Summary

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment.  We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.  

The London and South East Development Advice Teams provide Historic England’s statutory and non-statutory advice to our customers, engaging where we add most value to decision-making through our distinctive contribution as national experts.  The Development Advice Teams will also work closely with other teams to support communities in looking after historic places and in the advancement of Historic England’s objectives.    

As part of London and South East Development Advice Teams, the Inspector of Ancient Monuments will take delegated responsibility for the delivery of Historic England’s advice on proposals for change in the historic environment that fall within their area of competence.  Applying the ethos of ‘constructive conservation’ and making effective use of Conservation Principles in all their advisory work, they will provide advice to owners, local authorities and others, to proactively work towards the sustainable management of the historic environment.  They will also contribute to specific projects where their expertise would add value, for example as part of the Historic England Places strategy.

The role requires a minimum of one day a week in the London office and regular additional visits for meetings. The role also requires the person to be on site, likely in the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxford areas, as required.

This is a part time role and can be either 0.6 or 0.8 FTE.

National salary range:

£36,603 pro-rata

Greater London + salary range:

£39,408 - £39,900 pro-rata

Inner London salary range:

£40,748 - £40,900 pro-rata

What you will be doing

• To take responsibility for providing Historic England’s formal planning, scheduled monument control and management advice in relation to ancient monuments and archaeological landscapes including assessing proposals, deciding upon that advice (unless the case is more appropriately escalated), and delivering it to agreed timescales and to excellent customer service standards.  A key part of this involves working collaboratively with colleagues across teams and where necessary drawing on advice from regional and national specialists. 

• To represent Historic England (or if directed the Secretary of State) in the operation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, the National Heritage Act 1983 or other relevant legislation including with regard to the investigation and prosecution of offences in coordination with other public agencies. 

• To undertake pre-application discussion with potential applicants, including Extended Preapplication advice where appropriate, applying the ethos of ‘constructive conservation’ to negotiate creative solutions to problems so that proposed changes are sustainable. 

• To be a proactive and collaborative member of the South East Team and to assist with the development and implementation of the team plans and wider Corporate objectives.  

• To manage the performance of an Assistant Inspector of Ancient Monuments, if applicable, developing their capabilities, managing workload and ensuring knowledge of and compliance with agreed practices and standards. 

  What we are looking for

• Relevant academic qualifications in archaeology or a related relevant subject.

• Experience of managing change to Scheduled Monuments/archaeological sites and areas, historic buildings in active use, and protected landscapes

• Knowledge of heritage legislation and policy to inform professional advice you have provided.

• Ability to constructive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to protect and enhance heritage.

• Experience of negotiating challenging heritage cases with difficult stakeholders with a successful outcome.

  We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can.

  We are open to considering options including Job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working. We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having just won the Gold Award from MIND, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.

  Why work for Historic England?

  We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive pension scheme starting at 26% contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.

  We are driven to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to aid our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

  We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level.

  Historic England want all of our candidates to shine in the recruitment process. Please tell us what we can do to make sure you can show us your very best self. You can contact us by email at RecruitingTeam@Historicengland.org.uk if you have any recruitment queries.

  Provisional interview date 06th February 2024.

  Please follow the link for a full copy of the Job Description -

  https://historicengland.org.uk/content/job-descriptions-hr/inspector-of-ancient-monuments-jd/