Dr Alison Baverstock is Professor of Publishing at Kingston University. A long-term commentator on the publishing industry she co-founded publishing education at Kingston in 2006. A previous winner of the Pandora Award for Services to Publishing she is the author of several books on publishing including How to market books (Routledge) which recently entered a 6th edition. With a big commitment to extending literacy she is the founder of the KU Big Read and www.readingforce.org.uk.

For the last 20 years I have worked in the recruitment and talent field, in recent years I ran two Library and Information Management recruitment firms. I am a passionate advocate for developing talent and enabling individuals to achieve their full potential. Life outside of work revolves around my two young daughters and the odd long bike ride to escape!

Jo Cornish leads CILIP’s apprenticeship and sector development work for the UK information profession and beyond. She is an expert in developing and implementing skills frameworks and accreditation schemes As part of the library, information and archives services assistant apprenticeship Trailblazer group, she passionately believes that creating robust and diverse routes into the sector is the key to a dynamic and future-proof workforce.

With a career spanning over 20 years, predominantly in financial services risk and compliance, I have a strong understanding and appreciation of the importance of information and knowledge to all sectors of society. As information in all formats becomes increasingly accessible and used to inform decisions, of varying levels of importance personally and professionally I strongly believe it is vital to recognise the associated importance attached to the guardianship of information sources. Passionate about people development, I am proud to be part of CILIP Pathways, providing recognition for library, information and knowledge professionals.

As Cheif Commercial Officer, I’m responsible for the Business Development, Performance and Improvement functions at CILIP, encompassing finance & operations, sales, marcomms and member support services. Following a 19-year career in the construction industry, my more recent roles have included working with charities in the education and social work sectors. I’m hugely passionate about CILIP’s work to improve education, literacy and prosperity for all.