From its rich mixture of historic townscapes, museums and galleries to its Victorian parks and the striking natural landscapes of the Bowland Fells and the Western Pennines, the region has a vibrant and diverse heritage and we need your help to continue making a real difference by joining the Heritage Lottery Fund’s North West Committee.

Bill Maynard, who is stepping down as a Committee member after six years, says: “I have had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of heritage issues that affect the North West, from historic buildings to natural environments. The range of projects is vast and it has been a great challenge. It has been an honour to work alongside the regional team who are thoroughly professional and dedicated.” 

HLF has a vacancy for at least one Committee member to decide on funding for the heritage that is so loved by local people and visitors alike. The successful candidates would join fellow decision makers to help us to open up our heritage for everyone to enjoy. The North West has a vibrant heritage – from its museums, collections, parks and landscapes, to cultural histories and community memories – and HLF supports projects of every kind.

The committee is made up of leading figures, some of whom have professional expertise in heritage, others come from the community or voluntary sector, or have experience in economic regeneration, tourism, education, commerce, or working with community groups.

“We are looking for people who appreciate the North West’s incredible heritage and are passionate about promoting understanding and enjoyment of what there is to see, experience and learn about,” says Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West. “Chairs and Committee members are the local people deciding where to invest money raised by National Lottery players. They also play an important role as advocates for heritage in their local area.”

HLF funding in the North West has supported a vast array of projects over the past 21 years, investing more than £700million in over 3,900 projects. Recent highlights awarded by the committee include the restoration of Preston’s impressive Winkley Square, completing the refurbishment of Manchester’s Gorton Monastery, bringing a disused canal wharf in Burnley’s Weavers Triangle back to life and supporting a wildlife volunteering project for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Anyone wishing to be considered for the position or, if you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sara Hilton via email: shilton@hlf.org.uk.

We welcome applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and young individuals who are currently less well represented across our committees.

Notes to editors

The Committee is one of 12 across the UK. Each one meets four times a year. Chairs and members are normally appointed for three years in the first instance with the potential for a second term. The Committee is responsible for investing National Lottery Players’ money in projects ranging from £100,000 to £2million. They are assisted by the region’s staff of professional officers whose role it is to provide detailed or specialist advice, upon which the committee bases its decisions.

To hear committee members talk about their role visit the the Board and committee recruitment page. Application materials are available on our Committee vacancies page.

Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF invests money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. Follow us on Twitter: @heritagelottery.