historic england research report series

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Series: Historic England Research Reports

English Heritage is the Government's statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Our powers and responsibilities are set out in the National Heritage Act (1983) and today we report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

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Historic England Research Agenda

This document accompanies, and should be read alongside, the Historic England Research Strategy and Historic England Corporate Plan, published separately. 

The Research Strategy defines nine broad themes that describe our research interests. This Research Agenda sets out a series of more specific   Research Topics organised under those nine high-level Research Themes.

Each Research Topic sets out the importance of the topic, identifies the variety of ways in which research in this topic could have practical impact in supporting the work of Historic England, and gives a list of research questions to guide those looking to do research that will help us achieve our mission. 

The Research Agenda will be kept under review by Historic England.

Please see our website for updates. 

This document has been prepared by Edmund Lee, Dan Miles and Barney Sloane, who gratefully acknowledge the substantial contribution from subject matter experts across Historic England.   

• DOI: 10.1080/03055477.2021.1981011
• Corpus ID: 240031020

Historic England Research Reports Series 2020

• Published in Vernacular Architecture 1 January 2021
• History, Environmental Science

12 References

Great gransden windmill, mill road, great gransden, cambridgeshire: tree-ring dating of oak timbers, manor farm barn, winterborne clenston, dorset: tree-ring analysis of oak timbers, the fleece, westgate street, gloucester, gloucestershire: tree-ring analysis of oak and elm timbers, tree-ring analysis of timbers, related papers.

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Energy Efficiency Research

Our research focuses on understanding and improving the energy performance of historic buildings and the effects of measures to increase energy efficiency. This will help them remain viable and useful, now and in the future.

As highlighted in our Heritage Counts report the built historic environment has a vital role to play in the journey towards a low carbon future. There are numerous incentives for carrying out improvements:

• mitigating climate change
• maintaining energy security
• reducing energy costs and tackling fuel poverty
• increasing comfort
• complying with legislation

Unfortunately, unsuitable improvements may not deliver the savings predicted, and can harm the building and the health and well-being of its occupants. The aim of this research topic is to contribute to an evidence base that will enable better-informed decisions to be made about improving the energy and carbon performance of the historic built environment.

Overview of research on the sustainable retrofit of pre-1919 buildings

The ‘Performance and Energy Efficiency of Traditional Buildings: Gap Analysis Update 2020’ report, commissioned by Historic England from the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance, explores 13 specific subject areas that have an impact on the sustainable retrofit of pre-1919 traditional buildings:

• Ventilation
• Thermal comfort
• Character and significance
• Moisture performance
• Energy performance
• Embodied carbon
• Occupant interactions
• Public and political understanding
• Repair, maintenance and enabling works
• Professional understanding
• Costs of retrofit measures
• Material properties and technical specifications

A synopsis is provided for each area that defines its strategic importance and analyses the existing research that underpins current knowledge.

The report looks at the gaps where future research might be considered to help inform best practice, reduce risks and potential damage to both building fabric and the health of the occupants. Further research is explored by means of an overview of fifteen current academic research programmes.

The study is supported by a non-qualitative literature review covering key research and some significant guidance published since 2012 to the present day.

It builds on two previous studies: ‘Performance and Energy Efficiency of Traditional Buildings: Gap Analysis Study' (English Heritage and CITB 2012) and the ‘Responsible Retrofit for Traditional Buildings’ (STBA 2012).

Participants: Historic England and Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) Read the research report: Performance and Energy Efficiency of Traditional Buildings: Gap Analysis Update 2020

Current priorities

Historic England's current main areas of investigation:

Thermal performance of traditional buildings

Moisture accumulation in building fabric due to energy efficiency measures.

• Numerical modelling of hygrothermal behaviour of building fabric as a risk assessment tool
• ‘Whole building’ approach to energy saving in historic buildings
• The SPAB building performance survey
• Energy Performance Certificates

Carbon in the built historic environment

• Low and zero carbon options
• Overheating

Research into the thermal performance of brick walls

Two studies have been carried out that focus on the thermal performance of solid brick walls. The aim the project was to quantify thermal transmission in terms of U-values by measurement in situ and complementary laboratory investigations. Partners: Glasgow Caledonian University Read the research report: Thermal performance of traditional brick walls

113 New Bolsover: Whole house thermal performance assessment

The aim of this project is to understand better the thermal performance of the roof, walls, floors and windows of a traditional dwelling, and the effectiveness of fabric improvements in reducing energy use and carbon emissions. The thermal performance of a two storey, end of terrace house in New Bolsover, Derbyshire was assessed before and after improvements carried out in 2011 using measured U-values and a co-heating test, and the results compared with calculated values. The effectiveness of the measures was evaluated using the SAP model. In addition, the cost efficiency of improvements was assessed.

Participants : Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, Glasgow Caledonian University, Bolsover District Council

Read the research report : A Retrofit of a Victorian terrace house in New Bolsover: A whole house thermal performance assessment

External wall insulation in traditional buildings: Case studies of three large-scale projects in the North of England

Research was commissioned into three large-scale external wall insulation projects in the North of England. This focussed on a range of issues including methods of funding, pre-installation assessments, selection of materials and systems, design, specification, procurement and implementation, and highlighted factors affecting the quality of work. In addition, the heritage impact of the work was assessed, and the perceptions of stakeholders, including building occupants, were reviewed.

Participants: Historic England’s Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, NDM Heath Ltd

Read the research report: External Wall Insulation in traditional Buildings

Research into the thermal performance of traditional windows

Historic England commissioned research to investigate the thermal performance of traditional timber sash windows and metal windows. Thermal transmission in terms of u-values was measured, and heat losses through air infiltratration draughts and thermal bridging were assessed. The work presented in the research reports quantifies the effectiveness of relatively simple measures to improve the thermal performance of windows by draught-proofing, and using blinds, curtains, shutters and secondary glazing.

Partners: Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland) & Glasgow Caledonian University Read the research reports : Research into the thermal performance of traditional windows: Timber sash windows

Improving the thermal performance of traditional metal-framed windows

The Engine House, Swindon: Thermal performance of energy efficiency improvements to timber windows

Tests have been carried out at Historic England’s headquarters in Swindon to compare three proprietary retrofit systems for improving the thermal performance of traditional timber windows. To assess their performance, U-values of glazing were measured in situ before and after the systems were installed. The results showed that all three systems reduced heat loss by more than 50%. The impact of each system on heritage values, and the operation and maintenance of the windows was also considered.

Participants: Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team.

Read the research reports :  The Engine House, Swindon: Thermal performance of energy efficiency improvements to timber windows

The SPAB Research U-Value Report

A programme of complimentary laboratory and site-based projects is underway to understand better the risks of condensation and moisture accumulation in building fabric due to retrofitted energy efficiency measures.

113 New Bolsover: Hygrothermal behaviour of internally insulated brick walls

The aim of this project is to monitor and compare the long-term effects of internal wall insulation (IWI) on the hygrothermal (moisture and heat) behaviour of solid brick walls in a Victorian end-of-terrace house in New Bolsover, Derbyshire. Two IWI systems have been installed, one ‘vapour diffusion closed ‘ (PIR), the other ‘vapour diffusion open’ (wood fibre). Temperature and moisture sensors have been installed at the interface between the insulation and the wall in XX locations . These are continuously monitored, along with the temperature and humidity of the interior of the house.

