English Heritage supports a network of Heritage Champions across the country. Champions are mainly elected members in local authorities. Champions across the country are using the historic environment as an asset to help achieve their local authority’s strategic goals and bring a better quality of life to their community.
What should Champions do?
Heritage Champions have been appointed in a majority of local authorities and are sometimes allied with the local Design Champions. The role of a Heritage Champion is to act as the elected representative championing the historic environment, working alongside the local conservation staff. Champions should provide authority and clarity about heritage issues, connecting the work of elected representatives with local planning authority officers.
How can I become a Champion?
Heritage Champions should be appointed through the relevant democratic processes which meet the requirements of the Constitution for the particular local authority. This usually means being appointed by full Council, Cabinet or the relevant Committee. However, some Constitutions link Champion roles to Chairmanship of particular Committees or delegate authority for such appointments.
For more information on becoming a Heritage Champion, visit the Heritage Champions page on the HELM website.
