On behalf of BALH, it gives me great pleasure to announce that, following a thorough appraisal and interview process,  the above contract has been awarded to Victoria Northwood. The contract will initially run from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2026. This important role will boost our capacity to deliver and grow an exciting programme of online and in person outreach events, member activities, and small grant awards.

Victoria  is a freelance archive and heritage professional based in London and South West England. Before becoming self-employed, she served as Director of Bethlem Museum of the Mind, where her responsibilities included fundraising, developing exhibitions and events, leading marketing and communications, and managing stakeholder relationships and contracts.

Victoria has been a Trustee of the British Records Association (BRA) for nearly ten years, initially serving as Honorary Secretary and currently as Vice Chair. As part of the Executive Committee of this volunteer-run organisation, she has contributed across a wide range of activities, from peer reviewing journal submissions to supporting events. In her role as Honorary Secretary, she managed the annual Janette Harley Prize, overseeing promotion, liaising with applicants, coordinating submissions for the judging panel, and communicating outcomes. She also organised the in-person BRA conferences held in 2019 and 2025.

Victoria brings broad sector experience, including leading and supporting local authority archive and local studies services and local museums. As Vice Chair of the BRA, she sits on assessment panels for two grant programmes managed by The National Archives—Resilience and Records at Risk. Reviewing over 100 applications each year from archives, museums, and heritage organisations gives her valuable insight into the current priorities and challenges across the sector.

I am sure everyone will join me in welcoming Victoria to BALH.

Best wishes,

Dr. Martin Watts,
Chair BALH