I started out my career in this profession working in public libraries and from the moment I stepped behind that desk I knew I had found the sector I wanted to be in. I moved into different roles working across libraries in multiple different environments such as health libraries, academic and, was also drawn back to the lure of public libraries before I moved into the world of information, records and knowledge management in both the public and private sector. Here my world was expanded beyond what I thought was possible as I saw that this profession was even bigger than I thought.

I have worked in a complex government organisation for many years and have a lot of experience of influencing some very challenging audiences including my current leadership role. This has given me a lot of valuable experience in influencing at different levels but also successfully implementing change at a strategic level which are skills that would be valuable to bring to this role. I have also spent a lot of time working in people development including creating qualifications, building career frameworks and supporting others in their professional journeys. In my current role I do this for digital and information professionals, trying to create more diverse career and development options. Having been in both 'hands-on' delivery roles through to more strategic roles I would bring a wealth of experience to this role to advocate for this profession and those amazing people within, in its totality.

I was awarded an MBE for International Librarianship by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Her Late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours which was a humbling experience. I began my career in Enfield Libraries, via a Theological College, before moving to Barnet Public Libraries where I launched Barnet Libraries Citizens' First Stop Shop. I joined the Civil Service as a Librarian when our profession was at its zenith leading teams, including in the regions, continuously refocusing on impactful library offers. Inspiring CILIP colleagues from Public, International, Government Libraries' and the House of Commons Library helped me raise £10,000 to rebuild a Tsunami affected Library in Sri Lanka. This led to involvement with the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA); starting off as a grassroots Officer, I was later elected a Divisional Chair and Member of IFLA's Professional Council and presented at European International fora. I helped create opportunities for CILIP colleagues to participate in IFLA projects and become Officers representing UK. I persuaded DWP to host the 2019 IFLA Westminster mid-term conference on UN SDGs in collaboration with the House of Commons Library, attended by delegates from five continents. Raising the Library's profile and overseeing a strategic move within DWP, I switched to working on Knowledge Exploitation in the Ministry of Defence's Human Resources function. As Vice President I would seek to create opportunities for CILIP to raise the profile of our profession within organisations, the regions and internationally to increase CILIP registration for Library and Information Professionals.

Once upon a time a young lad visited his local public library in Glasgow and the rest is history – discovering a place of sanctuary and safety, a space of culture and creativity, discovery and exploration, and setting a future career plan. Most importantly creating identity and direction by using the library tickets as a platform of choice and personal entitlement.

Forty years later – here I am – and I have never been prouder of the role that public libraries play in our society and bringing communities, people and storytelling for all together.

Career wise I started in Glasgow Libraries as a sixteen-year-old – having also previously volunteered in libraries with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – which did completely affirm my decision that this was my career – discovering and developing the role of libraries around social value, democracy, justice, information and community.

After an amazing 20 years in Glasgow that finished leading on capital programmes with great spaces creating great libraries – thus enabling users/customers/readers to get the best out of the amazing resources and knowledge sources available.

A bold decision, and part of my ongoing 5-year plan, was to apply for a job in Manchester – as Head of Service Improvement (great title) and successfully appointed at interview.

Leading the transformation of Manchester's Public Libraries has been one of many career highlights – the £50m refurbishment of Manchester Central Library – the most visited public library in the UK, but also refurbishment of the wider library estate - £70m investment from Manchester City Council. The creation of new spaces has enabled the library team, partners and other agencies to engage with our resident to really make a difference to support lifelong learning, culture, communities, sense of place and empowerment – all of which are what libraries stand proudly to support and enable.

I have been active at a local, regional, national and international sector level. Spending two years as President of the "then" Society of Chief Librarians – gave an insight in to wider government policy and wider departmental engagement and a tremendous overview of the sector at large as well as increased partnership opportunities across the wider sector and beyond. I am a Trustee of EU Public Libraires 2030 – enabling greater connectivity across Europe and opportunities that emerge.

