Heritage Careers: 001
Welcome to this launch issue! Learn about heritage career pathways, emerging roles, key workforce challenges and the latest vacancies dedicated to equality, diversity and inclusion in heritage.
The future of the heritage sector remains uncertain with a shortage of younger individuals pursuing heritage careers and being hired at board-level. This trend is even reflected in unpaid roles with over 50% of volunteers being male, aged 50+ and based predominantly in the South of England, highlighting possible gender and geographic disparities.
A survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that 90% of young people are unaware of career paths in heritage. Furthermore, insights from interviews at Heritage Cornwall's Expo (featured lower down this post in ‘Heritage Learning’) confirm that many working in the sector made unplanned “sideways moves” into the sector, which, altogether, could explain why so few younger people are applying to these ‘hidden’ roles.
Another survey indicates that despite 89% of the public valuing historic buildings, the interest does not translate to actual involvement in preserving them. While organisations such as CHARTER, the European Heritage Academy and The Pilgrim’s Trust in the UK are actively working to bridge this skills gap through targeted training programmes, could it be that they are not really tackling the root cause of the skills shortage?
Another piece of the puzzle can be found in the boardroom. The Reach Volunteering report shows progress in charity board diversity, which applies to many heritage organisations too. However, it also reveals significant age and ethnic disparities. When younger candidates do show interest in leadership and board level roles, they appear to face unexplained barriers, being 80% less likely to be appointed. A recent BBC report describes ageism and “negative-leaning opinions” towards younger workers as the “acute problem”, affecting even softer-, more youthful-featured workers in many sectors. Additionally, ethnic minorities encounter similar challenges despite high application rates.
So what can be done? Toolkits, such as Reach’s ‘Trustee Recruitment Cycle,’ are a reliable starting point for bringing the issue to leaders’ attention and guiding the implementation of more inclusive practices. Another strategy is for the employers and policy makers within organisations to simply question irrational assumptions as to what people with certain traits can and cannot do.
The recent inquiry by the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) into employer attitudes and the employment of blind and partially sighted people in particular is a step in the right direction. The heritage sector depends on such research to inspire positive change, especially as the workforce ages and the demand for skilled preservationists already outstrips supply.
Latest Vacancies
We feature roles (entry-senior) with an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) functional focus, and those which are not strictly EDI but likely to have a positive EDI impact…
David Bonnett Associates, a design firm with expertise across multiple sectors including heritage, is searching for new Access Consultants to join their team. Work on high-impact, inclusive design projects, and collaborate with architects to create accessible, people-friendly spaces. Apply here.
UNESCO UK seeks a part-time Project Coordinator to support their "Local to Global 2.0" initiative. Apply here.
Museum Development South East invites contractors to tender for delivering the "Inclusive Museums" programme (2025-2026). Apply here.
The Roald Dahl Museum requires a Learning Officer to deliver high-quality learning programmes for diverse audiences, including schools and families. Apply here.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is looking for a Workforce Equality and Culture Manager. This role focuses on driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their workforce. This is a strategic role aimed at fostering an inclusive environment, promoting equality, and shaping a diverse workforce culture. Apply here.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) needs trustees to help shape its vision, strategy, and financial oversight. Ideal candidates will have expertise in charity finance, fundraising, or digital engagement. Trustees serve a 3-year term with potential re-election, and though it is a voluntary role, expenses are covered. Apply here.
Durham County Council is searching for a marketing executive for a 12-month contract to manage and deliver marketing initiatives for "The Culture County." This includes promoting Durham’s cultural offerings through campaigns, social media, and partnerships. The role supports the county’s destination marketing strategy, with hybrid working options. Apply here.
Woodbridge Tide Mill is keen to hire a general manager to oversee day-to-day operations, lead a team of volunteers, and drive strategic growth for this historic site. The role involves managing visitor experiences, fundraising, and marketing efforts to ensure the mill's sustainability. If you have a passion for heritage and excellent management skills, apply here.
Heritage Learning
Museum Development South East E-learning: Access self-paced, on-demand courses focused on improving museum practices in areas like collections care, audience development, and governance. Perfect for museum professionals seeking flexible learning options. Learn more.
Inclusive Learning Design Workshop: This on-demand workshop offers insights into building inclusive design processes, addressing unconscious bias, and creating equitable learning environments. Join here.
Expo Ertach Kernow (Heritage Cornwall): This fascinating series explores the diverse voices within Cornwall's Heritage sector, their career journeys into heritage and deep passion for preserving the region's rich heritage. Listen here (English language).
The Open University (OU) Free Open Learn Course (with certificate): Explore how heritage shapes our identities, influences society, and fosters connections between communities, and gain a deeper understanding of what heritage means today. More here.
Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grants: Explore funding opportunities for your community-led projects, celebrating diverse and overlooked aspects of England's local, every day heritage. The deadline is fast approaching! Explore here.