled within the agreed process
ContinuityReusable references and a clear next-project brief

Agree how repeat work will run

If the pilot works, establish a shared reference pack and a regular briefing format. Clarify capacity windows, urgent-request handling and the process for new languages or subjects.

A recurring arrangement should define the scope and review rules. It does not need to begin with an unlimited-volume promise. Start with the level of work both teams can deliver reliably.

Let’s make the next step clear

Good language work starts with your brief.

Tell us the content, languages and deadline. We’ll help you define the right scope and handover.

Discuss an agency pilot