I am keen to be a CILIP Trustee as I believe 100% of the invaluable role that libraries play in shaping people, communities and the nation – the most democratic spaces in the land which is incredibly important at this time.

As we celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Public Libraries Act 1850 – there is a need to reinforce the valuable and essential contribution public libraries and libraries in general make and their role as part of the solution.

Advocacy is my middle name – promoting people, storytelling, space, information, and trained staff is key to a modern relevant public library service and the wider importance of libraries in all sectors of our communities. If you don't know it – you don't know it.

I am standing for election to the CILIP Board because I believe passionately in the value of information, knowledge, and library services as a foundation for equity, learning, and the public good. CILIP has a unique role in leading and shaping this agenda, and I want to contribute to its future direction.

I bring over four decades of senior leadership experience across the NHS, third sector, and education, with expertise in performance management, workforce planning, large-scale change, digital solutions, and financial management. I have seen first-hand the transformative role of information professionals in healthcare, education, and society and can provide both a public sector, commercial, education and third sector experience. I have seen the power of an internal knowledge management function and the impact it can have on decision making in an organisation and shaping a culture of informed debate.

As an Honorary Fellow of CILIP, I am a long-standing advocate for the profession. I have spoken nationally and internationally and worked with Ministers and professional bodies to promote evidence-based decision making and lifelong learning. As Director of National Programmes at Health Education England, I led the NHS Knowledge and Library Services strategy, ensuring evidence was accessible to clinicians, patients, and leaders. This work strengthened the profession's standing and secured vital investment. I am passionate about knowledge management and the mobilisation of evidence to support decision making in both public and commercial sectors.

We are living in a world of misinformation, intolerance, and censorship. In this context, how can librarians and informaticians define ethical standards and ensure the synthesis and accessibility of diverse knowledge? While much of my career has been in health, the challenges of digital exclusion, professional development, and technological change affect every sector. I have worked with higher education to create training programmes that equip professionals for the digital age, and I believe I can offer valuable insight, advocacy, and governance experience to help CILIP meet these challenges and opportunities.

I bring extensive board-level experience. I have served as Vice Chair of Framework, a large homelessness charity; Chair of Lambeth Healthwatch; Trustee of SafeLives, a charity tackling domestic abuse; and Chair of E-Integrity CIC, delivering digital and eLearning resources globally. These roles have developed my expertise in charity governance, financial stewardship, and ethical accountability. I currently work in the commercial sector supporting start-ups with innovation, AI, and market and growth strategies.

Throughout my career, I have valued integrity, inclusivity, and transparency. I am a strong communicator and collaborator who believes in the collective strength of professional communities. If elected, I will support CILIP's continued commitment to professional standards, digital innovation, and widening access to knowledge. I am keen to strengthen diversity within the profession and ensure that CILIP remains relevant, visible, and impactful in a rapidly changing world. I will bring time, energy, and a collaborative approach to the Board, and would be honoured to support CILIP in inspiring the next generation of information professionals.

If CILIP is the heart and soul of the library and information profession, how do we ensure its longevity, relevance, and boldness in a rapidly evolving world?

Perhaps this moment calls for fresh perspectives, strategic questioning, and a commitment to both tradition and transformation. My candidacy is shaped in areas where I can add value:

1. Commercial Sustainability

How can CILIP remain financially resilient while continuing to serve and grow its membership?

With 22 years of commercial experience, including as a UK, Ireland and Nordics Sales Director at EBSCO, I understand what organisations need not just to survive, but to thrive. I bring insight into membership models, pricing strategies, and the importance of asking hard questions about value, investment, and future growth.

Membership is not just a cost, but a career investment. Tools like the PKSB offer a framework for development, and I believe there is scope to increase awareness and perceived value. I would support CILIP in exploring new and existing revenue streams, ensuring financial decisions are aligned with member impact from professional growth to sector influence.

2. Supplier Engagement

How can CILIP engage more effectively with suppliers to drive innovation, sponsorship, and sector-wide collaboration?

