This is a prime ministerial appointment, made with the advice of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The NHMF is the nation’s grant-in-aid fund to save the most outstanding parts of our heritage at risk of loss to the nation, as a memorial to those who have given their lives for the UK, and has a current annual budget of £5m. To date, HLF has awarded over £6bn to 37,000 heritage projects across the UK from money raised by the Lottery for good causes and has a grant budget for 2014-15 of £375m.

The Chair will need to have a broad appreciation of heritage and promoting its public understanding and enjoyment, together with strong skills in strategic leadership, analytical thinking, influencing, communication and a sound understanding of corporate governance.

The Chair is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Board, taking ownership and responsibility for developing and delivering strategy, and is the primary Board-level advocate for the Fund, championing the aims and strategic objectives of the funds with government at Westminster and in the devolved administrations.

Why lead our Board?

Our current chair offers her own insight: “Being Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund has above all been a great privilege. Working with such committed and talented trustees and staff has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. HLF is making a real difference for heritage and bringing real and sustained benefits for people across the country. I have met truly inspirational applicants, grantees and volunteers and have visited transformational projects, both large and small. It has been an honour to chair an organisation which thrives on passion, professionalism and commitment.” Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair September 2008 to August 2014.

More information

• Our briefing pack, describes the role and the skills and experience the Chair will bring
• For an informal discussion about the role contact our advising consultant Juliet Taylor at GatenbySanderson on 020 7426 3990
• This website and the NHMF website provide more information about the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund respectively

How to apply

• Please send the following to decisionmakers.recruitment@hlf.org.uk
• A CV and covering letter (each no more than three A4 sides) describing how you meet the person specification for the role
• A completed conflicts of interest form, political activity monitoring form and personal details monitoring form
• Completed applications must be received by 12 noon Thursday 28 August 2014