Historic England

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.

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.

Historic England are pleased to announce that we have several vacancies on the Historic England Advisory Committee (HEAC). We are particularly keen to recruit new members with expertise in archaeology or in conservation architecture or in planning and local government.

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 under-represented within Historic England at this level.

The Historic England Advisory Committee

The Historic England Advisory Committee provides 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 (excluding London) where it is novel, contentious or sets a precedent. 

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

• archaeology

• urban archaeology and regeneration

• conservation architecture

• historic landscape

• architectural history

• planning and local government

• place-making.

What you will be required to do:

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

• Attend relevant site visits; these last roughly a day, are attended by a small group of members with relevant expertise and take place prior to meetings

• Sharing expertise with other HEAC members and Historic England staff

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

How to apply

None of the roles advertised require formal qualifications or professional status beyond experience of the areas of expertise and interest outlined above. 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.

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 Historic England 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 5pm on 29 July 2024.

Interviews will be held in September.

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’).

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

Please note you do not need to complete the Applied online application.