On 31 July, the Heritage Alliance announced that Peter Ainsworth has agreed to become the organisation's Chair from December 2018.
Peter Ainsworth has over 30 years of commitment to public life. Following a successful career in banking, which he combined with serving as a local councillor, Peter entered Parliament in 1992. During his time as an MP Peter was the shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1998-2001) and then the shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (from 2001-2002, and again 2005-2009). Peter is currently Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, which thanks to National Lottery players gives grants for the improvement of communities across the UK. He is also Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Peter will go forward for election as a trustee at The Heritage Alliance’s AGM on 6 December. Thereafter, if approved, he will assume the role of Chair from Loyd Grossman CBE, who will be standing down at the AGM at the end of his third and final term of office.
- CIfA Chief Executive Peter Hinton said:
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"CIfA is a committed supporter of the Heritage Alliance and congratulates its trustees and staff on the impact the Alliance has had on England’s heritage sector in recent years. Loyd Grossman’s leadership will be very hard to follow, but we are delighted to be able to congratulate Peter Ainsworth on his nomination and look forward to working with him following the Alliance’s AGM."
CIfA works closely with the Heritage Alliance on matters of advocacy, helping to inform policy and the Alliance manifesto and is an active participant in several of its advocacy groups. As an umbrella body representing over 100 heritage organisations, the Alliance commands considerable access and influence when speaking on behalf of its members. It is therefore a key conduit to government and the Chair plays a vital role in making connections and communicating messages at the highest level. Peter's experience as a Shadow Minister and distinguished career in heritage since leaving politics will stand the Alliance in good stead to maintain and continue to improve on the excellent work that Loyd has done as a figurehead for heritage over the past decade.
You can read the press release from the Heritage Alliance here.
