The Tls Team Story – April
Every month, we get to know a bit more about one of our linguists or team members.
This month, we meet Lisa Gaunt, a member of our MoJ Quality Assurance Team.
Tell us about the work you do for TLS.
I work within the MoJ Quality Assurance team, supporting assessors who evaluate
interpreters’ performance across a range of settings, both face-to-face and remotely.
Our team is focused on maintaining quality and continuous improvement, ensuring
that the systems and processes we and our assessors use promote consistency,
uphold quality standards and adhere to MoJ requirements.
It is a varied and engaging role, covering a wide range of responsibilities. These
include determining and scheduling assessments, managing assessor payments,
reviewing booking recordings to determine their suitability for assessment, and role-
playing scripted scenarios for interpreters who require further evaluation, among
other tasks.
What’s been your favourite project at TLS?
My favourite project to date has been testing the new DARTS system (the audio
recording system used in Crown Courts), which our team uses daily to identify
suitable cases for assessment.
The legacy system presented several challenges due to its age, so I was able to
provide detailed feedback on the features and functionality that would better meet
both our team’s needs and wider TLS requirements.
The feedback from the team was extremely positive, with many noting how much
more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly the system had become.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest current challenge is completing my final project for the Level 5 CMI
Operational Management apprenticeship, which I have been fortunate to undertake
with the support of management. I am on track to complete this in June.
The apprenticeship has been incredibly valuable, contributing to both my personal
and professional development. Over the past 18 months, I have gained a deeper
understanding of operational processes, both within our organisation and externally,
and have developed a more empathetic and considered approach when working with
colleagues.
I am excited to see how this qualification will further support my development within
TLS.
Tell us something interesting about you.
I was once barred from entering phone-in competitions on Pulse Radio after winning
too frequently—unfortunately, that luck has never extended to my lottery tickets.
I host a book club in Bradford. I initially joined as a “Champion” member, welcoming
and supporting new attendees. When the original host stepped down due to health
reasons, I took on the role after covering several sessions. I thoroughly enjoy it and
am looking forward to celebrating our first anniversary in April.
I have recently taken up sewing, although it sometimes feels more like unpicking
stitches! I have created several items of clothing, including a favourite cord, short-
sleeved long dress. I also successfully altered a satin prom dress for a friend’s
daughter, creatively resolving damage from a steam iron and improving the fit in the
process – all within 2 hours!