A bit of background…
Imperial War Museum North
I realised early on that I had a passion to connect people with their heritage and culture. Starting as a volunteer at University, I then worked in museums and galleries in fundraising and marketing roles.
In 2007 I left my dream job at Imperial War Museum North to set up my own consultancy business. Since then, I’ve had plenty of adventures in the worlds of heritage, arts, culture and the environment.
I work with organisations across the UK, large and small. I’ve worked with national museums, sector-wide organisations, and small organisations with big ambition.
I work with people and organisations who inspire me, driven by a passion and enthusiasm to share our heritage, culture and landscape with others.
I have set up 2 start-up businesses in the cultural sector, and am now a charity Trustee. As a Board Member at Morecambe Bay Partnership I support the team to connect, celebrate and conserve the important landscape and heritage of the place I now call home.
Photo by Chris Payne - with associate Helen Jenkins at Museum Freelance conference
I’m also a mentor and expert advisor for the National Lottery Heritage Fund. I support applicants to develop their best applications to secure funding to engage more people with their heritage.
I’m well respected, with experience in the cultural sector going back to the early 1990s. People tell me that I’m a calm, reliable, trusted presence, delivering high quality work that’s always on time, and on budget. I see myself as forever curious, always asking questions, and finding solutions. And usually with a smile on my face!
“Emma Parsons is outstanding for finding creative as well as practical solutions to issues; this has helped achieve cultural change across all the organisations she has worked with. She is able to distil information from a wide range of sources to identify the most significant issues. Her incisive approach will help you locate strengths and weaknesses, and clarify future development opportunities.”