Participants: Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, Glasgow Caledonian University, Ridout Associates & Bolsover District Council.

Read the paper from the 1st International Conference on Moisture in Buildings (June 2021) on: Performance testing and long-term monitoring of a thermally upgraded terrace house in the New Bolsover Model Village, Derbyshire.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings: Hygrothermal behaviour of internally insulated brick walls

This project is investigating the ways that both insulated and uninsulated solid brick walls respond to internal and external environmental loads. Two systems of internal wall insulation have been installed, as described above, in part of an 18th industrial building which is being heated and humidified to replicate occupation. Temperature and moisture sensors have been installed at the interface between the insulation and the walls. In addition, moisture sensors have been placed at intervals within the thickness of the wall. These are continuously monitored, along with the internal climate. Outside, a weather station monitors meteorological conditions, including solar radiation, and vertical rain gauges on the facades record wind driven rain.

Participants: Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, Glasgow Caledonian University & Ridout Associates

Laboratory-based investigation: Hygrothermal behaviour of internally insulated brick walls

The aim of this project is to monitor and compare the effects of different IWI systems on the hygrothermal behaviour of sample brick walls when subjected to ‘internal’ and ‘external’ environmental loads in a climate chamber. The data obtained will be used to assess the risk of moisture accumulation, and cross-validate data gathered in site-based monitoring. The project will also measure the effects of moisture on the thermal resistance of sample walls.

Participants: Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team & Glasgow Caledonian University

Hygrothermal behaviour of roof spaces

This project is investigating the behaviour of heat, moisture and air in a range of traditional pitched slate and tile roofs under the influence of internal and external environmental loads. Up to five roofs, with and without underlay and with varying amounts of insulation either at ceiling level will be continuously monitored. Internal parameters include temperature and relative humidity above and below insulation and below ceiling, air velocity at high and low level, and surface temperatures of roof coverings and underlay. Timber moisture content is also being assessed. Externally, weather stations record meteorological data. The aim is to understand better the factors affecting the risk of condensation and moisture accumulation, and to evaluate the effectiveness of ventilation in managing the condensation risk.

Read more about the results of this research : Condensation in historic roofs - article in the Building Conservation Directory, published by Cathedral Communications in January 2018.

Participants: Ridout Associates, Arboreal Architecture, building owners.

Hygrothermal behaviour of suspended timber ground floors

This project is investigating the behaviour of heat, moisture and air in sub-floor voids to assess the risk of moisture accumulation when insulation is provided at floor level. The effectiveness of ventilation in maintaining timber moisture contents at safe levels is also being appraised. Internal and external environmental parameters are being continuously monitored.

Participants: Historic England's Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, Ridout Associates, building owners.

Numerical modelling of hygrothermal behaviour of building fabric

A programme of research to investigate factors affecting the accuracy of hygrothermal modelling, and its usefulness in assessing risks of moisture accumulation in walls due to retrofitted insulation.

See latest research article on Simulation Models and Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings: Hygrothermal Modelling

Heat and moisture transport through brick walls at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Matlings were modelled using WUFI Pro 5 software. The aim of the study was to simulate the hygrothermal behaviour of the original construction and predict the impact of adding different types of internal wall insulation. Thirty-year simulations were carried out using climate data from a nearby location and measured material properties of a sample brick from the Flax Mill. Simulations were also run using material properties from the WUFI database. Different insulation systems were modelled including mineral wool, PIR and wood fibre. The results indicated that predictions are subject to high levels of uncertainty if measured material properties are not available, and where boundary conditions such as absorption of driving rain are unknown. The hygothermal behaviour of walls at the Flax Mill is currently being monitored. These measurements will be used to validate predictions and ‘calibrate’ the model.

Participants: Glasgow Caledonian University

Read the research report: Hygrothermal modelling of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

Sensitivity analysis of numerical modelling using WUFI Pro 5

Software applications (such as WUFI ® ) that simulate hygrothermal behaviour of buildings and components are often used to assess the risk of moisture problems, for example where additional insulation is proposed. However, doubts about construction, material properties, internal environment, occupant behaviour and external climate lead to uncertainty in the output of simulations. The aim of this project is to investigate how uncertainty can be apportioned to various input data and identify the input fields that have the most significant impact on the accuracy of results.

Read the paper from the 1st International Conference on Moisture in Buildings (June 2021) on: Sensitivity analysis of WUFI simulations of a traditional brick building .

113 New Bolsover: Hygrothermal Modelling

This builds on the two previous projects, described above, and has similar objectives: to validate the model and understand better the factors affecting the accuracy of predictions. The hygrothermal behaviour of internally insulated walls at 113 New Bolsover is being simulated using WUFI Pro software. The results will be compared with data measured on site over the past five years.

Participants : Glasgow Caledonian University

'Whole building' approach to energy and carbon savings in historic buildings

Analysis of energy saving measures in four solid-walled houses in reading.

An in-depth ‘whole building’ analysis of energy use has been carried out in four traditionally built houses in Reading, Berks. The results have been used to devise bespoke packages of measures to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. These were then assessed in terms of their effectiveness and cost-efficiency. A particular aim of the project has been to understand better the costs and benefits of solid wall insulation in relation to other energy and carbon saving measures. The project demonstrates the benefits of a ‘whole building’ approach, and shows how the economics of specific energy and carbon-saving measures vary from one household to another.

Participants: Parity Projects & Reading Borough Council

Read the research report: Reducing energy use in traditional dwellings: Analysis of four solid wall houses in Reading

The sustainable use of energy in traditional dwellings: Legislation, policy and decision making

Local authorities are responsible for implementing a diverse range of legislation, policies and guidance relating to sustainable development, fuel poverty, housing standards and carbon reduction. These all have impacts on the historic environment. But unless there is adequate inter-departmental understanding and coordination of the many overlapping (and sometimes conflicting) requirements, there is a risk that one agenda will be undermined by another. The consequences of this include harm to heritage assets and failure to meet legislative and policy objectives in full.

The aims of this project were to a) review current legislation, policy and guidance, and understand better the points of convergence and conflict; b) consider ways that local authorities can increase understanding between departments and stakeholders, and develop more integrated and better informed approaches to policy and decision making.

Participants: Centre for Sustainable Energy, Bristol

Read the research report: The Sustainable use of energy in traditional dwellings

Webinar on climate change adaptation and whole house approach to retrofit

View the 2020 webinar . Old buildings are very variable and there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution to retrofit for traditional buildings. The 'whole house' approach considers the interrelationship between the occupants, the building fabric and the services of individual buildings. It then aims to find bespoke balanced solutions that save energy, sustain heritage significance and maintain a healthy indoor environment whilst managing the risks of unintended consequences.

