A campaign begins today to recruit trustees and committee members to join the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Call to action!

Trustees and committee members sought for National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund

A campaign begins today to recruit trustees and committee members to join the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Four trustees are sought to join the NHMF/HLF Board¹. HLF is also recruiting 13 committee members² to join seven committees across England. Applications for both campaigns are sought from a wide range of people who have the skills and experience to meet the challenges of these roles.

HLF/NHMF trustees

Being a trustee of HLF/NHMF offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the UK’s wide-ranging heritage. Trustees need to have a broad appreciation of heritage and a commitment to promoting public understanding and enjoyment of it to the widest possible audience, together with strong skills in leadership, strategic and analytical thinking, influencing and communication.

For these particular appointments, candidates are especially sought who have expertise in: the historic environment or in the natural environment; financial management; engaging people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities; or who have knowledge of the heritage of the North East or the East of England.

Kathryn Gee, NHMF/HLF trustee, who will be standing down from the Board in September 2012, said:

"It has been a wonderful experience to do work which I really believe in, for such a well-run organisation. The people are passionate - whether they are trustees, staff, applicants or local supporters - the schemes outstanding and the unparalleled access to heritage an absolute honour. It has been hard work, but I shall miss it very much."

The Board sets the strategic and policy framework within which grants to benefit the heritage of the UK are awarded. It makes decisions on all NHMF awards and HLF grants over £1m. Trustees are invited to attend project openings and can be asked to engage with the media and speak on behalf of the organisation at public events.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) make these appointments. Further information can be found on DCMS' website

The closing date for trustee vacancies is Monday 17 October 2011.

Details on how to apply can be obtained from the above link. For additional queries contact George Cutts, Public Appointments Unit, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, email: george.cutts@culture.gsi.gov.uk

HLF committee members HLF is looking for 13 committee members across England: East of England, London, North East, North West, South East England, South West and Yorkshire & the Humber. The Fund is keen to recruit people with a range of backgrounds and experience, including individuals from BAME communities and individuals with disabilities. HLF is also keen to encourage applications from younger people, who are currently under-represented on the committees. John Hamshere, HLF Yorkshire & the Humber committee member, who will be standing down in March 2012, said:

"I have really enjoyed my six years on the Committee for Yorkshire & the Humber and it has gone far too quickly. I consider it one of the most worthwhile activities I have undertaken. The importance of the HLF to the heritage of this country, in its widest sense, cannot be overstated. I have felt privileged to have contributed towards the future of heritage in the region."

To seek further information or to register an interest visit HLF's website: www.hlf.org.uk/vacancies or email: decisionmakers@hlf.org.uk

The closing date for all committee member applications is Monday 31 October 2011.