Advising the Shadow Minister for Culture
In my role as Director of Publicity and Communication for the National Council on Archives, I recently joined other senior archivists to brief the Ed Vaisey, the Shadow Cultuyre Secretary, about the archive sector and some of the key issues we face. With my consultancy experience I was able to bring a broad overview of the sector and its major concerns. Ed was accompanied by fellow Tory MP, Tim Boswell, and both found the meeting highly informative and positivite. At the Council we are now following up this intial meeting with further advice and discussion.
Developing archive services with a library setting
On several recent projects I have been advising on issues around developing archives services within a new library building. My input has been around several key issues. Firstly, advising on design issues around how the archive service can maintain its physical integrirty within the larger library environment and meet BS5454, the standard for archival accommodation. Secondly, understanding ways in which the archive can integrate itself into the wider building operation in a seamless manner so that users move freely from library to archive resources without obvious barriers or signficant demarcation. And finally creating a presence for the archive service across the library building beyond its own footprint. These have been fascinating projects and demonstrate the growing trend for single premise delivery of several cultural services.
Developing my skill base to improve my service to clients
Continues professional development is an important element of my business development strategy. I am currently undertaking an intensive programme of skills development under the aegis of both the Institute of Leadership and Management and the Institute of Business Consultants. This work is equipping me with the latest philosophies for analysing client need accompanied with a wide range of tools to inform numerous processes including visioning, understanding organisational needs and planning for change. This will enable me to provide a greater depth of anslysis for clients and well-informed solutions.
|
