English Heritage

English Heritage brings the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. Caring for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites – from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts to a Cold War bunker – they are the only charity in the world which looks after a National Collection from their own earned income. The stories attached to these historic places, and over a million artefacts in their care, span six millennia and include palaces, houses, hill figures, castles, abbeys, industrial sites, and even deserted medieval villages. Creating inspirational visitor experiences that bring the story of England to life and caring for their sites and collections for the benefit of this and future generations, is a cornerstone of everything they do, as is visibly connecting people to places through the London blue plaques scheme which English Heritage is proud to operate. The skill of their staff and the generosity of their volunteers, members, donors and other supporters enables them to do this.

As Kate Mavor CBE steps down as Chief Executive having led the organisation through their transition to become an independent charity, she leaves behind a world class portfolio of heritage assets, a resilient and successful operating model (notwithstanding the pandemic), a first-class team of staff, a rapidly increasing army of committed volunteers, and a growing loyal base of 1.2 million members.

The Board of Trustees, chaired by Gerard Lemos CMG, now seeks candidates for the role of Chief Executive, to join English Heritage at this very exciting juncture and lead the organisation into its next chapter. This person will work with the Board and senior management team to deliver on securing the property licence and creating the organisation’s strategy from 2025 onwards, as well as continuing to broaden English Heritage’s reach and relevance, and fulfil its vital mission. Candidates should bring senior leadership experience in an organisation of similar significance and profile, a strong track record of devising and delivering customer focused strategies that are innovative and impactful, the ability to be an excellent external advocate to potential donors, funders and partners, brilliant stakeholder management skills and experience, and a collegiate approach to leadership with a demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to English Heritage on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EGNF. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 31^st July 2023.