About us

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

Historic England have four fantastic opportunities for you to be apart of our London Advisory Committee.

Our purpose at Historic England is to improve people’s lives by championing and protecting the historic environment. Through our work, collaboration, creativity and expertise we want everyone to be able to connect with and learn from our heritage. Historic England are pleased to announce we are currently seeking to broaden the membership of the London Advisory Committee (LAC) and we have four membership opportunities available.

You will have the opportunity to join The London Advisory Committee who provide expert advice to staff and the Commission on Historic England's functions under the National Heritage Act 1983, and other relevant legislation, in particular on policy matters and casework regarding London where it is novel, contentious or sets a precedent. 

We are now seeking up to four candidates with expertise in any of the following disciplines to join us:

• Architect (with particular expertise in sustainable development and masterplanning)

• Urban design

• Architectural history

• Planning and local government

• World Heritage Sites management with experience of the approach taken to them by ICOMOS and UNESCO. 

It’s an exciting time to join The London Advisory Committee as we are committed to our six priorities as part of our Corporate Strategy plan:

1. Levelling Up

2. Inclusion, Diversity and Equality

3. Planning, Listing, Conservation Advice and Investment

4. Climate Action

5. Stewardship of the National Collections

6. Developing Historic England

Read more about our Corporate Strategy plan: https://historicengland.org.uk/about/what-we-do/corporate-plan/

At Historic England we’re always looking for new ways to promote the past in ways that are inclusive to all and that celebrate the cultural diversity of England's heritage.

To do that, we need people with fresh perspectives, from all walks of life, to join us.

We believe that heritage is for everyone, and so are jobs in the heritage sector. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we're working hard to improve diversity in our workforce. 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.

What you will be required to do:

• As a member you will be required to attend approximately six meetings each year.  Meetings are usually of half-day duration and take place in the morning.  Additional meetings are sometimes required, and these will usually be virtual.

• Site visits take place before meetings, on dates fixed in advance.  Each is attended by a small group of members.  Site visits are generally of a half day’s duration and are undertaken two days prior to the meeting itself.

• Members should expect to attend most meetings, and to join at least one site visits beforehand. 

• Sharing expertise with other LAC members and Historic England staff.

• Participation in occasional day conferences and seminars to assist in Historic England’s strategic development.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Beyond experience of the areas of expertise and interest outlined above, no formal qualification or professional status is required to fulfill the role. Candidates should, however, be able to demonstrate a willingness to challenge constructively, operate as part of a committee and be able to work alongside a broad range of professionals.

How to apply:

Please note you are not required to complete the online Applied application process.

Please apply by sending a covering letter/email and CV to governance@historicengland.org.uk

In your covering letter/email please briefly outline (in no more than 250 words for each) these areas:

• Why being a part of the London Advisory Committee at Historic England interests you?

• The skills, knowledge and experience you possess that are specifically relevant to your application

• How you have inspired change or a key issue within your working career in the historic environment

The deadline for applications is Sunday 5th November 2023 at 11.59pm

Please note that these positions are not remunerated, although all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Appointments are made by the Chairman of Historic England following appropriate interviews and in line with the Government’s seven principles of public life (The ‘Nolan Principles’) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life/the-7-principles-of-public-life--2 .

Appointed candidates will serve an initial term of three years.

Interviews will be conducted in person (or virtually), Tuesday 21st November and Thursday 30th November 2023.

We regret that those candidates who are not shortlisted will not be given feedback.

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.

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. Please visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.

Why work for Historic England:

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support 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 ResourcingTeam@Historicengland.org.uk if you have any recruitment queries. 

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for everyone the use of AI or automated tools is not permitted.

Please click on the following link for a copy of the full Job Description;

/content/job-descriptions-hr/london-advisory-committee-jd-new-1/