“Sam is reliable, enthusiastic, intelligent and pragmatic. She is deeply committed to oral history and community heritage work, as well as having enviable experience in working with many different kinds of groups. On top of bringing personal understanding to academic work in areas that are very important to the humanities in Brighton, Sam also has wonderful social skills and is generally a delight to work with.”
Professor Margaretta Jolly, Director of the Centre for Life History and Life Writing Research, University of Sussex
“Sam has a profound understanding of community heritage and its significance, and a wonderful ability to grasp the essence of a project. She guided me through the Heritage Lottery funding application process with warmth and understanding, enabling me to focus my ideas and establish contacts within the academic community. Thanks to her, the project has gained so much.”
Nicola Lane, artist and filmmaker, Pegleg Productions
“I have worked with Sam Carroll on a range of different public history projects and events. She combines practical experience of a range of different skills and methods (including exhibition organisation, oral history, and research training) with historical knowledge and a warmth and approachability that make her a pleasure to work with. I would grab the chance to work with her again.”
Professor Lucy Noakes, Rab Butler Chair in Modern History, University of Essex
“Sam has been an invaluable consultant on the oral history part of several of our large scale community arts projects, including Home Fires, Our Dancing Feet and Breaking the Silence. She, has brought a wealth of experience and skills in heritage learning to support our work, and is always part of our creative thinking from the very start.
She has advised us on best practice and ethics, signposted us to essential resources and provided top quality training for our volunteers, offering clear and accessible materials. I would have no hesitation in recommending her as a trainer and consultant.”
Sara Clifford, playwright and Director of Inroads Productions
“Sam was instrumental in helping us to put together a successful bid for a heritage community project about women and Shellshock in the First World War: www.wearepoppy.org. She gave us expert advice as well as support on everything from budgets and resourcing to finding brilliant professionals and professors throughout the life of the project, helping us to create a piece of work that we’re really proud of. ”
Tayler Cresswell, Co-founder of Make (Good) Trouble CIC - giving teens a voice
“Sam is exactly the person you want to lead any kind of community based oral history project. Her warm, approachable manner and down-to-earth touch combined with the breadth and depth of her expertise makes her a brilliant trainer.”
River Jones, former Convenor of Community Engagement at The University of Sussex
“Sam Carroll’s experience, knowledge and creative thinking were vital to the success of the Gateways public engagement centre. She took a leading role in connecting the centre with diverse communities around the UK and supported dozens of community groups to make successful project funding applications. Skilled in research, event organisation and training delivery, Sam is professional, enthusiastic, warm and approachable and was a tremendous asset to our team.”
Dr Zoe Denness
“Sam Carroll was a hugely important part of the Gateways to the First World War project. Her ability to engage with a wide range of individuals, groups and organizations played a leading role in the success of our centre. Inspiring, energetic, understanding and caring, her approach wove together people, ideas and action perfectly.”
Professor Mark Connelly, Centre for War, Propaganda and Society, University of Kent