Senior Management Team

Debbie joined CIOL in 2014 after holding a number of marketing roles in the classical music, music education and not-for-profit sectors where she gained experience of communications, marketing and promotional strategies. She also has experience of brand development and representing organisations externally, both in the UK and internationally. In her role at the UK's chief music examining board, Debbie gained experience of promoting exams and working with examiners and educators. It was a keen interest in languages and other cultures that attracted Debbie to the communications role at CIOL. She works across both CIOL and CIOLQ, organising campaigns and events to raise the profile of the organisation through all communications channels.

Dom joined CIOL in 2018 with a remit to further raise the profile of CIOL and to develop and expand partnerships in the UK and abroad, while also developing CIOL’s programme accreditation scheme. In June 2023, he became Head of Membership, responsible for CIOL's members and activities as the professional body for linguists. Dom’s background is in professional translation technology: for the three years before joining CIOL, he was responsible for the UK corporate and government markets at SDL Trados, the leading software used by freelance translators. Dom is a passionate linguist; he is bilingual in Italian and English, as well as fluent in French and Spanish, with a smattering of German, Portuguese, and Chinese. Arabic is next on his list! Dom is a firm believer in the value of learning languages and the benefits they bring in understanding and appreciating other cultures, as well as in facilitating international business relationships.

Ela graduated in Russian at the University of Nottingham and worked as a Foreign Exchange dealer in the City of London before joining IoLET (now CIOLQ) in 2001. She was appointed to develop robust examination management strategies covering all aspects of delivery, with a particular focus on candidate and centre experience prior to QCA accreditation in 2003. During her years with the organisation, Ela has gained in-depth knowledge of CIOLQ’s qualifications and has played an integral role in the modernisation and change of the organisation. In February 2015 she became Head of Qualifications and is responsible for leading and managing the qualifications team and ensuring that all examinations are rigorously prepared and securely delivered to safeguard the quality and reputation of the Educational Trust and its qualifications.

Anji joined CIOL in 2017 as Executive Officer, bringing her multi-skilled expertise in facilities management, human resources, customer service and governance management from her 12 years' work experience within a medical charity; prior to that 16 years’ experience working within a variety of departments at the House of Lords.
Anji works across both CIOL and CIOLQ and is the first point of contact for staff giving guidance and support on all employment and work matters. She is in regular contact with both CIOL members and members of the public responding to queries on the work of CIOL and CIOLQ. Anji also advises CIOL Council and Trust Board members proving secretarial support at their meetings.

John joined CIOL in 2020 having lived and worked in different countries and cultures all around the world and spending eight years promoting languages and culture at the British Council. Prior to CIOL he spent five years in senior leadership roles in Higher Education at the Royal College of Art and King’s College London and worked at the heart of UK Government in the Cabinet Office and Department of Health. This follows more than a decade working around the world in marketing, advertising and business development, including five years living and working in Paris. John speaks French, is progressing in Italian and is a graduate of the University of Oxford.