The SPAB building performance survey 2011-2019

The SPAB's Building Performance Survey, was supported by Historic England. The project assessed the performance of a number of traditional buildings both before and after refurbishment designed to improve energy efficiency. Early phases of the project focussed on quantifying the thermal performance of a range of traditional wall constructions, including stone, brick and cob, by measuring their thermal transmission in situ . Measurements were carried out before and after refurbishment, and the effects of the energy efficiency measures on comfort and indoor air quality were also assessed. The last phase of the project looked into the long-term effects of adding insulation on the behaviour of interstitial moisture in walls.

Partners: The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), ArchiMetrics, Caroline Rye, Diane Hubbard, building owners

The full set of the 11 research reports is available on SPAB’s web site and also in our research reports database.

SPAB’s Energy Efficiency and Old Buildings: Principles and Priorities is drawn from the research.

Contact for all above projects : [email protected]

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced by the government as a bench marking standard to drive energy efficiency improvements. In 2017-18, Historic England and the National Trust commissioned the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) to scope the key issues, constraints and opportunities surrounding EPCs, identifying ways in which they could be better aligned with the ‘whole-house’ approach to retrofit developed by the STBA and recommended in the government’s Each Home Counts report.

You can download our 2018  report  from our research reports database. The report outlines short term opportunities as well as potential future research to inform change.

Historic England is continuing to work with others to support further development of the EPC assessment to prevent inappropriate recommendations being put forward which could harm the character or risk deterioration of historic and traditionally constructed buildings. Currently EPCs take a fabric first approach instead of assessing the building's performance as a whole, and do not consider the way the building is operated or used.

In 2022, we published case studies to raise awareness about the various issues with historic properties meeting the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

An important strand of our energy efficiency research is focused on embodied carbon.

In 2019, Historic England commissioned a scoping study on behalf of the Historic Environment Forum, from Carrig Conservation International to assess the ‘whole life’ carbon of historic buildings.

Buildings contribute to global warming over their whole lives: when we build, maintain, use and demolish or re-purpose them. However, the focus of carbon reduction strategies to date, has largely concentrated on emissions that occur when buildings are used – known as operational emissions. Meanwhile the carbon emitted during construction, maintenance and demolition or re-use – known as the embodied carbon emissions of buildings – remain largely neglected. A whole building approach measures carbon emitted at all stage of a building’s lifespan and demonstrates the importance of embodied carbon emissions.

The Carrig study uses a whole life approach to estimate carbon emissions associated with two completed historic building refurbishment and retrofit projects – one in the East Midlands and one in London. Using standard models and software applied to actual data (emissions before and after refurbishment), the life cycle carbon emissions were estimated for a 60-year period and also compared to equivalent new buildings.

Other climate change adaptation and retrofitting research

Overheating and historic buildings research.

Maintaining summertime comfort is an ever-increasing challenge under climate change pressures. This research by our Building Services Engineering team explores occupant comfort in historic buildings using Historic England’s offices as a living laboratory to model, predict and measure overheating. Our Research reports on the project.

Webinar on understanding and dealing with overheating in historic buildings

The recorded webinar looks at how overheating impacts on thermal comfort using four buildings as case studies. Simulated results from dynamic thermal modelling software are compared to real-world temperature monitoring from Summer 2021 to assess how climate change is impacting comfort within historic buildings.

Heritage and carbon: addressing the skills gap

A 2023 report by Grosvenor showed that retrofitting the UK’s historic buildings could generate £35 billion of economic output a year while creating new construction jobs and supporting the country’s net zero ambitions.

Also of interest

External links.

The Road Not Taken: Building Physics, and Returning to First Principles in Sustainable Design by Robyn Pender and Daniel J. Lemieux.

Rethinking Retrofit , by Robyn Pender

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• Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Department for Culture, Media & Sport

Historic England Tailored Review

Published 24 November 2020

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2020

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tailored-review-of-historic-england/historic-england-tailored-review

Ministerial foreword

This Tailored Review has provided a valuable opportunity to examine and consult widely on Historic England’s role in protecting and promoting England’s heritage. I am pleased to see such positive feedback from so many heritage stakeholders, and the report’s recommendations will help Historic England strengthen its performance as a significant leader in the heritage sector.

Publication of this report has been delayed by the government’s overwhelming priority to deal with the global COVID-19 emergency. This necessarily involved the wide-scale closure of many of our magnificent heritage sites, which had a massive negative impact on the income on which many heritage organisations depend for their survival. Closure also impacted the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their own time to keeping the doors open, the steam engines rolling, and open spaces in good order for our collective benefit and enjoyment.

The valuable work of the COVID-19 Ministerial Heritage Working Group was fed back to me by the Ministerial chair, Nigel Huddleston. Through Nigel, I had the opportunity to hear about the diverse contributions and innovative ideas from across the heritage sector about how sites can get back on their feet once they are able to reopen safely. 

As those sites return to life once again, this report and its recommendations remain as valid as ever. For example, it remains a priority government ambition for the English Heritage Trust to get back on its feet and operate effectively and inclusively without government funding. 

Historic England played a significant sector leadership role during the COVID-19 crisis and the report recommends how it can continue in this vein including by addressing the lack of diversity in the heritage sector. Diversity in heritage in its broadest sense — whether in staffing, in funding or in deciding how heritage should be celebrated — remains a challenge. Historic England can build on its current leadership role and help develop a truly diverse sector that boosts public engagement. 

The report also comes at a time when our shared values are under close scrutiny, with the role of heritage at the forefront of this debate. Embracing the ambition for a more representative and inclusive sector must include reinforcing the primary role of heritage: preserving our history in its place and presenting it properly and accurately in its time and context. Rather than seeking to destroy, we should be enhancing and promoting our shared history so that its complexity can be fully understood. Historic England has a central role in delivering this for us all.  

In addition to its own intrinsic value, heritage provides enormous value for the UK through boosting economic growth and social wellbeing, contributing to place-making and encouraging international and domestic tourism. Historic England has a significant role to play in all these areas as part of its role in preserving and championing our unique heritage.

I would like to offer my thanks to all those who provided evidence to the review team, to the members of the Challenge Panel who provided assurance that review was comprehensive and robust, and to Laurie Magnus, Duncan Wilson and all of the staff at Historic England who engaged so positively with this review.

Rt Hon Oliver Dowden (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

1. Executive summary

Tailored Reviews (TRs) provide assurance to Ministers and departmental Principal Accounting Officers of the on-going need for the functions of its Non-Departmental Public Bodies(NDPBs), also known as Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) and provide an opportunity for ALBs themselves to reflect on their work and how they operate.

This review was undertaken before the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic which has had a significant impact on public health, social and economic life. The findings of the review, as with much of everyday life at the moment, must now be viewed in the context of the current health emergency.

That said, many of the review’s recommendations remain valid; though some, such as the risks highlighted in the review’s assessment of the English Heritage Trust (EHT)’s financial resilience have been brought into sharper focus since the coronavirus outbreak by the need for EHT to close its sites, resulting in the loss of much of its income generating activity and the need for government emergency funding to be provided.

Historic England (HE) is an ALB of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), established under the National Heritage Act 1983 with a broad scope summarised in its aim ‘to protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we have come from as a nation. In delivering this aim, HE undertakes a range of statutory, advisory, financial and academic functions including management of the National Heritage List for England and provision of planning advice to English local authorities, property owners and developers.

