Commission, Committees and Panels

English Heritage’s governance structure comprises the Commission and a range of committees and panels. A brief overview of our basic governance framework is set out below.

For more information and for copies of minutes and other related documents, click on the title of the required committee or panel in the left hand menu. Alternatively, use the search box at the bottom of the page to find the copy of the minutes you require. 

Please note that not all "open" minutes for panel/committes are available yet but it is intended for them to be added over time.  In the meantime, please e-mail secretariat@english-heritage.org.uk if you would like to obtain copies not currently available on these web pages.    

Overview

Commission
The Commission is the governing Board of English Heritage.  Its role is to establish the overall strategic direction of the organisation within the policy and resources framework agreed with Government. The Commission comprises a maximum of 17 individuals, appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, for their skill or professional standing in one or more areas of expertise.

Advisory Committees
English Heritage has two non-executive committees to advise staff and the Commission on specific business, strategy, policy and casework matters:

English Heritage Advisory Committee (EHAC)
Offers expert advice to staff and the Commission upon the exercise of English Heritage’s functions under the National Heritage Act 1983, and other relevant legislation, in particular on policy matters and casework where it is novel, contentious or sets a precedent.

London Advisory Committee (LAC)
Offers expert advice to staff and the Commission upon the exercise of English Heritage’s functions under the National Heritage Act 1983, and other relevant legislation, relating to individual buildings, monuments, conservation areas, parks and gardens in London and in particular policy matters and casework where it is novel, contentious or sets a precedent.

Business Committees
There are five Committees to help manage internal business.  These Committees comprise Commissioners and key co-opted members with relevant expertise. They report to Commission on a regular basis.

Advisory Panels
English Heritage has also established five non-executive Panels to advise staff on policy and practice in specialist fields.  The range of Panels changes from time to time in response to priorities and need.  They do not report to Commission.

English Heritage also has responsibility for three other bodies:

Places of Worship Forum (POWF)
A non-denominational forum for those pursuing the conservation and sustainable future of historic places of worship.

Urban Panel
The Urban Panel brings together the expertise of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and English Heritage to help local authorities, development agencies and others to engage in major regeneration of historic towns and cities.

Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS)
Responsibility for the administration of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites was transferred from DCMS to English Heritage by the National Heritage Act 2002.  The Committee was set up to advise Government in accordance with the terms of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.  The Committee covers the coastal waters of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.