In the ever-evolving field of information and records management, recognizing new talent is crucial for fostering innovation and growth. In this special edition of the IG Lighthouse podcast, I spoke with two recent winners of the Alison North New Professionals Award, Carys Hardy and Joseph Hetrick, to explore their journeys, their unique perspectives on the profession, and how the award has impacted their careers.
Established in 2010, the Alison North New Professionals Award aims to celebrate individuals who are either new to the profession or currently in full-time study within the field. As a previous winner myself, I've seen the evolution of the award and its importance in recognizing the fresh ideas and perspectives that new professionals bring to the table. With 2025 bringing changes in application criteria allowing for various formats such as blogs and vlogs, the award now encourages creativity and personal expression among applicants.
Our first interviewee, Joseph Hetrick, who won the award in 2024, shared his intriguing entry, which drew inspiration from George Orwell’s "1984." He explored the duality of records in Orwell’s work, recognizing them as tools of state control while also highlighting their potential for personal expression through Winston's diaries. Joseph emphasized that as the profession adapts to modern challenges, understanding the significance of records becomes increasingly vital. His narrative not only showcased his analytical skills but also offered a fresh take on a classic literary work, making it relevant to contemporary discussions in records management.
We then turned to the wonderful Carys Hardy, the 2025 award winner. Carys discussed her 2025 entry which focused on the communication gap within information and records management. She identified a prevalent issue where terminology varies significantly between professionals and other stakeholders, leading to misunderstandings. Carys advocated for a more adaptive approach to terminology, suggesting that the profession should develop a common glossary to bridge these communication gaps. Her insights stemmed from her personal experiences and frustrations in the field, making her argument both relatable and impactful.
Both Joseph and Carys reflect with us on how winning the award has opened new doors for them. Joseph highlighted the importance of having a platform to express his ideas and the credibility that comes with the award, while Carys noted the networking opportunities and confidence boost it provided her. Carys has since taken on a volunteer role with the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS), allowing her to expand her skills and influence within the community. Their stories exemplify how recognition can empower new professionals to take bold steps in their careers.
The conversations with Carys and Joseph reveal the transformative power of recognition in the field of information and records management. Their unique entries not only reflect their individual talents but also address critical issues facing the profession today. By fostering open communication and encouraging innovative thinking, the Alison North New Professionals Award continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of records management.
For details of the award, how to enter, what you can win and deadlines, check out https://irms.org.uk/NewProfessionals.
The podcast is available on Podbean, YouTube & Apple Podcasts from today!