HE is also accountable to the government for the EHT’s stewardship of the National Heritage Collection, which comprises more than 400 historic sites and monuments in the nation’s ownership or protection.

In researching this Review, the Review team interviewed and consulted a wide range of stakeholders and ran a public consultation from 28 March 2019 to 9 May 2019, generating 950 responses. It also received a significant volume of written evidence from interested parties (see Annex C ). The Review Team was supported by a Challenge Panel, which provided expert and independent challenge to the process and recommendations (see Annex B ).

Overall, stakeholder responses were positive in support of HE and its functions. HE is regarded as one of the leaders in the heritage sector, providing high quality expert advice in England and undertaking world leading conservation research. Given its reduction in resources over a number of years, some stakeholders also expressed concerns about whether the quality and scope of HE expertise is sustainable in the longer term.

The Review concluded that HE operates well with appropriate statutory purposes and functions that should be retained, and also that it should remain classified as a NDPB of DCMS.

HE functions well and has effective relations with its stakeholder groups and DCMS. However, the Review concluded there are two significant areas in which HE can do more. Firstly, in order for it to ensure first class, long-term management of the National Heritage Collection, HE must improve its oversight of EHT’s performance ( recommendations 1-8 ) and secondly that there is an opportunity for HE to strengthen its leadership role within the wider heritage sector ( recommendations 9-18 ). The Review also identifies a series of more detailed recommendations to improve its effectiveness in delivering its core functions ( recommendations 19-29 ). Working with DCMS and stakeholders, HE will produce a plan with agreed implementation priorities and timescales within the context of wider government priorities and resource needs.

The Review recommendations are at Annex D .

Historic England & the English Heritage Trust

The HE/EHT relationship is an example of the government and the sector working together to deliver improved services and facilities in a new and exciting way that benefits everyone interested in heritage.

The relationship is examined in detail in Section 3 . Whilst this is not a review of EHT, HE is accountable to government for EHT’s stewardship of the National Heritage Collection. As such the Review considers the relationship and governance arrangements of the two organisations and EHT’s funding model to assess its long-term sustainability.  

EHT is growing its commercial and membership income whilst controlling its expenditure. However, EHT’s ability to achieve its financial targets and become self-funding by 2023 will become increasingly sensitive to fluctuations in visitor numbers, membership and fundraising over time due to the tapering rate of subsidy from DCMS.

The likelihood that EHT will become financially self-sufficient before 31 March 2023, the end of the current licence period, has been thrown into significant doubt following the need for EHT to close all its visitor attractions. The financial impact of the closure was completed in June 2020 and government has agreed to release up to £19.7 million in emergency grant funding to EHT through the Culture Sector Survival Fund. Despite this short-term emergency funding its future business model will needs to be re-written. The central recommendation that there needs to be closer management and review of EHT by HE and DCMS to ensure that financial risks are understood managed and escalated when appropriate is even more important now the emergency funding has been determined and a way forward needs to be agreed.

There are also opportunities to improve the governance and performance management framework practised by HE as regards EHT. Recommendations 1-8 will assist the delivery of a successful new operational model.

Key recommendations to deliver a sustainable operational model

The Review recommends that EHT’s funding model continues for the period of the current licence, within the context of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its finances and the emergency support package provided by government. To support its oversight, it is recommended that HE embed a regular schedule of robust assessments of EHT’s financial forecasting, reporting to DCMS on its performance and financial risks taking into account the recommendations 2-8 .

EHT and HE need to review whether EHT’s current target level of free reserves is adequate and should consider moving towards a ‘risk-based’ reserves policy, providing DCMS with the rationale applied in determining an adequate level.

To better anticipate and mitigate financial risks as EHT approaches self-funded status, HE needs to:

adapt its financial modelling methodology to be more agile and better able to stress test its key assumptions as part of the long-term forecasting process

undertake a detailed review of fundraising income assumptions with a suitable risk margin applied to future long-term financial projections.

HE is also financially dependent on the procurement of Shared Services by EHT . Decisions in this area need to be mutually agreed.

The Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) enquiry and this Review agree that HE must work with EHT to develop a more transparent and formal monitoring arrangement including:

appropriate, evidence based KPIs

mechanisms to ensure EHT is taking a proportionate, risk-based commercial approach to increasing self-generated income

a requirement for HE to report to DCMS on EHT performance as part of regular engagement

requirement for an annual review and appraisal of the EHT Board, including a post licence skills audit

HE’s role as a sector leader

HE’s leadership role is explored in detail in Section 4 . HE should build on its existing leadership role within the heritage sector. The Heritage sector needs a healthy leadership ‘ecosystem’, and HE can support this by empowering organisations to develop their own capacity and leading specific initiatives which feed into a wider strategic vision, which HE should maintain ownership of.

HE should develop its role with four key strategic aims:

Facilitating greater collaboration across the sector.

Improving the diversity of those working in heritage and engaging with England’s historic environment.

Developing improved impact measurement mechanisms and sharing this with the sector.

Supporting others in the sector to lead the development and delivery of specific initiatives, where appropriate and in the context of HE’s role as champion of all of England’s historic environment.

The Review encourages this leadership role and recommendations 9-18 are to help it improve and take a more strategic and explicit approach to this responsibility.

HE’s delivery of its core functions

HE’s delivery of its core functions is examined in Section 5 . The Review concludes that the current structure and classification as a DCMS ALB is appropriate to enable HE to deliver its functions. Section 5 examines how it actually delivers them. Overall, the review found HE to be a well-run organisation with a committed and highly motivated workforce widely acknowledged to be among the ‘best in class’ on heritage-related matters. The recommendations to improve HE’s delivery of its core functions are set out in the full list of recommendations at Annex D .

Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, which is part of the National Heritage Collection

2. Background and context

Purpose and scope of the review.

The Public Bodies Transformation Programme guidance 2016-20 requires government departments to review their ALBs[^1] at least once during the lifetime of each Parliament.

Tailored Reviews are undertaken in line with Cabinet Office guidance . The Terms of Reference for HE Review are included at Annex A .

The Review team was independent of the DCMS Heritage policy team and of Historic England.

The Review Challenge Panel brought a wide range of experience to the role and gave an independent perspective on the content, methodology and recommendations of the Review, ensuring it was robust and evidence-based.

Methodology and evidence gathering

The Review developed a wide-ranging stakeholder consultation map. Over 40 stakeholders from the UK heritage sector, charities, umbrella organisations, community groups, local authorities and the planning and property industries were interviewed. Four stakeholder roundtable meetings were held including with HE staff, the commercial and construction sector, heritage and planning groups.

The online ‘call for evidence’ was ‘live’ on GOV.UK from 28 March 2019 to 9 May 2019 and received 950 full or partial responses. A list of evidence received is available in Annex C .

The Review team would like to express thanks to all those who gave their time to contribute, including the Challenge Panel.

Background to Historic England & the English Heritage Trust

HE is an ALB of DCMS. Its aim is ‘to protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we have come from as a nation.’

HE’s functions are wide ranging and include:

Managing the National Heritage List for England providing legal protections for a wide variety of buildings and sites.

Providing advice to DCMS on the Designation process, which gives legal protection to sites.

