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 and then moved in 2003 to become a Finds Adviser specialising in early-medieval artefacts, housed at the McDonald Institute of Archaeological Research at Cambridge University. During this period she also worked with Time Team. In 2014 Helen moved to the PAS's base at the British Museum, to work training and supporting volunteer recorders.