I am a qualified archivist with a passion for local history, education and learning. I’m currently working as Access and Digital Engagement Archivist for the Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, where I am also their medieval specialist.
Throughout my career I’ve developed opportunities for a diverse range of audiences to engage with archival collections and local history. In particular, my role as Access and Engagement Archivist for Explore York Libraries and Archives Mutual Ltd between 2014 and 2021 brought me into direct contact with many of York’s local history groups, and I supported several groups with the development of bids to external funders. The role also gave me responsibility for both the Local History manuscript and photographic collections and the Local History reference library, which helped me create a range of onsite and online offers for young people and adults in both formal education and informal settings (including one education session delivered in a local women’s prison and a partnership project with SEND learners).
I love teaching and learning, and it was this that brought me to University of York in May 2021. My current role allows me to teach medieval palaeography – which I love! – as well as a range of other subjects to fit with the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. I also support the University's Digital Creativity programme, using archival sources as inspiration for innovative digital public outputs created by students.
Outside of my day to day work I’m a member of the Canterbury and York Society, a mentor and assessor on the Archives and Records Association (ARA) Continuing Professional Development Scheme, and a peer reviewer for the Archives and Records Journal. I’m also Treasurer for the Archives for Learning and Education Section of ARA, and was on the Steering Group that commissioned ARA’s recent ‘Accessible Learning Toolkit.’