Providing advice on planning applications and heritage policy to government departments and local authorities.

Conducting and sharing expert conservation research.

Promoting public enjoyment and understanding of the historic environment.

Managing an archive of documents and photographs related to the historic environment.

Distributing grants to support the protection of the historic environment.

Providing funding and advice on place-making and the ‘place’ agenda.

HE was established as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England on 1 April 1984 by the National Heritage Act 1983. From 1984 to 2015, in addition to the functions at para 2.9, HE had responsibility for managing the National Heritage Collection (NHC) of more than 400 historic sites and monuments in the nation’s ownership or protection, including sites such as Dover Castle, Stonehenge and a range of sites along Hadrian’s Wall). At this time HE was commonly known as ‘English Heritage’. 

The ‘New Model’ was introduced in April 2015, following a 2014 DCMS review of HE’s functions and operations. This resulted in HE continuing to exist as a DCMS ALB, undertaking the functions set out above, and responsibility for managing the NHC being transferred to a new charity called the English Heritage Trust (EHT), branded as English Heritage.

HE is accountable to government and Parliament for EHT’s stewardship of the NHC through a Licence agreement. HE is the sole legal member of EHT, appointing its Board members. The Licence agreement expires in 2023. In addition to managing the NHC, EHT operates the London Blue Plaque scheme . 

HE’s statutory purpose

HE’s statutory purpose, its duties and functions are defined by the National Heritage Act 1983 as amended by the National Heritage Act 2002.

In summary, they are:

• To secure the preservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings in England (including UK territorial waters adjacent to England).
• To promote the preservation and enhancement of the character and appearance of conservation areas situated in England.
• To promote the public’s enjoyment, and advance their knowledge of ancient monuments and historic buildings in England (including UK territorial waters adjacent to England).

HE’s mission is  ‘to protect, conserve and promote heritage because of the intrinsic value it holds for people, helping us to understand where we have come from as a nation and guide us on our way forward.’  

In addition to its intangible value, investment in heritage brings economic benefits, for example heritage-based tourism contributed £16.9 billion to the UK’s GDP in 2018 , and social benefits with research demonstrating the positive effects heritage engagement has on health and wellbeing .

Historic areas also attract investment as desirable places to live and work, with numerous examples across England of regenerated sites acting as catalysts for social and economic development, particularly involving creative industries.

Responses to the public consultation provided overwhelming support for HE’s remit and statutory purpose, with between 90-93% of respondents agreeing that each function is required (see Figure 1).

Nearly 100% of interviewees responded that HE purpose and mission remain valid and important with several heritage sector stakeholders noting that no other part of government supported heritage in this way. An interviewee from the property development sector argued that ‘these roles are more relevant now than ever’. The overwhelming support for HE’s purpose and mission was qualified by numerous stakeholders interviewed who felt HE reduced resource posed a threat to the longer term sustainability of the breadth and quality of its work.

While most evidence collected during the review supported HE’s current purpose and mission, some respondents suggested they could be improved or updated. A small number of interviewees suggested ‘conservation’ should be used instead of ‘preservation’ and that HE should have duties to advocate for the heritage sector. Others argued HE purposes should be clearer by defining what is meant by ‘heritage’ and ‘preservation’. However, it was accepted that these suggestions were less significant than the overall importance of the current statutory purpose. 

The Review concluded that the HE statutory purposes remain suitable, fit for purpose and flexible enough for it to innovate, change and reprioritise. This flexibility allowed for HE’s recent overhaul of its priorities and Corporate Plan to place a greater emphasis on public engagement, and working more directly with government on the ‘place’ agenda. This ability to interpret the statutory purposes allows HE to respond to the interests of government and the nation more easily and the Corporate Plan is welcomed by the Review.

There is a continuing need for HE and its statutory purpose. HE undertakes a wide range of specific functions in support of the statutory purpose, each of which is considered in this report. The totality of specific functions in one organisation is complementary, adds real value and improves HE’s effectiveness and efficiency. For example, HE’s research directly supports the provision and professional nature of its expert advice on designation and planning.

HE as a Non-Departmental Public Body

HE is officially classified by the Office for National Statistics as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). An NDPB is broadly defined as a ‘body which has a role in the process of national government, but is not a government department or part of one, and which accordingly operates to a greater or lesser extent at arm’s length from ministers’ . This classification ensures HE’s independence in how it delivers its functions, provides advice and makes decisions, while remaining accountable to ministers.

Cabinet Office guidance sets out ‘Three Tests’ for Tailored Reviews to consider in deciding whether a public body should continue to be classified as an NDPB. A public body should meet at least one of these requirements to be classified as an NDPB. The Review considered HE activities against these tests and concluded that it meets all three;

Test 1: it performs a technical function which needs external expertise to deliver

HE meets this criterion. Expertise is required to protect and preserve the historic environment, demonstrated in its delivery of its different specialist functions, such as leading expert research on conservation and delivering technical planning advice.

Test 2: its activities require political impartiality

HE meets this criterion. The designation process and provision of planning advice can be subjective and subject to local interests and pressures. Both functions require objective assessments free from influence to enable impartial decision-making.

Test 3: it needs to act independently to establish facts or figures

HE meets this criterion. HE undertakes detailed research and evidence gathering to support their designation and planning advice, for example confirming the history of a specific site. HE also provides an impartial assessment of the state of the historic environment.

Stakeholder feedback and consultation responses were also overwhelmingly in favour of HE remaining an NDPB with most respondents arguing that this status helps that ensure HE provides its essential advice in a way which is nationally consistent, independent and impartial; the review endorses these views.

Middleport Pottery, removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2014 after 16 years

3. Management of the National Heritage Collection

The new model.

On 1 April 2015, the work of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England was split between HE, an ALB charged with protecting England’s heritage, and the English Heritage Trust (EHT), a charity to manage, promote and maintain the National Heritage Collection (NHC). This split and the creation of two separate organisations is referred to as the ‘New Model’ and was a unique opportunity for each to focus on its areas of expertise whilst maximising the potential from on-going co-dependency and, where appropriate, joint working.

This Tailored Review is the first opportunity to examine the rationale of the new model and assess its long-term sustainability.

The New Model rationale was to achieve long-term financial sustainability for the management of the NHC, with EHT managing it free from government funding. DCMS and HM Treasury agreed a detailed business case anticipating benefits for HE and EHT, with the former delivering the functions set out from Section 5 . 

Government agreed to provide tapered transitional funding to EHT to supplement its commercial and fundraising income over the course of an 8-year Licence enabling EHT to break even in each year of the Licence with the funding tapering to zero in the final year.

An additional £80 million of capital funding was provided by the government for urgent conservation and maintenance works (£52 million), and site improvements and upgrades (£28 million). It is anticipated that the £80m grant will have been fully used by EHT before the end of the Licence period.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a serious impact on EHT self -generated income streams; all sites and attractions were closed on 23 March. A number of sites will begin to reopen over the course of summer 2020 with more limited capacity and without the full return of international tourism. The loss of this income stream will almost certainly jeopardise the overall aim of EHT becoming financially self- sufficient by 2023 and a review of the business case for long term self-sufficiency will need to be undertaken. To address the immediate loss of self- generated income, the government has agreed to provide a grant of up to £19.7millon to EHT from the Culture Sector Survival Fund.

