Heritage Link

Brief for Heritage Protection Reform Co-ordinator

  1. Background

Heritage Protection Reform (HPR) is the process of modernising the way the historic environment is protected and managed by all relevant parties. The key objectives of HPR are;

Holistic management of the historic environment without making artificial distinctions between archaeology, structures and spaces

Integration of a complicated and confusing legislative and policy framework that has grown up piecemeal over time

Development of new ways of working in partnerships to manage change

Far greater clarity about what is seen as important and why, so that the public can understand and participate in decision making

Ensuring that future systems are adequately supported politically, financially and operated by suitably skilled practitioners at all levels.

The post of Heritage Protection Reform Co-ordinator is intended to contribute to these objectives by creating a joint working arrangement between English Heritage and Heritage Link in relation to facilitate strategic developments in the reform programme; and to foster capacity within the voluntary sector to allow it to fulfil its role as a key stakeholder in the reform process. This post will act as a key liaison point and conduit of information between English Heritage and Heritage Link and will inform and co-ordinate the input of Heritage Link into key consultations within the reform programme.

2.Description of the post

The post is to be a new, temporary, part-time post (3 days per week), with the possibility of renewal on agreement between English Heritage and Heritage Link. The post is London-based and will entail regular attendance at Heritage Link’s office. Management of the post will sit with Heritage Link, but there will be regular and close engagement with English Heritage.

The new post will provide Heritage Link with additional capacity to inform and coordinate voluntary sector activity around the Heritage Reform Implementation Programme from mid 2009. The post holder will help maintain the momentum for reform in Parliament and in the heritage sector. He/She will ensure that Heritage Link members are properly informed of developments relating to all aspects of the implementation programme.

The post is London-based and will entail regular attendance at Heritage Link’s offices. Salary £28000 pa pro rata (3 days pw). 1 year fixed term contract with possible renewal.

Specific duties will include;

  1. To act as a focal point for Heritage Link input to the consultation on the Planning Policy Statement and Practice Guidance for the historic environment, informing and preparing a joint Heritage Link response to the PPS
  2. To plan and deliver a members’ workshop/policy day during the period of the PPS15 consultation to inform the Heritage Link Response
  1. To set up, with Heritage Link Spatial Planning Advocacy Group, an advisory panel to manage this and other engagement in technical consultations in the reform programme
  2. To sustain political support for the introduction of the Heritage Protection Bill in the parliamentary arena as well as the wider heritage sector
  3. To work closely with English Heritage in developing and monitoring a communications strategy
  4. To establish Heritage Link as a source of information and expert briefings.
  5. To draft with the Spatial Planning Advisory Group a Heritage Link statement on the place of heritage in planning policy
  6. To inform members, plan events/briefings, and co-ordinate Heritage Link responses to related consultations and other proposals where there is opportunity to shape the outcomes and delivery
  7. To work in partnership with English Heritage and other bodies to develop an effective package of training and capacity building for Heritage Link members and their networks.
  8. To facilitate information exchange between DCMS, CLG, English Heritage, local authorities and Heritage Link, its members and the wider heritage sector, including meetings, events, website and Update content.

3. Person Specification

Heritage Link and English Heritage seek an outstanding individual who will command respect in the sector and be a convincing advocate for Heritage Link at all levels.

Candidates will have

a sound understanding of the heritage sector and interest in promoting the voluntary heritage sector.

a sound understanding of existing heritage protection legislation, guidance and practice, and the proposed impact of reforms

an ability to deal confidently with senior colleagues and external stakeholders

an ability to understand and analyse complex information and prepare clear and concise and accurate written material

excellent verbal and written communicating skills, including communicating to different audiences, negotiation and secretarial (minute taking)

good standard of IT skills

proven project management experience including financial management

  1. Management

The project will be led by Mike Heyworth (Director of the Council for British Archaeology) as Chair of Heritage Link’s Spatial Planning Advocacy Group and Heritage Link Trustee. Progress and financial management are monitored by the Board. All reporting and accounting procedures required by the funder will be overseen by the Secretary, Kate Pugh.

Kate P

030709

Heritage Link, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP

Heritage Link is a registered charity (1094793) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (4577804).