*Closes 24th November*

This recruitment advert has been produced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support people who wish to apply to join the UK City of Culture 2029 Expert Advisory Panel. The advert includes information about the UK City of Culture programme and the role of the Expert Advisory Panel in the competition. It also outlines expectations and time commitments, and details on how to apply.

We are looking for up to nine individuals who are experts and proven leaders in their respective fields, cultural, public service or private sector.

Summary

UK City of Culture 2029 Expert Advisory Panel Role

  • Programme: UK City of Culture 2029 competition
  • Department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
  • Location: various (UK-wide appointments)
  • Sectors: Culture
  • Skills: Major Events
  • Number of vacancies: up to nine members, including a nominated representative for each nation (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales)
  • Time commitment: 14 to 19 days
  • Length of term: to predominantly support a competition selection process during 2026, and also act as a “Critical Friend” to the next UK City of Culture winner during their planning phase over 2027 to 2028

Timeline for recruitment

  • Opening date: Monday 3 November 2025
  • Application deadline: midday, Monday 24 November 2025
  • Interview dates: the week starting 8 December 2025 and the week starting 15 December 2025

What is UK City of Culture?

The UK City of Culture competition invites places to set out their vision to use culture as a catalyst for place transformation, encourage cultural participation and to promote social cohesion. It was inspired by the success of Liverpool’s term as European Capital of Culture 2008 and was launched in 2009. Operating on a four-yearly cycle, the competition is delivered by the UK government in collaboration with the Devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Derry/Londonderry won the first title for 2013, Hull for 2017, Coventry for 2021, and Bradford is the current title-holder for 2025. Winners stand to achieve economic growth, an increase in civic pride and social cohesion, a boost to visitor numbers, and increased participation in culture.

Bidding places are expected to develop applications against DCMS-set criteria, setting out their vision and capability to deliver a year long major cultural programme. The last competition saw 20 places enter, and associated benefits from bidding alone included developing local cultural strategies, partnerships and infrastructure.

For further information on the competition’s criteria and the positive impact that previous UK Cities of Culture have felt, please see the UK City of Culture 2029 Expression of Interest published guidance for bidding places.

Panel Chair and Deputy Chair

Sir Phil Redmond will continue his role as the Panel Chair, and Claire McColgan as Deputy Chair.

Nation Representatives

UK City of Culture is delivered across the UK and in collaboration with the devolved governments, and we are committed to ensuring that the Panel represents the UK’s diversity.

Including the Panel Chair and Deputy Chair, there will be up to 11 Panel members in total, encompassing a broad range of expertise. Four of these members will be selected to be a lead Nation Representative (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). The Nation Representatives will need to have a robust understanding of and connection to culture in their specific nation.

When applying, please indicate if you are interested in being considered for the Nation Representative for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.

Appointment description

The purpose of the Expert Advisory Panel is to assess the UK City of Culture 2029 bids against published criteria in bidding guidance, and provide independent expertise and objective and considered advice to the Secretary of State for DCMS at each stage of the competition.

In convening this Panel, the intention is to benefit from a wide range of experience across the UK in investing in culture to achieve multiple cultural, social and economic outcomes. This will help us to ensure the most successful UK City of Culture 2029 and provide support and constructive feedback to all bidders for the next UK City of Culture title.

Time Commitment

Panel members are expected to commit to approximately 14 to 19 days in total for their role.

This will predominantly be over the course of 2026 to support the competition selection process. For key meetings, the expectation will be for the Panel to convene in person rather than virtually. All timings are dates are indicative, but this is likely to include:

  • A panel induction session (January 2026).
  • 4 to 5 Panel meetings (throughout 2026).
  • 2 to 4 days to prepare for meetings:
    • 1 to 2 days to assess Expression of Interest bids (late January 2026); and
    • 1 to 2 days to assess full application bids (June/July 2026).
  • Minimum of 1 day to attend and support the delivery of a longlisted bidders information event (March 2026).
  • A visit to each of the (up to 4) shortlisted places (September 2026).
  • 1 to 2 days ad hoc media opportunities as advised and co-ordinated by DCMS launch/announcement event etc (November/December 2026).
  • 1 day wrap up session (December 2026/January 2027).

Panel members may also be called upon for feedback sessions in the later stages of Panel membership; and there may be an opportunity to act as “Critical Friend” to the next UK City of Culture 2029 winner during 2027 to 2028 in a consultative capacity. This could include:

  • 1 to 2 meetings with the winner halfway through and towards the end of their preparation to act as critical friends.

Essential criteria

  • At least five years of relevant experience.
  • Proven understanding and experience of investing in culture in place to achieve multiple outcomes with a range of partners.
  • Understanding of working with local authorities and engaging with communities.
  • Ability to assess strategic and creative plans.
  • Good interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate and collaborate.
  • Ability to remain objective with a commitment to equality of opportunity.

Desirable criteria

  • Interest in the work and impact of the UK City of Culture programme.
  • Experience in supporting and/or delivering major cultural events and/or infrastructure.

How to apply

To apply, all candidates are required to:

  • provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  • provide a supporting statement (750 words maximum and submitted using the form provided below); and
  • use the relevant section of the form to indicate if you are interested in being considered for the Nation Representative for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.

You should submit your supporting statement using the form below.

UK City of Culture 2029 Expert Advisory Panel: Application Form

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Please send applications to ukcityofculture2029-competition@dcms.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 24 November 2025. DCMS will not consider applications received after this date.