Our Mission

Linguist Academy is dedicated to delivering bespoke, accredited training solutions that empower organisations to communicate effectively with non-English speaking communities.

We recognise the importance of clear communication in today’s diverse global environment, and our training programs are meticulously crafted to meet the evolving needs of both public and private sectors.

Why Choose Linguist Academy?

Linguist Academy focuses solely on professional interpreter training, combining sector-specific expertise with insight into both organisational needs and individual development.

What We Do

- Accredited Interpreter Training

We deliver accredited, sector-specific programmes that prepare bilingual individuals for professional interpreting. Training focuses on real-world scenarios, ethics, and specialist techniques for high-stakes environments.

- Workforce & Organisational Development
We support organisations—NHS trusts, government bodies, NGOs, and providers—by upskilling bilingual staff, building in-house capacity, and meeting contract needs such as safeguarding, modern slavery, and terminology. Flexible delivery fits busy services.

- Quality Assurance & Independent Assessment
Our Assessor service offers independent, expert verification of interpreter performance in critical settings including courts, healthcare, and police. We help maintain high standards, minimise risk, and evidence accuracy.

- Professional Growth & CPD
We provide short courses and workshops covering safeguarding, terminology, conversational English, and advanced interpreting skills—supporting ongoing development, confidence, and career progression.

- Cultural Awareness & Communication
We train frontline professionals to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, reduce miscommunication, and create inclusive service environments.

How It Started....

Linguist Academy was founded by Paolina Hawthorne, a language industry expert with 15+ years in interpreting, training, and service delivery. As Managing Director of Diversity NI, she oversaw interpreting contracts across sectors and supported thousands of bilingual professionals.

Seeing the lack of accredited, practice-focused training and independent quality assessment in the UK, Paolina established Linguist Academy to provide:

  • Accredited interpreter training for individuals and bilingual staff

  • Sector-specific programmes for organisations

  • Independent quality assessments in justice, healthcare, and legal contexts

Organisations choose Linguist Academy for:

  • Credibility & compliance – accredited, standards-based training

  • Tailored design – aligned to service needs and protocols

  • Practical expertise – grounded in frontline delivery

  • Independent oversight – impartial performance evaluation

Linguist Academy combines training, quality assurance, and sector expertise to raise interpreting standards across the UK.