English Heritage works with both Government and the Commission for the Built Environment (CABE) to support Champions in their role. This support includes a combination of regional and national events and seminars, where you can keep up to date, develop skills, share ideas and build partnerships. We will keep you updated throughout the year, but would like to draw your attention to some of the events and resources available to you.

Building in Context Workshops

These events are designed to increase the skills and ability of both Design and Heritage Champions to promote good design solutions in a historic context. They are based on the successful Building in Context toolkit, a programme developed jointly by English Heritage and the Kent Architecture Centre.  The events are run regionally and are jointly sponsored by the English Heritage and CABE.  We would also urge Champions to encourage fellow elected Members, especially those on planning committees to attend.

After the success of the 07/08 programme more events are being planned for 08/09. For further information about you nearest Building in Context event please contact

Heritage Protection Reform

The draft Heritage Protection Bill was published on 2nd April 2008. The Bill, as currently drafted, has implications for how local authorities operate. English Heritage is working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to ensure that local authorities are in a position to respond positively to the proposed changes. Champions will be key to supporting local authorities and English Heritage work together in this regard and we are currently developing a programme of training and events to reflect this.

Further information on the financial impact of the draft Bill can be found in the Impact Assessment prepared by DCMS available at

Historic Environment - Local Management (HELM)

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.  Champions will receive a number of HELM publications over the coming year and should already have received an induction pack of leaflets. These are also available on this website through the HELM guidance library. Champions will automatically receive the quarterly HELM newsletter and information on relevant HELM training events. Email us if your email address has changed or you would like a hard copy version of the newsletter.

Regional Networks

Champions should keep in contact with their relevant English Heritage region and join the local Heritage Champions Club/ Network where these exist. Over the coming year English Heritage will be in contact with Champions about regional seminars, case study tours and other initiatives in the area.

Online learning

English Heritage is currently working on a Councillors guide to championing the Historic Environment, an online learning module aimed specifically at Heritage Champions.  This will be launched later this year.

National Champions Conference

Following the success of the National Champions Conference in 2006 we are planning another national conference on 23 October 2008. The conference will take place in central London, further details to follow.  The conference will provide information on topical issues facing the historic environment, such as heritage protection reform and the new style Local Area Agreements; as well as giving examples of how other champions have interpreted their role.

Your in-house expertise

You will find it beneficial to establish early contact with specialist officers in your authority, such as conservation or archaeology officers, they will know the key heritage issues locally. Also foster relationships with Cabinet portfolio holders and senior officers in related departments such as planning, environment, highways and regeneration.

Feedback

Lastly, English Heritage would like to hear from you. Tell us what you would like to achieve in the future and what you need from English Heritage and partners to be able to do so.  We would also like to hear from you with new case studies.  You can either contact us through your English Heritage regional office, or you can email