HE remains accountable to government and Parliament for its stewardship of the NHC, now managed through the Licence with EHT. HE provides support, guidance and expertise to EHT to aid its conservation work and is responsible for formally monitoring its performance delivering the Licence undertakings.

English Heritage Trust financial performance

As part of this Review, DCMS undertook a detailed analysis of EHT’s financial performance to date and has considered its financial forecasts for the remaining four years of the Licence and its full financial trajectory to 2027-28.

Financial trajectory

EHT has made good progress in growing commercial and membership income and appears to be on track to achieving financial self-sufficiency by the end of the current Licence. EHT’s long-term financial trajectory model is based on a detailed forecasting last updated in February 2019.

At February 2019 EHT’s income and expenditure assumptions appeared reasonable and broadly in line with what has been achieved since the commencement of the New Model. 

The last pre-coronavirus long-term forecast, ( Figure 2 ) projected cumulative surpluses being generated and financial sustainability being achieved in the long term, though an overall surplus had not been anticipated until 2025. The graph compares the financial assumptions from the original launch plan (break-even assumption), with updated long-term forecasts (October 2017 and February 2019). It is important to note that these will have now changed in light of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. But they do indicate that pre-coronavirus the Trust had been on course for financial self-sufficiency within the target period. The February 2019 update assumed a higher level of income and expenditure in line with EHT’s higher than anticipated growth over the prior 18 months.

Line graph showing projected trajectory of English Heritage finances[^2]

The higher than anticipated level of growth has been largely driven by the effects of a significant boost in capital investment and marketing over the first few years of the New Model. This has proved to be successful in generating higher than expected visitor numbers, membership and commercial income.

This income growth has been offset by expenditure higher than anticipated in the 2014 projections, on frontline costs, conservation and maintenance of the National Heritage Collection (which continues after the £52m grant is used up), visitor facilities and on corporate events relating to business growth. The increased expenditure has driven an improvement in the quality of the visitor experience, leading to higher visitor numbers and membership and targeted price increases.

Capital investment

EHT has demonstrated a strategic, commercial approach to investment in site enhancement and conservation, yielding substantial benefits. EHT Capital Investment Programme (CIP) priorities are based largely on financial drivers, such as levels of domestic and inbound tourism, population density, and its membership base, but also the extent to which such investment helps deliver EHT’s charitable objectives.

The CIP uses a balanced scorecard, which includes key financial metrics such as: Net Present Value, Internal rate of return and the estimated payback period. Projects are also assessed for the impact on public engagement and for conservation benefits, however financial metrics currently dominate the scorecard with a weighting of 60%. 

In financial terms, the CIP projects to date have been very successful in increasing visitor income and have an average payback period of 6 years. Maintaining a strong performance in respect of future capital investment is key to EHT growing visitor income and financial self-sufficiency for the NHC over the longer-term.

Figure 3 – Commercial Performance of EHT CIP Projects Launching 2015-19[^3]

Financial risks

Whilst good progress has been made, there are risks inherent in EHT’s operating model in addition to the substantial complexities involved in balancing conservation priorities with commercial imperatives. These risks will require careful management, and regular re-examination of EHT’s longer-term planning, corporate and financial assumptions.

Two significant risks were identified during the Review. Both risks have been significantly heightened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Income growth assumptions : A significant risk relates to whether projected levels of income growth are sustainable, particularly given the relatively low number of profitable sites within the NHC, and the sensitivity of visitor numbers to external factors such as tourism trends and the broader economic climate. Fundraising income growth performance has also failed to achieve the targets set out in the New Model business case, but this shortfall has been offset by better than projected trading income. Income from grants, trusts, philanthropy and other corporate income will need to grow faster than any other category in the longer-term. Whilst this income stream comprises a relatively low proportion of total income, achieving these targets will be essential in assisting EHT to mitigate against future pressures and risks to the larger income streams. Given these variables, the evidence was inconclusive as to whether the original EHT fundraising income targets are achievable. However, it was pointed out that fundraising targets are now set as part of the annual budget process and their preparation is subject to greater scrutiny, where projects funded mainly by successful fundraising will not be committed until that fundraising has been delivered against target or there is a viable business case.

Level of free reserves : Free Reserves are the funds held by a charity to be freely spent on any of its charitable purposes and often held as a financial buffer to short term instances of income not covering expenditure. EHT is forecasting to achieve its target of £5 million of free reserves before the end of the current Licence agreement when the government funding declines to zero. The £5m target is equivalent to less than one month’s operating expenditure, which is considerably lower than similar organisations with more stable and well-established income streams.

Line graph showing English Heritage free reserves levels sensitivity to income growth rates

Figure 4 – Scenario Analysis – modelling the impact of reductions in assumed income growth on EHT free reserves levels[^3]

Scenario analysis demonstrates that the forecast level of free reserves is highly sensitive to relatively minor fluctuations in assumed income growth rates (see Figure 4). A failure to achieve income growth targets or contain expenditure growth is likely to impact significantly on EHT free reserves and may compromise the ability to manage and absorb the financial impact of unexpected events were they to materialise.

Risk mitigation actions

Given that this is an important period for EHT’s move towards financial independence, the Review recommends that HE and EHT should move towards a more ‘risk-based’ reserves policy based on an assessment of short and medium-term financial risks, rather than holding a fixed level of reserves.

The risks associated with the EHT operating model were understood at the time the original business case was developed. Whilst good progress has been made, more robust monitoring will help support EHT as the financial buffer declines and both EHT and ultimately government are exposed to greater financial risk. HE has a key role providing this oversight and greater assurance to the government and parliament of EHT performance and risks. 

Due to its strong financial performance over the first half of the operating Licence, EHT’s resilience and capacity to manage financial risks have not been comprehensively tested. However, EHT has re-profiled its expenditure to ensure financial targets are met. The organisation design review in 2017 examined how resources were allocated across the organisation with funding and workforce adjustments made to continue delivering EHT’s strategic objectives. HE and DCMS need to ensure EHT has sufficient capacity to manage financial risk; this assurance is now urgent given the impact on EHT income and its financial situation following the coronavirus lockdown.

The Review has made recommendations for HE, EHT and DCMS as all have a role to play in successfully delivering a New Model.

Recommendations

1. The review recommends EHT’s funding model continues for the period of the current Licence. HE must, however, embed a regular schedule of robust assessments of EHT financial forecasts, reporting to DCMS on its performance and financial risks taking into account recommendations 2 - 8.

2. EHT and HE need to review whether the current target level of free reserves is adequate and consider moving towards a ‘risk-based’ reserves policy, providing DCMS with the rationale applied in determining an adequate level.

3. To better anticipate and mitigate financial risks as EHT approaches self-funded status, HE needs to: –adapt its financial modelling methodology to be more agile and better able to stress test its key assumptions as part of the long-term forecasting process; and – undertake a detailed review of fundraising income assumptions with a suitable risk margin applied to future long-term financial projections.

