Our people
Birmingham Conservation Trust is a charity which exists ‘to preserve and enhance Birmingham’s threatened architectural heritage and to promote an enjoyment and understanding of the City’s historic buildings’.
Our Team
Sarah Hayes
Museum and Trust Director
Sarah leads Birmingham Conservation Trust and manages the Newman Brothers at The Coffin Works museum.
A qualified museum professional with a Masters in Museum Studies, she has overseen the building’s transformation from a nearly forgotten factory into a renowned Grade II* listed visitor attraction, preserving its rich industrial heritage for future generations
Irene de Boo
Engagement and Support
(Golden Lion)
Irene has worked in the Birmingham Heritage sector since 1994.
As curator/manager of historic properties she has worked on capital development projects at Blakesley Hall, Sarehole Mill and Weoley Castle. As Curator Industry & Transport at the Black Country Living Museum, she oversaw the restoration of historic machinery and vehicles. Irene is a keen advocate of Birmingham’s built heritage and history and coordinates Birmingham Heritage Week, the city’s annual heritage festival.
Chris Rice
Fundraising & Advocacy
(Golden Lion)
Chris is a freelance curator, historic buildings specialist and heritage project manager.
As Head of Heritage Services for Birmingham Museums Trust he led the major restoration of Aston Hall and the Birmingham History Galleries project at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, as well overseeing schemes at Soho House, Sarehole Mill and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
Outside of Birmingham his projects have included the restoration and refurbishment of Compton Verney’s ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, the Old Toll House in Stratford upon Avon and Westonbirt House and Gardens. Chris is a Fellow of the Lunar Society and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Birmingham.
Claire McGibbon
Volunteer & Operations Co-ordinator
Claire manages the volunteer programme and daily operations at The Coffin Works, ensuring the smooth running of the museum and its events.
With a background in heritage engagement, she works closely with the Trust to deliver memorable visitor experiences and safeguard the stories, skills, and character that make this former coffin furniture factory a nationally recognised heritage site.
Our Trustees
(In alphabetical order)
Annette French
Trustee
Annette joined the Board in 2022 but has supported the Trust for many years, including during its Museum Accreditation journey. A Jewellery Quarter resident, she is committed to ensuring the area thrives, with heritage at its heart.
With a career spanning museums, creative education, libraries, and now higher education as Accreditations Manager for Birmingham Business School at the University of Birmingham, Annette brings a breadth of knowledge and strong community links. Her role as Trustee helps her stay connected to the Jewellery Quarter and contribute to heritage conservation in the area.
Ash Wilson
Trustee
Ash Wilson joined the BCT Board in 2024, although he has been a friend of the Coffin Works for many years – even designing the museum’s café in 2021. He is the founder of an interior and architectural design practice established in 2016, specialising in heritage sites.
Ash became a Chartered Architectural Technologist in 2022 and has over a decade of industry experience, from bespoke furniture design to large multi-million-pound projects. He also lectures at Birmingham City University, sharing industry insight with undergraduate students. Outside work, Ash is a keen traveller, foodie, and DIY enthusiast, often found tending his allotment.
Benjamin Parker
Chair of Trustees
Benjamin has been a Trustee of the BCT since 2019 and became Chair in December 2023. His connection to the Coffin Works goes back further, having been a tenant here while working for the Heritage Trust Network and later Historic England.
With extensive experience in building preservation trusts and managing National Lottery Heritage Fund projects, Benjamin is perfectly placed to lead the Trust. He brings positivity, vision, and a commitment to supporting both the team and the wider work of the Coffin Works.
Devinder Matharu
Trustee
Devinder joined the BCT Board in 2024, bringing her expertise in heritage and architecture. After working for many years with listed buildings and conservation area development, she completed an MA in the Conservation of the Historic Environment to pursue a long-term career in heritage.
She is currently a Conservation Officer at Walsall Council, where she works on projects including the Willenhall masterplan, public realm works in Walsall Town Centre, and the borough’s heritage strategy. Her professional insight is a valuable asset to the Trust as it supports the restoration of historic buildings in Birmingham.
Josie Wall
Trustee
Josie joined the Board in 2024 but has a long-standing connection to the Coffin Works, beginning as a volunteer during her PhD in Archaeology. She later joined the staff team in 2016, before moving on in 2019 to manage activities for the Jewellery Quarter cemeteries project.
Now working with the burial ground charity Caring for God’s Acre, Josie supports the conservation of cemeteries and churchyards across England, sharing her expertise in built heritage and social history. Joining the BCT Board has allowed her to stay connected to the Jewellery Quarter and give back to the museum where her career began.
Kerry Hawkes
Trustee
Kerry Hawkes joined the BCT Board in 2022, bringing a wealth of heritage expertise and extensive experience in education, partnership working, and fundraising. She is currently Partnerships Manager at IKON Gallery, just a short walk from the Coffin Works Museum.
Kerry plays a key role in shaping the Trust’s strategic vision. Her career has included work as a Learning Manager and delivering projects that engage diverse audiences. With a proven ability to build and sustain partnerships, her insight and experience are invaluable to the Trust’s growth and sustainability.
Tim Hasker-Sarchet
Trustee
Tim has been passionate about history since childhood, with a particular interest in Ancient Egypt and 17th-century history. He holds a master’s degree in history and has worked as a writer, researcher, and presenter on heritage projects and documentaries.
Professionally, Tim works in risk management in the energy and tech sector, bringing this experience to the Board to help assess and manage risk. Based in Birmingham with his husband and two cats, he enjoys exploring local bars and cultural spots in Stirchley.
Our vision
Founded in 1977, Birmingham Conservation Trust is one of over 250 building preservations trusts in the UK.
Birmingham Conservation Trust is a registered independent charity and a company limited by guarantee with a separate trading arm.
Our aims
Fundamentally we believe in working with local people to find imaginative, sustainable solutions that address local needs. By doing this we aim to:
- create better places in which to live, work and play
- enhance local distinctiveness and create a new identity for the City that integrates the best of the old with the new
- form partnerships with local communities, with business, industry and the voluntary sector
- empower communities within the City to help improve their environment for the better
- Act as a catalyst for urban regeneration in run down areas of the City
- Contribute to the local economy by drawing funds into the City and encouraging tourism and leisure
- Combine the best of modern design with the use of traditional construction skills.
We also actively seek to encourage access and promote enjoyment of the City’s historic buildings by:
- taking part in the Heritage Open Days in the City
- giving talks and lectures to local groups
- staging exhibitions and events linked to our projects.
Annual reports
For a fuller picture of what we are about and do, please see the information below: