Our trainers

Name: Artswork
Price range: $

Meet the people who deliver our development training, all coming from a background in the arts, cultural or heritage sectors.

Sarah Shaw

Professional Development Trainer
Having worked in the sector for over 15 years, Sarah is the Director of Museum Tales LTD, a consultancy firm specialising in heritage learning and interpretation.

Sarah’s previous roles have included working for English Heritage as their National Family Interpretation Manager, delivering award winning interpretation schemes across England. Prior to that, Sarah has worked for the British Library as an integral part of their learning team whilst also undertaking contracts with local museums, the National Trust, regional museum services and large organisations such as Westminster Abbey.

With an MA in Heritage Education and Interpretation, Sarah is committed to making heritage accessible and engaging to everyone.
Omolola Okuneye

Freelance Trainer
Lola loves to help people and to impact lives. She graduated with a first-class degree in social work. Her professional experience spans education, training, social welfare, and not-for-profit sectors. Over the years, Lola has taken the role of a self-starter, spearheaded projects, and implemented processes and systems for organisations.
As a trainer, she employs a range of techniques and draws on her wealth of experience to deliver engaging sessions. She believes excellence is foremost in the workplace and this has been her approach to working for the Artswork Professional Development team.
Kirsty Knivett (She/They)

Safeguarding Trainer
As a Safeguarding Trainer for Artswork, Kirsty has always worked in the field of safeguarding and is the Director of Because2 Ltd – providing expert safeguarding consultancy services, based in York. With a drama background, Kirsty loves delivering training in an engaging and entertaining style. A lover of all arts, Kirsty has a Masters in Applied Theatre and is a registered social worker.
One of her key skills is applying theory and legislation to practice, sharing her knowledge of working in different sectors (education, private, public and charity) with others.
Jay Mendivil (She/Her)

Freelance Creative Project Manager and Trainer
Jay has over 20 years’ experience of developing and delivering creative and cultural projects. She has worked closely with boards and staff teams to develop organisations and began writing and delivering Artswork training courses in 2007.

Previously Head of Operations at Turner Sims Southampton (a nationally renowned concert hall) and having undertaken senior management roles spanning programming, operations and continuing professional development, Jay brings substantial experience in music as a tool for social impact, arts and health, using arts as a tool for consultation, safeguarding, organisational development, partnership working, communications, financial management, fundraising, governance and evaluation.
Lesley Wood (She/They)

Training and Quality Assurance Officer
Lesley delivers innovative training programs that enhance professional development, and promote creativity, and inclusivity.
Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, Lesley identifies with industry training needs, creating accessible learning experiences, and upholding quality in all initiatives. Lesley also provides consultation and support for organisations and individuals working across the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.