*Closes 04th June*

Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s rich and diverse historic environment, from high streets and battlefields to parks and pie shops.

At the heart of shaping how the nation understands, protects and reimagines its heritage, Historic England ensures that the historic environment plays a vital role in economic growth, community identity and future sustainability.

By championing historic places that connect and inspire people, Historic England ensures heritage has a lasting and positive impact on the world around us.

Historic England operates as an arm’s length public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Historic England x7 Commissioners

Department Culture, Media & Sport

Number of vacancies x 7

Time commitment x 12 day(s) per annum

Remuneration x £4,133 per annum

Length of term x Up to 5 years

Application deadline 11:59pm on 4 June 2026

Essential criteria

  • Heritage: A commitment to preserving cultural heritage, and improving education and understanding of British and World history

  • Knowledge: An understanding of Historic England’s work, the environment in which it operates and a commitment to its aims and objectives

  • Judgement: An ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgement, using their own area of expertise to support corporate decision making

  • Collaboration: An ability to work constructively on a Board, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance across a full range of issues

In addition to the essential criteria, we are seeking candidates who can bring experience in one or more of the following areas. Candidates must indicate which of the areas of relevant experience (set out below) they are applying under.

Public Sector / Charity Leadership

Experience of leadership within the public or voluntary sector, with an understanding of governance, operational and financial management. Experience of arm’s length bodies or public sector governance is desirable. The successful applicant may be asked to Chair the Business & Finance Committee.

Property Development and Planning

Experience of property development, including engagement with the planning system and its impact on the historic environment. Knowledge of planning systems and delivery – within local authorities or the private sector – is essential, including the interface between heritage and development. Experience of major infrastructure planning and the adaptive reuse or regeneration of heritage buildings is desirable.

Human Resources/People Management

Senior-level experience in people management, organisational or cultural change, or workforce strategy, with an understanding of organisational effectiveness.

Local government/devolution

Experience of leadership within local government, with an understanding of evolving local government structures and devolution in England.

Conservation of Heritage Estates and /or Heritage Visitor attraction(s)

Experience of managing heritage sites or property portfolios as visitor attractions, supported by a strong understanding of conservation principles.

Community Engagement

Experience of engaging communities and building partnerships with diverse audiences and stakeholders, ideally within the arts, culture or heritage sectors.

Digital

Experience of digital strategy, transformation or innovation, including the use of digital tools to enhance engagement, improve access to services or support organisational effectiveness.

How to Apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a supporting statement
  • a short professional biography (150 words)

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide equality information including special category data (which may identify your race/ ethnic background or health); you have the choice to opt out from sharing any equality data, by selecting ‘prefer not to say’. We use your personal information and special category data for a wide range of purposes, to enable us to carry out our functions as a government department.