Helen studied Medieval Archaeology at University College London before completing a PhD on 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, and is an expert on all things Anglo-Saxon! She later helped set up a dedicated unit working with metal detectorists at Norfolk Museums Service. Helen joined the Scheme in 2000 as the Suffolk Finds Liaison Officer.

Helen now works part-time as the Finds Adviser (early-medieval artefacts) and her office is in the Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge.  She spends some of the rest of her time working with Time Team.