Joanna Pugh
Joanna Pugh
Regional External Affairs Manager at the National Trust
Job Overview
I have worked for the Trust since 2006. My role is to connect the work of the Trust with the outside world and try to influence the external context within which we try to achieve our conservation aims. This includes trying to influence policy-makers and showing how regional needs are being delivered by the work of the Trust, for example, social inclusion and learning. I help the Trust's Regional Management Team to understand the external context and identify significant strategic issues.
Biography
Before I came to the National Trust I worked for local authorities in research and policy development roles, including Worcestershire County Council and Cumbria County Council. My original career was in teaching. I taught History and Politics at Worcester Sixth Form College for five years. My first love was always history and my degree in History is from the University of Liverpool. I also love visiting art exhibitions, reading literature, cooking and crafts.
Motivation and Aims for undertaking the PDP
I had a relatively good understanding of the environmental and tourism elements of the Trust's work but had never really had time to explore the Trust's role as a museum. This meant I lacked the confidence to discuss the reasoning and factors behind some of the decisions that the Trust made in its capacity as a museum. Also, I was asked to get more involved in Trust targets for visitor satisfaction and changing public perceptions and felt that the PDP offered a good opportunity to make new contacts, learn about the museum sector and add critical weight to any judgements I might come to.
PDP Project
I chose to investigate the presentation of the National Trust's historic houses and how this contributes to visitor enjoyment. Research included visits to case study properties, interviews with members of staff and analysis of data from the annual visitor survey. In order to share my findings with colleagues, I have produced a report which outlines some key recommendations for good practice which can be used to inform future approaches to visitor engagement.
Outcomes and Future Plans
The PDP has built my confidence in contributing to debates about good practice in heritage management both within my organisation and outside it. I have subsequently represented the Trust on a regional steering group for a substantial piece of research into the future of heritage tourism and expect to be more involved in regional strategies for the sector in the future. I would like to develop my career in heritage/gallery management, possibly through further study or taking on new projects in my current role.
Contact: joanna.pugh@nationaltrust.org.uk