Available to hire
I’m a freelance consultant specialising in creative and cultural education, with a focus on project management, research and evaluation, partnership development, and enabling young people’s participation across education, health, and community settings. I bring a mix of strategic vision and practical delivery, working across education, health, and cultural sectors to develop and evaluate learning and engagement programmes.
I hold a PhD in Applied Theatre from The University of Manchester and a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills. I’m active in governance and leadership within the arts and theatre sectors, including chairing boards and supporting CPD for middle leaders in primary schools through arts and cultural engagement. I’m currently creating online education resources for Bradford 2025 and evaluating co-creation projects with The British Library North, while continuing to develop theatre‑based education and participation work.
Experience Level
Expert
Intermediate
Language
Work Experience
Freelance Consultant at Self-employed
November 1, 2014 - PresentFreelance consultant specialising in creative and cultural education: project management, research and evaluation, partnership development, and young people’s participation across education, health, and community settings.
Founding Director at Orangebox Young People’s Centre
November 1, 2012 - November 1, 2014Full responsibility for the organisation (£240k turnover); launched the centre and attracted 700 members; established governance and volunteer structures; delivered events and supported young people’s Arts Awards; secured local commissions and partnerships.
Development Director at CapeUK, Leeds
September 1, 2011 - November 1, 2012Developed creative learning opportunities across West and North Yorkshire; led wellbeing and social inclusion initiatives; curated and managed an international conference; built networks and partnerships with local authorities and the sector.
Programme Director Creative Partnerships (CP) West Yorkshire at CapeUK
February 1, 2008 - September 1, 2011Led the CP school programme across 100 schools; managed the de-merger from Arts Council England and the establishment of a new local delivery agency; line-managed 3 full-time staff and 21 freelancers; led the closure and celebration of the CP Bradford programme.
Creative Programmer at Creative Partnerships (CP) Bradford
August 1, 2004 - February 1, 2008Collaborated with the creative director to establish CP in Bradford; designed and delivered a programme serving 23 core schools and 50 practitioners/organisations; built partnerships between teachers and creatives to undertake action research for whole-school change; managed a team of freelancers.
Community Director at Interplay Theatre
August 1, 2000 - September 1, 2004Co-directed multi-sensory theatre productions; led a bid to become a UK Online Centre; designed curricula for young people excluded from mainstream education; secured funding and partnerships with local schools, LEA, councillors, church, Children’s Homes, and community groups.
Chair of Directors at Guiseley Theatre
January 1, 2024 - PresentChair of Directors (voluntary role) supporting strategic development and governance.
Chair at Leeds Studio
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017Chair Leeds Studio, providing leadership and governance for arts and culture initiatives in Leeds.
Board Member and Chair of Arts Development Subcommittee at The West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2013Board member and chair of Arts Development Subcommittee, contributing to arts programming and community engagement.
Chair at Chol Theatre
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2013Chair Chol Theatre Company, leading governance and strategic development (voluntary).
Governor at Guiseley Secondary School
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2011Governor focusing on governance and educational development.
Trustee at Manav Kalyan Trust
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2014Trustee supporting Mamta Mandir Special School in Gujarat, India (voluntary).
Audio Describer at West Yorkshire Playhouse
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2004Wrote and delivered descriptions of productions for visually impaired audiences; provided access services (voluntary role).
Education
Postgraduate Certificate at Leeds Beckett University
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024PhD in Applied Theatre at The University of Manchester
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2019Preparing To Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector at Leeds City College
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010MA Theatre Directing at Goldsmiths College
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2000BA Hons Film, Television, Literature & Theatre Studies at University College of Ripon & York St John
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1998Qualifications
Innovating Play Therapy Practice (PTUK)
January 1, 2025 - January 5, 2026Developmental Trauma for Professionals (Beacon House)
January 1, 2024 - January 5, 2026Introduction to Critical Response Process (PANDA)
January 1, 2015 - January 5, 2026Introduction to Finance (UK Theatre)
January 1, 2014 - January 5, 2026Researching Everyday Life with Sarah Pink (University of Manchester)
January 1, 2014 - January 5, 2026Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (University of Manchester)
January 1, 2013 - January 5, 2026Researching Children Workshop (University of Manchester)
January 1, 2011 - January 5, 2026Blogging, Logging and Cataloging (University of Manchester)
January 1, 2011 - January 5, 2026Play’s The Thing: Creative Approaches to Wellbeing (Escape Artists)
January 1, 2011 - January 5, 2026Qualified Artsmark Assessor (Arts Council England)
January 1, 2010 - January 5, 2026Qualified Arts Award Advisor (Arts Council of England)
January 1, 2009 - January 5, 2026PAL Proactive Communities Lab (Home Office)
January 1, 2009 - January 5, 2026Situational Leadership and Management (Action Learning Associates)
January 1, 2008 - January 5, 2026Navigator Programme for Emerging Young Leaders (Common Purpose)
January 1, 2007 - January 5, 2026Philosophy For Children (Theatre Cap-a-pie)
January 1, 2007 - January 5, 2026Advanced Facilitation Skills (Level Headed)
January 1, 2006 - January 5, 2026Instructing Six Thinking Hats techniques (ATKEY solutions)
January 1, 2006 - January 5, 2026Member of National Action Learning Set (Action Learning Associates)
January 1, 2006 - January 5, 2026Advanced Public Speaking and Presentation Skills (Level Headed)
January 1, 2005 - January 5, 2026Race Equality Scheme training (Arts Council England)
January 1, 2005 - January 5, 2026Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization
Experience Level
Expert
Intermediate
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