About the LSP Endorsement Model
In December 2024 the Ministerial Forum on Multicultural Affairs – comprised of Australian, state and territory government ministers for multicultural affairs – agreed to authorise NAATI to develop a model for the endorsement of Language Service Providers (LSPs).
The LSP endorsement model is intended to improve organisational accountability and service consistency through the establishment of a set of new requirements that all LSPs would need to meet in order to apply for government language services tenders.
NAATI is expected to administer the model on behalf of governments. The model is expected to commence from January 2026.
The timeline for the implementation of the LSP Endorsement model is set out below:
- April 2025: initial consultation and feedback on proposed topics/themes for inclusion
- July 2025: first draft of proposed requirements and additional consultation
- September 2025: updated draft of requirements for ministerial consideration
- October 2025: further consultation and refinement of requirements
- November 2025: agreement from Australian, state and territory governments
- December 2025: finalisation of internal operational requirements
- January 2026: applications open for LSPs to seek endorsement
Anticipated requirements for endorsed LSPs to comply with
The following seven requirements outline areas an LSP will need to meet in order to be granted endorsement status by NAATI.
Ensure that all language practitioners employed and/or contracted to provide language services on behalf of the LSP have obtained the minimum level of NAATI credential available within their field and language within 12 months of the LSP having been endorsed. LSPs would be expected to work with their practitioners and NAATI to provide the necessary support to facilitate the credentialing process. Practitioners who remain uncredentialed after 12 months’ time should no longer be assigned work, unless unavoidable. Each level of credential, including RPI, have pre-requisite requirements. Practitioners who have not met those requirements will not be credentialed by NAATI.
Prioritise assignments going to the NAATI-certified practitioner with the highest level of credential/s, subject to the appropriateness of the assignment and their ability to complete the task.
LSPs would need to demonstrate to NAATI as part of the endorsement process how they intend to comply with this requirement.
Agree to an LSP Code of Conduct. The Code would establish a set of professional and ethical expectations to support government confidence in the delivery of services through an intent to deliver services in accordance with a government’s guidelines, and a commitment to adhere with existing legislative requirements (working with children checks, WHS, ATO requirements etc).
Have in place cyber security and information privacy practices consistent with relevant Australian standards.
Establish and maintain mechanisms for service quality assurance and client and customer feedback.
Report de-identified data to NAATI periodically, including:
- the services delivered to government agencies by language, location and format, including whether services were met, delayed or unmet (including whether they were cancelled within or beyond 24 hours prior) and the number of complaints; and
- engagement of non-NAATI certified practitioners, by language, assignment and location, with reasons why a practitioner without a NAATI certification was assigned.
Display on their website/s in a prominent area that they are an Endorsed Language Services Provider (precise terminology and logo to be developed by NAATI and agreed to by Australian, state and territory governments).
Current progress
- October 2025: S06E05 Conversations: Interpreting and TranslatingPodcast – The Language Service Provider (LSP) Endorsement Model with Leigh Cox
September 2025: NAATI has established an Industry Consultative Group (ICG), and you are invited to participate! - August 2025: Have your say: Draft LSP Endorsement Model now open for feedback
- April 2025: Have your say: NAATI’s LSP endorsement model – Discussion paper now open
Contact Us
If you have questions about the model, please contact us at lspendorsement@naati.com.au
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FAQs
A language service provider (LSP) is defined as an organisation or business area that offers translating and interpreting services to facilitate cross-cultural communication as its sole or majority business activity,
OR
a full-service communications agency that includes the delivery of translating and interpreting services. Any LSP bidding for government language services contracts would be required to be endorsed by NAATI, including both public and private providers, covering all language groups.
Yes, noting that NAATI will need to prioritise any LSPs that are intending to apply for one or more Commonwealth language service panels that may open for applications in early 2026.
It is anticipated that NAATI annually review an LSP’s endorsement through a sequence of system checks, meetings with the LSP, and by the LSP itself when confirming its compliance. The endorsement model will be governed by a Code of Conduct, which LSPs are expected to abide by.
NAATI would also monitor compliance by investigating any complaints it may receive, and/or undertaking occasional ‘spot checks’ if necessary.
In the event of a breach (i.e. an LSP failed to meet a requirement as set out in this model), NAATI would prioritise supporting the LSP and its practitioners in the first instance, and as part of a continual improvement cycle to deliver good practice.
More punitive approaches would only be taken as a last resort, wherever possible, dependent upon the nature of the breach and the willingness of the LSP to engage with NAATI in good faith and respond appropriately. In extreme cases, NAATI may choose to dis-endorse an LSP. NAATI may also write to the relevant business owner/s of government panels with which that provider is endorsed, with recommendations, which could include than an LSP be removed from a panel. The decision to remove an LSP from a panel would ultimately be the responsibility of the business area and the government/s responsible for those panels.