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BS EN 15038:2006

Why should my company bother with EN 15038?
Because EN 15038 is a European standard applying to the quality of translation services , it gives you and your customers independent benchmark evidence of the standard of product quality of your translation services from which you can highlight elements of excellence that go beyond the standard’s requirements.

If your services are in conformity with it you can point to an easily recognisable quality credential, if you don't and your competitors do then you might find your clients and prospects gravitate to your competitors, especially as conformity to the standard can be written into a contract thereby incorporating all of the standard’s provisions into the contract in one clause.
EN 15038 was developed by the European translation industry, so it is practical and relevant and is extremely useful for display with the coming into force of the EU Services Directive 2006 - it also replaces existing standards in countries where it is adopted, so for example in Germany it replaces DIN 2345.

How much does it cost?
That depends on the size and complexity of your translation production department, you can even self-declare for which, apart from the time taken to understand the standard and apply it - there is no cost. Clients generally feel third party certification provides more reliable proof of your adherence and whilst this generally costs more in monetary terms, it will typically be less than £1,500 for most translation companies and is often less than the 'hidden' labour costs of doing it yourself, with an tri-annual renewal charge of approximately £700 and an annual surveillance charge of approximately £350 + VAT.
For companies who would rather implement the standard themselves, Amicus TransTec can also provide on-site training on the 'generic' application of EN 15038 for £795 ex VAT and expenses.

What is EN 15038?
EN 15038 is a European Standard that establishes and defines the requirements for the provision of quality translation services by TSPs (translation service providers) which includes translation companies and freelance translators. In the UK this standard is BS (British Standard) EN 15038. As the current standard was released in 2006, it can be referred to as BS EN 15038:2006.

The full UK title of the standard is "BS EN 15038 Translation services - service requirements".

The standard encompasses the core translation process and all other aspects involved in providing the service, including quality assurance and traceability. The standard offers a description and definition of the entire translation service, providing a coherent system of required processes that meet market needs.

The standard specifies the requirements for the TSP with regard to human and technical resources, quality, project management and service processes and the contractual framework.

Amicus TransTec together with other providers such as GeoLang Ltd can provide fully qualified and registered Lead Auditors for implementation consulting and auditing of 15038 in the UK, and internationally. Please note that the provider of consultation cannot also provide auditing services leading to certification. Successful audit leads to the award of a certification from a body such as GeoLang Certification, Bureau Veritas or ON/LICS (Austrian Standards body applying the Language Industry Certification System's assessment scheme).

Self declaration
If you wish to 'self-declare' buy a copy of the standard and a copy of Chris Cox's book The Translation Service Provider's Guide to BS EN 15038.
When you believe your process meets the requirements of the standard you can state this in your promotional materials, web site or other materials. Your self declaration can gain more credibility by being made in conformity with BS ISO/IEC 17050 Parts 1 and 2.

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If you'd rather not use an external consultant to prepare for third party certification or you'd rather just 'self declare', Chris Cox's book The Translation Service Provider's Guide to BS EN 15038 provides an excellent starting point and comprehensive explanation of the steps you need to undertake and provides a useful checklist you can adapt to your particular workflow.