For years I described myself as a proofreader. It's accurate – I am one, trained to professional level, with 25 years of experience and clients who've trusted me with their most important publications for over a decade. Proofreading is still at the heart of what I do and I'm proud of that.

But it's not the whole picture. And I've recently realised that by leading with proofreader', I've been underselling what I actually bring to the organisations I work with.

So this feels like a good moment to be clearer.

What I actually do

I spent nine years managing publications for Natural England – a national government body responsible for protecting England's countryside. I coordinated complex reports to parliament, managed design and print contractors, worked with stakeholders from Defra to St James's Palace, and helped shape the organisation's brand identity and writing guidelines.

Before that I was a project coordinator and then account manager at a Cheltenham design agency, managing publications for clients including CNN International and Disneyland Paris.

In 2022, I worked as Communications Officer for the Diocese of Gloucester, producing newsletters and bulletins, writing news stories, supporting campaigns and helping the diocese communicate clearly with congregations and clergy across the county.

And throughout the 20 years I've run Ultimate Proof, I've done far more than proofread. I've coordinated editorial projects from brief to final proof. I've built and managed small teams of editors. I've helped organisations develop their tone of voice, manage their content workflows and deliver publications they're genuinely proud of.

So yes, I proofread. But I also make things happen.

The difference between my two services

I'm asked fairly regularly what the difference is between proofreading and communications support, so it's worth being clear.

Proofreading and editing is what you need when your content is largely written and you want an experienced, detail-focused editor to make sure it's accurate, consistent and ready to publish. I check spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and flow – and I'll flag anything that doesn't feel right, not just what's technically wrong. I work on annual reports, prospectuses, newsletters, policy documents, charity and campaign materials, website copy and much more.

Publications and communications support is something broader. It's for organisations that need help managing the process of producing content – not just checking it at the end. That might mean coordinating contributors, keeping a publication on schedule, providing editorial oversight across a project, or stepping in as an experienced extra pair of hands when your team is stretched. If you need someone to take ownership and get a publication over the line, that's something I can help with.

Both services are available flexibly – no retainer required, no minimum commitment. And if you're not sure which you need, I'm always happy to have a conversation first.

Who I most want to work with

I want to be honest about this, because I think it matters.

I've worked across a wide range of sectors over the years – insurance, financial publishing, consumer brands, creative agencies. I'm good at all of it. But the work that genuinely lights me up is the work that feels like it matters.

I'm a practising Christian, and faith is at the heart of why I do what I do. When I'm proofreading Tearfund's annual report, or helping a Christian charity get their campaign materials right, or supporting a school prospectus that will help a family make one of the most important decisions of their lives – that's when I feel most at home.

So if you work in a charity, faith organisation, conservation body, heritage organisation or school – and you need calm, reliable, experienced communications and editorial support – I'd really love to hear from you.

And if you don't fit neatly into those categories but your work genuinely serves a purpose and you think we'd be a good fit – get in touch anyway. I'm always open to a conversation.

What this means practically

I've recently updated my website to reflect all of this more clearly. You'll now find two distinct services – Editing & Proofreading and Publications & Communications Support – along with a much clearer picture of who I am, what I've done and the kinds of organisations I most want to work with.

I'm also open to part-time or contract employed roles within purpose-driven organisations – particularly in communications, publications or editorial coordination. If that's something your organisation might need, my CV is available on request.

Whatever you're looking for – have a look around, and don't hesitate to get in touch.

📩 kelly@ultimateproof.co.uk

🔗 ultimateproof.co.uk