Historic Environment Engagement Project (Midlands) - AWARD

The Historic England (HE) Midlands team is seeking to commission a piece of work to test new models of regional and local engagement and networking and to answer the question: "how can Historic England best support and facilitate an inclusive, strong and effective regional voice for heritage and communities?".

Examples of engagement between heritage (and other bodies) exist at both local and regional level. An example HE has engaged with, and supported, for several years has been though Regional Historic Environment Forums (HEFs). Regional HEFs have been in existence since the early 2000's, but, in many instances, their activity levels and presence has diminished .

A review of regional HEFs undertaken during 2019/20 concluded that whilst many HEFs were not as active as they once were, there is still very much a need and appetite for some form of local historic environment network and for mechanisms that can help heritage organisations working at local or regional level to meet, share and develop ideas, and engage effectively with national heritage organisations.

It is anticipated there will be two phases to this piece of work. HE is seeking to commission the first phase (this project) and will focus on understanding the need and purpose for a regional network/forum(s), current engagement levels and activities across the region, including a mapping exercise, the aspirations of local groups and organisations (including HE's own role in any forum/network) and examples of sustainable governance models. This project is focused on the HE Midlands area.

Based on recommendations and lessons learned from the successful completion of Phase One, a secondary phase may follow that will trial the (re-)establishment of a regional network/forum(s) in the HE Midlands area, and to help inform activity in other HE regions as needed.

We expect Phase One to be completed by 1st July 2022.