Consultant

2017 - present

2004 - 05

Participatory media and communications consultant working for various organisations – as facilitator, filmmaker, writer, editor, producer and graphic designer – with communities and international development agencies around the world. Clients include GIZ, Transparency International, Land Portal, Epilepsy Society, InsightShare, Media Trust, Aman Biradari and many more.

Director of Programmes

InsightShare

2008 - 2017

InsightShare is a pioneering social enterprise at the forefront of implementing and developing the participatory video methodology within an international development context. InsightShare operates around the world through a team of staff and freelance associates located across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Director of Programmes oversees the development and implementation of all InsightShare’s projects and programmes, working in close collaboration with its funders and partners, and sits on the organisation’s senior management team. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing projects and programmes with partners and donors from across the international development sector, working to meet the needs of all stakeholders whilst ensuring the highest standards of design and working practice.

• Overseeing implementation of participatory video programmes, ranging from capacity-building programmes through to short-term interventions and training courses, as director with overall responsibility for team of project managers and freelance facilitators.

• Co-Founder of InsightShare Network (UK registered non-profit #10263988) to nurture a sustainable, autonomous grassroots movement of participatory video practice, led by and directly benefiting communities experiencing social, economic or political marginalisation.

• Writing, public speaking and presentations on participatory video methods, including publications on rights-based approaches and community screenings techniques.

• Training, mentoring and supporting facilitators around the world through capacity-building programmes, short courses and international fellowship scheme.

Project Manager

OneWorld

2005 - 2007

The OneWorldTV open documentary platform was a pioneering video sharing website, implemented by OneWorld UK, dedicated to showcasing films on global justice issues produced by a worldwide community of filmmakers and video activists. Responsibilities included:

• Complete redevelopment and design of open documentary platform. Writing and implementing platform business plan and strategy;

• Full project management responsibilities including budgeting, financial tracking, monitoring and reporting to multiple donors including Rockefeller and Ford Foundation. Managing small team consisting of two paid staff and three volunteers;

• Moderation and promotion of video content uploaded to the open documentary platform and ensuring the values and aims of project were maintained throughout. Researching, writing and updating all written materials including introductions to global justice issues and support materials including video production and technical guides.

Participatory Video Facilitator

ActionAid India

2003 - 2004

Facilitator for a groundbreaking participatory video projects with street and working children in New Delhi addressing issues affecting their lives including police brutality and sexual abuse, and Aman Pathik (peace volunteers) in Gujarat working with the muslim community affected by the 2002 communal riots for purpose of peace and reconciliation. Responsible for all aspects of project development, coordination, documentation and reporting. Various filmmaking assignments for ActionAid Indian including documenting the World Social Forum in Mumbai, Abilympics, Peace & Justice March, Prince Charles’ visit to homeless shelters, ‘schools for shelter’ promo and ActionAid India 3-minute profile clip.

International Visitor Coordinator

ActionAid UK

2001 - 2003

Assistant to Internal Communications Manager, responsible for various aspects of internal communications plus coordinating visits from international staff to maximise exposure and facilitate inter-organisational communication and cross-departmental/country sharing.

Selected experience

Presenter & panellist

Disruption Network Lab (2019)

Award Judge - Popular Feature / New Media

One World Media Awards (2012 & 2006)

Speaker - Power in Participatory Video

Participatory Practitioners for Change at Staffordshire Uni (2012)

Panelist - Communicating Development Issues

University of Birmingham (2011)

Speaker - The Film & Advocacy Series

School of Anthropology at University of Kent (2010)

Speaker - Africa's Newsmedia conference

Nairobi, Kenya (2006)

Panelist - Future of Public Media

SilverDocs Festival, Washington DC (2006)

Speaker - Media Literacy conference

New York (2006)

Presenter - Six Degrees conference

Amsterdam (2006)

Presenter - New Media workshop

Washington DC (2006)

Education

Sheffield Hallam University (1995 - 1998)

Amersham & Wycombe College (1994 - 1995)

Amersham & Wycombe College (1992 - 1994)

The Amersham School (1990 - 1992)

BA (Hons) Fine Art & Sculpture

BTEC Foundation Studies In Fine Art

BTEC GNVQ Advanced Fine Art Studies

8 x GCSE (Grades A – D)

Training

• ESoDoc (European Social Documentary) programme by Zelig School of Documentary (Italy)

• Single Camera Video Production course provided by Video Edit Training (VET), London

• Documentary Video Production course provided by Cornerstone Productions, London

• Gender & Diversity Awareness, Presentation Skills etc provided by ActionAid UK, London