Governance Relationship between HE and EHT

The relationship between the two organisations is complex; whilst HE is the legal sole member of EHT, a key premise of the New Model Business Case was that EHT should operate with maximum independence from the government. While HE is accountable for EHT performance, and appoints its Board, it currently has limited formal leverage over EHT delivery and decision-making. Although EHT’s independence enables it to operate more commercially, this approach contains inherent risk for HE and government. Whilst some oversight arrangements are in place (e.g. Financial and Management Information is reported to the HE Board) there is scope for increased control mechanisms to be implemented. A balance needs to be struck that provides EHT with the independence it needs to operate as a successful charitable body, but which also gives HE sufficient oversight of the long-term conservation of the NHC and provide assurance to government that the taxpayer investment is well managed and delivers the anticipated public benefits.

Feedback on the relationship between HE and EHT was generally positive and seen as mutually beneficial. Most heritage sector interviewees considered that the model is fit for purpose but also acknowledged a lack of understanding of the relationship in practice. Most public consultation respondents (72%) agreed that the governance relationship between HE and EHT was effective, and 69% agreed that HE should remain as the sole member of the English Heritage Trust. A small number of respondents voiced specific concerns about the relationship and whether HE’s accountability role distracts it from its core functions.

Aside from a brief entry on HE’s website and references within HE’s and EHT’s Annual Reports and Accounts, the Review could not find a public-facing document setting out clearly and in detail the mutual roles and responsibilities of HE and EHT.

There is no clear position held by stakeholders or the public on the HE/EHT relationship. Specific stakeholder conversations confirmed the impression that the formal accountability relationship between HE and EHT was complicated, not transparent, nor well understood by many within the sector, however the generic survey consultation concluded that HE oversight of EHT activities was felt to be a suitable arrangement.

Improved transparency and broader understanding of the relationship, its governance and oversight mechanisms, should be in place so both organisations are more publicly accountable, and more accountable to DCMS, for the performance of their respective roles. The Review recommends that HE and EHT develop a publicly accessible “statement of accountability” document to clarify the relationship.

The oversight and accountability arrangements between the two organisations were the subject of GIAA reports in 2016 and in 2019 focusing on the arrangements for monitoring the EH conservation of the NHC. The Review fully endorses the recommendations from the GIAA 2019 report[^4] set out below.

GIAA report recommendations

• The current monitoring framework requires review and revision. The revised framework should document both the formal monitoring arrangements (to include minuted and regular meetings) and the more informal meetings and collaborative working which contribute to the overall assurance framework.
• A review of the scope and remit of the Historic Estate Conservation Committee (HECC) should be undertaken and the Terms of Reference for that Committee revised. Thereafter, the Terms of Reference should be regularly reviewed and revised as necessary.
• A risk based methodology for selection of sites to be visited by HECC should be prepared and evidence of application of the methodology retained on an annual basis
• Further consideration is required as to how HE can gain assurance over compliance with the Property Licence conditions in respect of curatorial and security standards in respect of historic chattels included in the National Collection.
• The ability of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) to review assurance arrangements should be referenced in a revised EHT monitoring framework.
• HE should review what information it requires to effectively and proportionately monitor compliance with all conditions of the Property and Operating Licence and achievement of the general objectives of the New Model Business case. KPIs and targets should then be set which are SMART and subject to an agreed validation process.
• Any information presented to the Commission and ARAC, which has been provided by EHT, should be accompanied by commentary prepared by relevant management within HE which sets the performance information in context and provides some commentary on EHT progress on conservation and on achieving financial sustainability by the end of the current Licence period.
• HE should establish the level of assurance it requires over the Trust’s arrangements for the management of risk and reference this within a revised monitoring framework.
• A formalised protocol for reporting potential or actual fraud / serious incidents should be developed to offer clarity on each party’s responsibilities for escalation and reporting. This protocol should be developed with reference to the Charity Commission guidance on ‘How to report a serious incident in your charity’ and require early reporting to HE to allow for consultation on reports to be made to the Charity Commission.
• The EHT Executive Team should be asked to provide statements of compliance with the terms and conditions of the Property Licence on an annual basis and this requirement should be referenced in a revised monitoring framework.
• Consideration should be given to the development of a protocol/guidance for future appointments of Commissioner Trustees so that there is a common understanding of roles and responsibilities when acting as a HE Commissioner and as a Trustee on the Board of EHT. Consideration should also be given to developing a person specification for the role to assist in the future selection of Commissioners to act as EHT Trustees.

An internal Monitoring Framework document from 2015 set out the formal arrangement and was a useful tool for HE holding EHT to account. The 2019 GIAA report recommended that it be renewed and strengthened. This review endorsed that recommendation especially, given the susceptibility of EHT funding model to risk. A revised Monitoring Framework and reporting regime has now been developed including 26 key performance indicators (KPIs) across three categories: (i) financial sustainability, (ii) keeping the National Collection in good condition, and (iii) other general performance measures. HE needs to assure itself that EHT internal governance and the skills of the Board are appropriate to deliver the revised performance measures.

The Review recognises the balance required by HE in monitoring and seeking assurance from EHT, while allowing it to retain its independence and pursue its own corporate objectives in line with the principles of the New Model. The new Monitoring Framework will be of mutual benefit, enabling leaders to engage in open and frank discussions on a commonly understood set of targets, and providing detailed evidence to support the Licence renewal process. Further detail on the Licence renewal is provided below. 

• HE, EHT and DCMS must accelerate planning now for the expiry of the Licence to manage the National Heritage Collection in 2023. A clear process and timeframe need to be agreed at the earliest possible date, including scenario planning around the long term success of the arrangement to ensure the new licence is appropriate for monitoring the EHT performance. The plan for licence renewal must be agreed by April 2021.
• English Heritage Trust and the Wellington Collection Management Committee must review and update the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and publish it on their websites.

Conservation and archaeology

Research and academia

Planning and development

Culture and heritage

• HE needs to work more closely and collaboratively with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and DCMS to support the development of a public partnership document detailing how this collaboration will operate.
• DCMS, HE and EHT should develop their working relationship with HES, Cadw and the Northern Irish Executive to: – explore the potential benefits of more formal collaboration between the Home Nations heritage organisations – consider how to derive best value from the skills and expertise in the Home Nations heritage organisations.

Improving the diversity of HE and heritage sector workforce; and 

Improving the diversity of HE and wider heritage audiences.

More proactive engagement to deliver more diverse candidates for vacancies, including paid internships.

Introducing formalised progression programmes for under-represented staff.

Celebrating diverse role models both internally and externally.

• HE should develop a well-evidenced strategy to improve the diversity of its workforce, ensuring an inclusive working environment for staff from all backgrounds.

The work HE’s undertakes directly 

The impact of HE’s grants

The impact of the work led and delivered by those in the wider sector

• HE develop its current impact measurement mechanisms to identify – the impact of HE’s direct work – the impact of its grants – the impact of the work of the wider heritage sector.
• HE must improve the public accessibility and understanding of Heritage Counts.
• HE must review the criteria (including the potential inclusion of Grade II sites) and measures of success of its Heritage at Risk Register.

The wreck of the Amsterdam - a 260-year-old Dutch East India Company cargo ship at Bulverhythe beach.

