In 2022, ten years after the initial outsourcing of language services, the House of Lords commissioned an independent review of interpreting within MOJ language services. This review aimed to scrutinise the standards underpinning interpreting services within the MOJ.

Ann was tasked with leading one stream of this review, focusing specifically on interpreter qualification and experience requirements. She conducted her research in 2022, and her findings were formally published in 2024.

In her presentation, Ann will give a personal reflection on the broader context that led to the review, outline the process she followed in gathering and analysing information, and share the key outcomes of her work. She will also look at how her recommendations have led to a new framework for qualifications and experience requirements which will be introduced when the MOJ’s new language services contract, currently under procurement, comes into effect.

Ann has broad experience and extensive expertise in language management across education, business, and government. A strong advocate for cultivating emerging linguists to meet the UK’s future needs, she served as Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) until 2020. Ann developed the first language and accreditation strategy for the Metropolitan Police Service, was Director of language programs at the FCDO, and launched a successful university-led corporate language training hub at London Metropolitan University. She now runs her own language consultancy.

Afternoon session: Colin Sutton, Former Senior Met Police Investigator

‘An entertaining glimpse into 30 years of investigating crime’

Colin David McLean Sutton was born in Enfield, North London. He is a retired British Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) with the Metropolitan Police, known for leading investigations into serial killers and rapists.

Colin joined the Met in 1981 as a PC in Tottenham and advanced to DCI by 1992. He led 50 murder probes over 30 years until he retired in 2011. His highly meticulous detective work earned him several commendations.

He worked on numerous major cases, such as Levi Bellfield (2004–2008): As Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), he led Bellfield to be convicted of murdering Amélie Delagrange and Marsha McDonnell, and attempting to murder Kate Sheedy; later linked to Milly Dowler’s killing.

Colin also worked on the Delroy Grant case (‘Night Stalker’, 2009–2011), solving this long-running case of the serial rapist who targeted elderly victims; Grant was convicted on multiple counts and handed down several life sentences.

Since retiring, he has published ‘Manhunt’ (2019) on Bellfield and ‘Manhunt: The Night Stalker’ (2021) on Grant. He has consulted for ITV’s ‘Manhunt’ series (2019–2021), in which he was portrayed by Martin Clunes, and has written and presented 4 seasons of the Sky Crime documentary series ‘The Real Manhunter’.

Agenda

Date:         4 th December 2025

Type:         Face-to-face and online

Location:  Marlin Hotel Waterloo
  111 Westminster Bridge Rd,
  London SE1 7HR

09:15 Coffee and pastries
10:00 Guest speaker: Ann Carlisle (see above)
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Police Interpreting: Colin Sutton (see above)
15:00 Refreshments and CPD certificates
16:00 End

*NB: A link will be sent closer to the date for those unable to attend in person