Sophie is the Heritage Network’s 2025 Heritage Trainee for England, and she will be supporting the Network throughout the year, contributing to increased youth engagement with heritage and supporting our member activities across the nation.
Sophie studied History at Durham University, volunteering alongside her studies to assist the regeneration project of local heritage landmark Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall. Prior to university, Sophie developed her enthusiasm for the heritage sector by volunteering with several heritage and archive organisations in the North of England. She also is a keen writer and has been published in local and university history journals.
Following her studies, Sophie worked in an NHS financial role managing community care packages for the North-East, and for two years alongside her day job she also worked at Durham Cathedral in a part-time Events role. Working cross sectors meant Sophie has developed strong public engagement skills and a keen financial and business acumen – attributes she is excited to bring to her work with the Heritage Network. Sophie’s enthusiasm for professional development means she aims to progress within the heritage sector, eager for opportunities for mentorship, growth and collaboration throughout her Traineeship.
Over the next year, Sophie will support the Heritage Network in its Essential Networks and Resilient Networks programme delivery across England, event organisation and delivery, youth in heritage advocacy, growth of the Youth Forum and Digital Heroes initiatives, and support the wider work of the team across the UK.
Sophie says: “I’m really looking forward to learning all about our fantastic members, making lasting connections, developing in my role across the year, and fully immersing myself in the sector. I am a champion for the Heritage Network, and I am very grateful to the whole team. I hope to give back as much as I can whilst in this role”
The role of Heritage Trainee for England is made possible thanks to the support of Historic England.