• HE must improve communications with the general public and stakeholders on its role in providing planning advice, and give “plain English” rationale for its decisions.
• HE should ensure consistency of advice and guidance across different teams and regional offices to ensure planners, developers, heritage organisations and the public are clear about their responsibilities, have confidence in the advice and avoid additional costs.
• HE must simplify its grant application processes to ensure they are proportionate to the value of the grant provided.

What is Archive Service Accreditation?

Archive Service Accreditation defines good practice and agreed standards for archive services across the UK. It offers both a benchmark against which all archives can measure their practice and an on-going development framework for archive service organisations and professionals.

Accreditation is either fully or provisionally awarded, or not awarded. It is considered based on three particular areas: Organisational Health (and the status an Archive has in a wider organisation, if relevant), Collections, and Stakeholders and their experiences.

As part of the assessment process, Archives are given Required Actions and Development Actions, which support them to improve their policies, plans and procedures with support from the assessor body.

Archive Service Accreditation status is a consideration in the renewal of approval to be a Place of Deposit.

Three Grade II listed structures: Cornish Place, Ball Street Bridge and Samuel Beckett & Sons Brooklyn Works at Kelham Island, Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK

• In order to deliver their Enhanced Advisory Services more effectively, HE needs to: – Investigate whether Pre-Application services are a barrier to early engagement between HE, developers and Local Authorities – Improve transparency and understanding of EAS process.
• HE and EHT should engage openly and work together effectively to ensure any future change is well managed by both organisations.
• HE must develop a more detailed digital strategy, which includes plans for more detailed digital engagement, better use of existing content (including research and data), ensuring that key information can be more easily accessed by others and that more of HE processes are digitised.
• HE must make its research more easily available and accessible on its website.
• HE needs to develop a robust business case to the government to access future funds to design plans to update its IT infrastructure to either ensure compatibility and data sharing between existing legacy systems or plans for migration of data to a new system.
• In line with Cabinet Office best practice, HE should ensure compliance with the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967, and publish information on expenses claimed by senior staff and Commission members.
• HE must undertake an evaluation of the Commission’s skills and experience, and consider a broader interpretation of the relevant statute when designing the criteria for upcoming Commissioner appointments.
• DCMS needs to work with HE to develop new KPIs, which are more robust, objective, measurable, and linked more clearly to HE’s front line activities and the impact it has on the historic environment.
• DCMS and HE (EHT as appropriate) must agree and publish a Review Implementation programme to ensure the recommendations are delivered and the benefits realised.

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The Historic England Blog

March’s Research Report Series

This month, we have only one new report to tell you about but it is possible to download a vast array of reports (for free) from our database and, to point you in the direction of some interesting research, I thought I’d let you know our three most popular titles.

Also at the moment, English Heritage is coordinating a public consultation on the overarching priorities for the historic environment and on how it involves you and other individuals and organisations who care about heritage. If you’re interested to find out more or want to have your say, follow this link  for more information and to take part in the online survey.

And now onto the reports:

56/2013 Lakes and Dales Nais, Kitridding Hill, Lupton , Cumbria : Report on Geophysical Surveys, July 2013

Using a caesium magnetometer and ground penetrating radar, our Geophysics team have built a deeper picture of a site recorded initially through aerial photographs.

Summary extract:  Caesium magnetometer and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were conducted over an irregular curvilinear enclosure on the top of Kitridding Hill, Lupton, Cumbria, recorded through the initial aerial photographic phase of the National Archaeological Identification Surveys: Upland Pilot (RASMIS 6304). It was hoped that additional magnetic and GPR survey might enhance the archaeological record of the site, as the interior earthworks were in places indistinct and it is possible that the enclosure represents part of a wider complex of archaeological activity.

Our top three most requested research titles:

28/2012 – Railway Signal Boxes: A Review

This report provides a national review of signal boxes, both operational Network Rail boxes, and those out of use, on heritage railways and in museums. It identifies the most significant remaining examples and makes recommendations as to boxes to go forward for assessment for listing.

Summary extract: This report is a response to the Network Rail resignalling plans announced in the autumn of 2011 which envisage the concentration of railway signalling in 14 signalling centres and the consequent closure of all remaining mechanical signal boxes on the national rail network with 80% going within the next 15 years. It provides a national review of signal boxes, both operational Network Rail boxes, and those out of use, on heritage railways, and in museums. 

94/2010 – The Motor Car and the Country House: Historic Buildings Repor t

As a clash of the old and the new, motor cars and traditional English country houses don’t seem very compatible. This fascinating report attempts to identify the ways in which the ownership and development of the motor car affected life in the English country house in the 20th century.

Summary extract:  This report attempts to identify the ways in which the ownership and development of the motor car affected life in the English country house in the 20th century. Special reference is made to the buildings constructed and converted to house and maintain this new form of transport. The methodology adopted for this survey was based largely on the library and archives held by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain at Ashwell in Hertfordshire.

10/2009 – The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Orford Ness, Suffolk : Cold War Research & Development Site. Survey Report

The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Orford Ness, Suffolk, was operational between 1956 and 1972. Its primary task was environmental testing to simulate the conditions that nuclear weapons and their components might experience during trials and in service use.

Summary extract:  The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Orford Ness, Suffolk, was operational between 1956 and 1972. Its primary task was environmental testing to simulate the conditions that nuclear weapons and their components might experience during trials and in service use. Here science and high politics merged, with investigations that were crucial to the credibility of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent forces, the cornerstone of Cold War defence policy. Prior to the 20th century Orford Ness was a rarely visited place; the main economic activity was animal grazing on reclaimed marsh land. During the First World War the Royal Flying Corps established a flying field on the marshes and associated buildings along ‘The Street’. It was principally used for experimental work into aerial machine guns, bombs, navigation, and photography, a role that continued into the inter-war period. In 1935, a small experimental radar team arrived and conducted experiments that were critical in proving the value of this technology. This report is primarily concerned with the development of the post-war Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. To understand these developments a brief summary of the earlier military activity is also provided.

As always, if you have any questions or queries about the reports series past and present, do not hesitate to contact me . I’ll return next month with some more of our wonderful reports.

Kirsty Stonell Walker, Reports Administrator

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Research News Issue 20

(PDF, 5.85 MB)

This is the magazine version of Research News. It reports on projects being undertaken to support the National Heritage Protection Plan, whether commissioned from, or jointly funded with, external partners or undertaken directly by our own expert staff.

• The economic benefit of protected wrecks
• Immersed in technology: a strategy for marine science
• The Gosport Submarine Escape Training Tank
• Old collection provides new insights into Roman Britain
• Kirklees Park, West Yorkshire: assessing a designed landscape for designation
• The mosque in Britain
• Nappa Hall: securing a future for 'a very goodly house'
• The Hat Industry of Luton and its buildings
• Haworth: a village at risk?
• New Stonehenge map: a step into (pre)history
• Blackpool, ‘the great roaring spangled beast’
• English Heritage Publishing
• New research publications from English Heritage
• Research Report Series
• Keeping up to date

Additional Information

• Series: Research News/Historic England Research
• Publication Status: Completed
• ISSN: 2055-2718

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