Leeds Civic Trust is looking for new volunteers to join our Heritage and Culture Panel. We’re recruiting a Panel Chair and Panel Members.
The Heritage and Culture Panel plays a key role in one of the Trust’s most visible and well-loved programmes – our blue plaques. It’s a great opportunity to help celebrate and recognise the people, places and stories of our city.
About the Heritage and Culture Panel
The panel oversees the Trust’s blue plaques, reviewing nominations and making recommendations about who and what should be recognised. They accept, reject or defer blue plaque nominations.
The Heritage and Culture Panel was formed in 2021 following a review of our blue plaques scheme by independent heritage consultant, Susan Pitter. This report transformed the way the Trust handled blue plaque nominations, as the city’s custodians of blue plaques. Our Trustees accepted Susan’s findings in full and have been implementing them since the report was received. Click here to read the report.
Panel members read blue plaque nominations in advance and consider them against our published criteria. This process involves drawing on knowledge of Leeds and its history, and sometimes carrying out additional research. Discussions are thoughtful and evidence-based, with the aim of reaching fair and balanced decisions.
From time to time, the panel may also offer advice on other heritage-related activity linked to the Trust’s work.
The panel meets quarterly, usually on Zoom.
Expected time commitment:
- Panel Members: 2–3 hours per quarter
- Panel Chair: 4–6 hours per quarter
The Roles:
Heritage and Culture Panel Members
We are recruiting new panel members. Panel members play an active part in discussions and decision-making around blue plaque nominations. This includes reading nominations in advance, bringing your knowledge and perspective to conversations, and helping the panel reach well-informed recommendations to the Board of Trustees on which nominations should be accepted.
Click here for the Panel Member role description →
Heritage and Culture Panel Chair
We are also recruiting a Chair to lead the panel. The Chair guides meetings, supports discussion and ensures recommendations are in line with the Trust’s criteria and values. They also work closely with staff and panel members to maintain high standards of assessment.
This is an important leadership role within the Trust and a rewarding opportunity to help guide the blue plaques in Leeds.
If you apply for the Chair role and are not appointed, we will automatically consider your application for a Panel Member position, unless you tell us otherwise
Click here for the Chair role description →
How to Apply
We are running this volunteering opportunity a bit like a job application, so the process is fair and open to everyone.
If you are interested in applying to be a panel member or the panel chair, please fill in the Google Form below:
Click here to apply. Please read the information on this page and the application form carefully before applying.
We will review applications and invite shortlisted applicants for an informal chat to talk more about the role and answer any questions.
Closing Date: Monday 16 March, 17:00
If you would like to speak to anybody further about these roles please email office@leedscivictrust.org.uk
