HELM is an English Heritage capacity building programme providing accessible information, training and guidance to decision makers in local authorities, regional agencies and national organisations whose actions affect the historic environment.

HELM comprises three strands:

• The website helm.org.uk
• An ongoing training programme for local authority officers, members and Heritage Champions
• A range of expert guidance documents available to download from the guidance library or available in hard copy via customer services on

HELM was launched by English Heritage in March 2004. Further information on HELM is available on this website (see About HELM) or via email at .

The Relationship between Historic Environment and Design Champions

Many local authorities have already appointed Design Champions, either at senior officer or at Member level. The primary role of a Design Champion is to ensure that design issues are taken into account at each stage of the decision making process within the local authority. There is a clear relationship between the roles of Design and Heritage Champions and it is often beneficial for the two posts to work closely together. In many cases local authorities have decided the two roles should be combined.

Further details, advice and information on the role and responsibilities of Design Champions are available from CABE (, CABE main tel or www.cabe.org.uk).