Judith Garfield MBE, Executive Director

With ECH since 1998, Judith is responsible for the organisation's core work programme. Judith has trained over 60 community groups in oral history and is currently delivering an oral history "apprenticeship", an NVQ accredited qualification unique to the UK. Previous to joining ECH, Judith was a set designer and stage manager at Theatre Royal Stratford East, working with Mike Leigh. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2012 for her work and her commitment to Community Heritage.

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Kaaren Cruse, Deputy Director

Focusing on strategic planning for the future of ECH, Kaaren has many years' experience of organisational development and service transformation, as well as community capacity, co-production, project and change management for both the non-profit and public sectors. In addition, she has worked in information and policy, as well as in the roles of research fellow, writer, and librarian. Kaaren is passionate about community engagement and empowerment. She enjoys visiting art galleries, playing table tennis and walking on the beach.

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Jenny Murphy, Volunteer Co-ordinator 

Responsible for facilitating Volunteering at ECH, Jenny is passionate about bringing people together through Heritage. She's designed and overseen volunteer programmes in a number of charities, implementing policies and procedures and developing new strands of volunteering. She is passionate about getting people stuck in recording and learning about their own heritage and the communities around them. Outside of work, Jenny is a keen photographer and D-I-Y enthusiast, and regularly spends time trying to improve her skill at both hobbies! 

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Freya Hope, Digital Community Officer 

Kicking off her career in community heritage, Freya is excited to be designing digital outputs, delivering workshops, and working with community groups to explore and celebrate ECH's archive. With a background in the charity sector, she has previously worked in fundraising and charity administration, and has volunteered in outreach programmes. During her MA in Global Literature and Culture, Freya became passionate about the ways that sharing stories can empower marginalised groups and create strong communities. She is excited to work with the oral histories archive to uncover and share our hidden histories.

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