About

I am a qualified French to English translator with extensive training in French language and translation:

  • Qualified Member (MITI), Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)

  • Diploma in Translation, Chartered Institute of Linguists

  • BA (Hons) Language and Linguistic Science, specialising in French

  • Bilingual Business Administration (RSA/LCCI qualifications) 

  • Member of the ITI networks for French, sustainability and international development translators

I have been translating for international institutions and NGOs, both directly and through translation agencies, since 2014.

Previously, I worked in funding, fundraising and administration for major national and international non-profit organisations, including the BBC, NHS, Amnesty International, ActionAid and Arts Council England. Here, I honed my writing and editing skills through preparing texts for a wide range of audiences: from training manuals to reports for committees; from promotional leaflets to formal funding bids. This means I am familiar with the terminology and style used in the sector.

With a lifelong concern about the environment, I have been learning about the issues – and possible solutions – over many years, including through two short courses with the Centre for Alternative Technology: Educating for Sustainability (2007) and Zero Carbon Britain (2019).

Testimonials

“We have been working with Mrs. Allen for many years, which is proof of our great satisfaction with her work, her availability and professionalism. Despite our specific field of work, which involves very specific terminology, her work is always accurate.”   Jeannette Woellenstein, Deputy Director, International Social Service/International Reference Centre (ISS/IRC), Geneva

“Fantastic translation - there was minimal editing and it read like a dream! If only all translations could be like that!”       Fran Lambert, specialist translation agency, London

“I found the translation service provided by Belinda Allen efficient and cost effective. All translations were returned promptly, but without compromising on accuracy. A highly recommendable service for anyone requiring a high quality translation, within a reasonable time frame.”     Zoe Rance, Martin Murray & Associates Solicitors

“Thanks for your prompt translation. I 'luve' your style! Your translation is idiomatic and flows naturally.”  Ania El Maachir, LUVE Films, Montreal

« Nous sommes très heureux de collaborer avec Belinda Allen, et ce à plusieurs titres : nous avons toujours obtenu de sa part une réponse quasi instantanée à nos demandes, un délais rapide et ajusté en fonction de nos besoins, et - ce qui est très important pour nous - Belinda s’intéresse aux contenus de ce que nous lui demandons de traduire, de façon à proposer une traduction juste et adaptée à notre domaine d’activité.  Petit à petit, même si des centaines de kilomètres nous séparent, Belinda est devenue une collaboratrice précieuse et incontournable pour nos projets de développement, et nous souhaitons que cela dure longtemps ! »  Marie Anne Dauvillier, Secrétaire Générale, Graines de Paix, Geneva

[TRANSLATION: “We are very happy to work with Belinda Allen, for several reasons. She has always responded to our requests almost instantly, completed work with a quick turnaround and tailored to our needs, and (very importantly for us) shown an interest in the content we ask her to translate, enabling her to produce a translation that is both accurate and suited to our area of work. Although we work hundreds of kilometres apart, Belinda has come to be a valued and indispensable contributor to our development projects and we hope this will be a long lasting partnership.” ]  

Belinda Allen  DipTrans  MITI

French to English translation • copy editing • proofreading

 

translation@bjallen.co.uk

 

07891 886642