Having worked extensively with suppliers and as one, I understand the dynamics, expectations, and opportunities within these relationships. I see untapped potential in how CILIP can partner with suppliers not only for sponsorship and event support, but also in shaping sector strategy and shared impact. I would champion deeper, more strategic partnerships, broaden the supplier base, and help position CILIP as a trusted convenor across the knowledge ecosystem.

3. AI & Sector Influence

How do CILIP members secure a seat at the table when organisations are shaping the future of AI, knowledge management, and digital transformation?

AI is rapidly changing what was once familiar, transforming how we work, learn, and lead across the profession. CILIP has a vital role to play in empowering members to become knowledgeable partners in this space, influencing policy, practice, and pedagogy.

This means not only embracing AI, but perhaps leading the conversation around its ethical use, implications for information equity, and the evolving role of professionals in a data-driven world. I bring experience in AI for education and have a Master's in Change Leadership which focused on sustainability, AI and digital transformation. I would advocate for continued training, strategic partnerships, and sector positioning that equip members to confidently navigate and help shape the future.

My career spans teaching in East London, working in a school library, and two decades supporting libraries across sectors. I now work in consultancy across knowledge management and leadership development. Also an ambassador for the Learning and Performance Institute and a member of CILIP's Growth Task & Finish Group. Also neurodiverse.

Passionate about making a difference and seeking every challenge as an opportunity. This trustee role is one such opportunity to serve, help shape, and steward the future of the profession.

Are we voting for familiarity or for fresh perspectives that can help CILIP lead with courage, clarity, and curiosity?

Libraries and information services are at a crossroads. We face threats from budget cuts, digital disruption, and a creeping undervaluation of professional expertise. I bring over four decades of experience in knowledge and information management, governance, and advocacy. But more importantly, I bring a refusal to accept complacency. CILIP must evolve from a respected association into a catalytic force that redefines the role of information professionals in a data-saturated society.

Here's what I believe CILIP must confront:

Declining Membership vs Expanding Workforce

CILIP represents fewer than 25% of the estimated 36,100 librarians working in the UK as of 2025, and this falls to 10% of the estimated 86,000+ professionals working in libraries, archives, records, data, and information roles across the UK. That's not a recruitment problem—it's a relevance problem. I will push for a radical rethink of our value proposition, including new pathways for engagement, flexible membership models, and stronger outreach to underrepresented sectors.

Corporate Membership

Unlike many professional organisations which make Corporate Membership an easy method engaging with its potential membership, CILIP is woefully underexploiting this route. I will advocate for strategic partnerships that deliver mutual benefit—supporting workforce development, ethical practice, and sector-wide advocacy. We must ensure corporate members invest in the profession, not just extract prestige.

Financial Sustainability

CILIP's financial model is brittle. I will champion diversified, ethical income streams that reduce dependency on our currently membership income stream while considering CILIP's existing support offering relative to its current audience.

Chartership & Professional Register

Chartership should be a declaration of purpose, not just a credential. I will work to make it more inclusive, accessible, and reflective of real-world impact. The number of Chartered members of CILIP is worryingly low compared to its overall membership: this needs to be urgently considered as part of the current review of Chartership to ensure that it is fit for purpose. The Professional Register must evolve into a dynamic platform for visibility, collaboration, and recognition—not a static list. Related to this, Fellowship should be the beginning of leadership, not the end of a journey. Like many other professional organisations, we need a Fellowship track that nurtures advocacy, mentorship, and sector-wide influence.

A More Activist CILIP

We must be louder. Bolder. More political. From resisting censorship to defending intellectual freedom, CILIP must stand unapologetically for equity, access, and truth. I've spent over 40 years in Government knowledge and information management and governance, and I've seen how power operates—who gets access, who gets silenced, and who gets erased. If elected, I will push CILIP to challenge bad policy, and refuse to be neutral in the face of injustice – CILIP must be the go-to organisation for views on professional matters, not an after-thought or ignored altogether.

I am standing for Trustee because I believe CILIP can—and must—be braver, louder, nimbler and more relevant in the eyes of the wider profession.