Applications are sought from a wide range of individuals who have the skills and experience to meet the challenges** of this role.

Trusteeship of HLF/NHMF offers an exciting opportunity for individuals to help shape the future of the UK’s wide-ranging heritage. Trustees need to 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, candidates are especially sought who have expertise in: the historic environment; environmental sustainability in relation to the UK’s heritage; engaging people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities; and who have knowledge of the heritage of the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands, or the East of England.

Matthew Saunders, HLF/NHMF Trustee, who will be standing down from the Board next February, said: “I have been involved with this exhilarating organisation from its heroic early days through to its present commanding position and have enjoyed, and been thrilled by, the association. At HLF, you really can make a difference.”

The Board makes decisions on NHMF funding and HLF grants over £1m. 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.

An application form can be obtained from: Heather Batchelor, Public Appointments Unit, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, 2/4 Cockspur Street, London SW1 5DH. Alternatively you can call Heather on 020 7211 2308 or heather.batchelor@culture.gsi.gov.uk.   

The closing date for applications is: Monday 13 December 2010. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on Thursday 10 February 2011.

If you have any questions about the role or the organisation whilst completing an application, please contact Melanie Peddle, HLF Secretariat, on 020 7591 6015 or melaniep@hlf.org.uk.

Notes to editor

* The HLF/NHMF Chair and 14 Trustees are appointed by the Prime Minister. They receive advice from heritage experts and work within laws made by Parliament and directions given by Government. Their decisions about individual applications and matters of policy are made entirely independently. 

** The HLF/NHMF Board set the strategic and policy framework within which grants to benefit the heritage of the UK are awarded. The Board determines the Strategic Plan and annual Business Plan, which sets out the activities which enable the HLF/NHMF Funds to deliver their strategies.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4bn across the UK. 

HLF is administered by the NHMF - the ‘fund of last resort’ - set-up to save the most outstanding parts of our national heritage in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. To date, the NHMF has safeguarded a diverse range of well over 1,000 iconic objects and places to the tune of nearly £300m.  www.nhmf.org.uk  

Katie Owen or Alison Scott, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6036/32.  Out of hours mobile 07973 613 820