Seven hallmarks of professionalism

Sara Robertson

Chief Executive, Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)

Sara initially trained as an architect at Edinburgh College of Art where she specialised in historic building conservation. Having undertaken the SPAB Lethaby Scholarship in 2002 she spent the early years of her career honing her skills in conservation policy and practice in various roles at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Leading the award-winning Faith in Maintenance project was a highlight from this time. In 2015, she left SPAB to take up a strategic policy role as Head of Historic Environment at the Heritage Lottery Fund before returning to the voluntary sector to become Chief Executive at Icon (the Institute of Conservation) in January 2019.

In May 2023 Sara moved into a new sector, taking up the post of Chief Executive at the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). Although she is not a linguist, she has a long-standing enthusiasm for languages, and harbours an ambition to brush up her German skills. Her voluntary role as a Council member of Europa Nostra (a pan-European cultural heritage charity) brings her into contact with professionals working in the cultural heritage sector from all corners of Europe and has taught her the value of timely, effective, accurate and trust-worthy communication between those who speak different languages. She is therefore proud to be an advocate for the vital services provided by translators and interpreters.

: ayrshirelass