I am a freelance conservator in the heritage sector, commissioned by professional bodies, national organisations, museums, libraries, archives and historic house owners. I prepare plans, advise, deliver training and provide guidance to help others protect collections and historic interiors.

My Fellowship topic was disaster planning and emergency planning. My aim was to research collaborative response, local and international networks, training methods, risk assessment and mitigation, including climate change related, and lessons learnt from disasters. I care about reducing the impact of disasters on collections and people, helping others to prepare and to work collaboratively.

As a result of my Fellowship, I delivered better training, was elected to the International Council of Museums (ICOM) UK board and contributed to the application to re-establish UK Blue Shield, which aims to protect cultural heritage during conflict. I also became an expert member of ICOMOS-Icorp, an international risk preparedness committee. Benefits include improved guidance for professional and heritage organisations, improved training and mitigation, and a broader perspective.

The Fellowship was a great opportunity to be immersed in the topic. It created lasting beneficial international professional relationships.