Inclusive Heritage Advice Hub

Updated 28 October 2024

The Inclusive Heritage Advice Hub is part of Historic England’s commitment to supporting the heritage sector in becoming more diverse. It contains digestible information for any organisation wishing to celebrate inclusive heritage and ensure their work is as diverse and inclusive as possible.

If you are interested in having your case study featured on the Hub, look at our page on how to contribute a case study. For other input, feedback and general questions, contact the Inclusive Heritage Team.

Inclusion and diversity in the workplace

This section provides advice on creating an inclusive workplace culture and practical tips for supporting and building diverse teams.

Diverse workforces in the heritage sector

This section highlights the result of the 2024 Historic England Heritage Sector Workforce Diversity Survey, and provides advice on the benefits of diversifying your workforce, how to support diverse workforces, and how to collect data about the diversity of your staff and volunteers.

Inclusive governance boards and diverse trustees

In this section, you will find advice about diversifying governance roles in your organisation, ensuring diverse boards are supported, and advice for potential future trustees within the heritage sector.

Case studies

Changing Board Practices to Be Inclusive and Welcoming to All
A case study drawing on the experience of the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) in changing their board practices.
Improving Everyday Board Practices
A case study on improving everyday board practices to welcome everyone, drawing on the experience of Heritage Trust Network.
Keeping a Board Fresh and Ready to Meet Future Needs
A case study on setting terms of office, drawing on the experience of Historic Buildings and Places.
Recruiting Trustees Who Bring New Perspectives
A case study highlighting 6 practical steps towards adding new perspectives to your board.
Establishing a Young Members Board
A case study about supporting organisations to survive and thrive by establishing a Young Members Board.

Understanding and working with diverse audiences and participants

In this section, you will find advice on how best to undertake work with diverse audiences and participants, as well as information on why it is both important and beneficial for your organisation to work with diverse groups.

Case studies

Engaging Working Class Young Men with Local Sporting Heritage
'Halifax Stars' is a project that celebrates local boxing heritage. This case study was produced with verd de gris arts.
Telling Overlooked Local Stories Through Ambitious Heritage Programming
'Unearthed: Collective Histories' was a 12-month pilot programme of commissions, workshops and events about 20th century histories of Clapham, London.
Responding to Local Needs Through Heritage to Increase a Sense of Belonging and Cohesion
The 'Out of the Blue' project shows how you can engage with diverse groups and the importance of this work.
Creating a Lasting Legacy Celebrating Workers' History with Homeless People
The 'Navvies' project explores and commemorates the heritage of the 17,000 working-class labourers who dug the Manchester Ship Canal.
Exploring Working-Class Local Heritage with School Children
The 'Beneath our Feet' project is an excellent example of working with school-aged children and teachers to tell working-class heritage stories.
Using Trauma-informed Approaches to Uncover Sensitive Stories
‘Moments of Grace’ is a co-created project about working-class experiences of marginalised health professionals in London.
Building Young People’s Heritage Skills Through Active Participation and Co-creation
The 'People of Jane Pit' project engaged young people with collaboration and access to learning heritage skills.

Exploring diverse histories

In this section, you will find advice on how best to explore diverse histories in your work and in the heritage sector.

Case studies

Creating Engaging Online Content About Diverse Histories
This case study looks at a series of Instagram reels about LGBTQ+ history in various places across England, created by Hollyzone History.
Uncovering the Role of Sikh Mothers in Smethwick's Industrial Heritage
A case study on the 'Rags to Riches: How Sikh Mothers Made Smethwick' project, led by the Sikh Development Academy.
Working with Volunteers to Address a Lack of Bengali Representation in Public Collections
A case study on capturing and preserving the images and oral histories of the Bengali community in East London, led by Four Corners.

Training and professional development

In this section, you'll find signposting to training and professional development in inclusion, diversity and equality.

Inclusive Heritage Advice Hub

Inclusion and diversity in the workplace

Diverse workforces in the heritage sector

Inclusive governance boards and diverse trustees

Case studies

Understanding and working with diverse audiences and participants

Case studies

Exploring diverse histories

Case studies

Training and professional development

Also of interest