More than 30 years‘ experience of doing and managing archaeology and cultural heritage in private and not-for-profit organisations. Working in the UK and internationally - striving to balance ethical professionalism, pragmatic problem-solving and academic rigour.
The core focus of my professional work is as the founder and CEO of Heritage Innovation a UK-based archaeology and cultural heritage consultancy, working internationally.
Outside of my consultancy work, I also serve:
CEO, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (2013-23). CPAT was an archaeology and heritage charity providing services to commercial clients, national and local government, and third-sector bodies in Wales and England. It was one of four similar Trusts with around 80 staff and a combined turnover of around GBP 3.5 million.
Principal Consultant, Nexus Heritage (2010-13). Nexus was a UK-based for-profit consultancy working internationally, focussing on Europe, west Africa and east Asia.
Head of Archaeology and Monuments, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (2000-10). IGMT was one of the UK’s leading independent museums, with an annual turnover of around GBP 9 million. I led archaeology, conservation and regeneration projects in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site; and also grew a GBP 2 million commercial project portfolio .
Project Officer, ARCUS (1995-2000). ARCUS was the commercial archaeology consultancy of the University of Sheffield. I managed and delivered development-driven archaeology projects, specialising in complex urban regeneration schemes involving industrial archaeology and historic buildings.
Archaeologist, various employers (1991-95). Technician, supervisor and site director on a wide range of commercial developer-driven and research-led projects in UK, Germany and France; latterly specialising in complex medieval urban archaeology and industrial archaeology.
Chair, Black Country Living Museum (2020-25). BCLM is an award-winning independent open-air museum, educational charity and heritage attraction. With over 380,000 visitors every year, and 300 staff, the museum’s annual turnover is around GBP 20 million.
Chair, Historic Environment Partnership, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (2021-23). This was a multi-agency partnership to develop and deliver an historic environment action plan as part of the National Park’s overall Management Plan.
Board Member / Director, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (2009-12 and 2014-20). CIfA is a leading professional institute for the UK historic environment sector.
Member of the Editorial Board of The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice journal (since 2010), including a period as reviews editor (2011-13).
Assistant Editor of the academic journal Post-Medieval Archaeology (2009-11).
Visiting lecturer for University of Birmingham (Honorary Research Fellow), University of Chester, Birmingham City University, University of York and University of Bristol.
Author, co-author, editor and co-editor of eight books and over 70 articles and book chapters, including both peer-reviewed academic papers and popular publications. Published work includes analyses of policy and practice as well as studies of specific landscapes and sites.
Please visit the publications page for a full list.
archaeology • historic buildings • cultural heritage • museums • ethical leadership
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