Who should apply

Applications are welcome from a wide range of individuals who 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, Trustees are sought to fill three types of role:

• General – three vacancies for individuals where any of the following areas of expertise would bring added value to the Board: senior level experience in business and commerce; partnership working between commercial and not-for-profit organisations; fine art and art history; local government; the heritage of the West Midlands, North or East of England
• Museums – one vacancy for an individual with high level and strategic expertise within the museums sector, spanning a range of museums and involving strategic development of museum services and change management
• Natural Heritage – one vacancy for an individual with expertise in natural heritage, ecosystems, current biodiversity policy and landscape-scale approaches to nature conservation together with a robust understanding of how people can be enabled to understand and connect to nature

Trustees will need to give an average of at least 2-3 days per month to HLF / NHMF business and are entitled to claim an allowance of £6,560 per year. The head office is based in London with 10 country and regional offices across the UK.

The role of the Board

The Board sets the strategic framework within which grants to benefit the heritage of the UK are awarded. It makes decisions on NHMF funding and on HLF grants over £2million; decision making between £100,000 and £2m is delegated to regional and country committees. Most Trustees also sit on one of the country or regional committees and some sit on the Audit Committee or Finance and Resources Committee. 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.

Why join the Board?

Being a Trustee of HLF / NHMF offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to help shape the future of the UK’s wide-ranging heritage. Trustees who will be standing down offer further insights on the role:

“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.” Kathryn Gee.

“As a Trustee, I’ve been so privileged to be in a position to meet and reward the commitment and passion of communities and individuals behind transformative, inspirational and wondrous projects. Perhaps what I’ve enjoyed the most is being stretched intellectually, emotionally and philosophically. In the end, it’s all about making a difference – and HLF has made a real difference.” Doug Hulyer.

“I was quite daunted when I joined the Board being one of the youngest Trustees and I was very conscious of the importance of getting decisions right. But what I quickly discovered was that you don’t have to be an expert about everything.” Christopher Woodward.

“If you want to make a difference, make a real contribution, work with varied, committed, talented people with passion and are willing to "get involved" then being a Trustee will probably be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.” Yinnon Ezra.

“Being a Trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund has been both a great privilege and tremendous fun. I just wish I could do it all over again!” Alison McLean

Application deadline

The closing date for Trustee vacancies has been extended to midday, Friday 26 April 2013. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.

How to apply

All application materials are available in the right hand column of this page.

There are three application forms to choose from:

• If you are applying for a general role complete General Application Form
• If you are applying for the museum role complete Museum Application Form
• If you are applying for the natural heritage role complete Natural Heritage Application Form

Candidates should also complete Monitoring Forms Part 1 and Part 2.

For more information about conflicts of interest read the document entitled Public Appointments, Probity and Conflicts of Interest: A guide for candidates.

Please email your completed application form, monitoring forms and CV to decisionmakers@hlf.org.uk. If you have any problems submitting your application please call our Secretariat department on 020 7591 6014.

If you have any questions about the Trustees role or HLF please email Melanie Peddle, Head of Secretariat, on melaniep@hlf.org.uk.

Please note these appointments are made by the Prime Minister. Following the interviews, the panel will submit a report with recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will decide which candidates to recommend for appointment. The Secretary of State will advise the Prime Minister to appoint the successful candidates.