Friday 16 July 2021

Updates from The Heritage Alliance

Become the Next Chair of Our Board of Trustees

Could you be the next Chair of The Heritage Alliance? We're looking for someone with passion and vision to join us as a strategic leader, who can be a powerful advocate for our organisation and our work.

Please see the 'jobs' section towards the end of this issue of Heritage Update for further details of the role and how to apply.

Guest Editor

The guest editor for this issue of Heritage Update is Felicia Rankl, a politics student from The University of Oxford, who is now in her final week of a month-long placement with our Policy and Communications team.

Share Your News with The Heritage Sector

The editor of Heritage Update (Daniella, Advocacy & Communications Officer at The Heritage Alliance) has created a new step-by-step guide that sets out how organisations can share news, courses, vacancies and events in Heritage Update. 

A reminder that we ask for all content to be sent through our new advertiser's form, and there is a charge for non-members of The Heritage Alliance, so please be sure to follow the instructions.

Policy Updates

This fortnight:

• Our CEO Lizzie attended the Heritage Working Group on Tuesday this week, and met with DCMS to discuss the upcoming Heritage Statement.

• The Heritage Alliance and the Historic Environment Forum have been working with DCMS and the Heritage Minister Caroline Dinenage to convene a series of virtual roadshows on the four key components of the Heritage Statement: (1) recovery & resilience, (2) levelling up, (3) climate change & sustainability and (4) equality, diversity & inclusion. The first digital roundtable on recovery and resilience, which was attended by Lord Neil Mendoza, took place this Tuesday.

• Lizzie also joined a meeting convened by CPRE [Alliance member] with Housing Minister, Chris Pincher, along with a group of organisations focussed on the environment, to discuss planning reforms. We are supporting collaboration on CPRE’s six tests for the government’s planning proposals, which have been created to scrutinise how the government reacts to the recent planning consultation on the proposed reforms - read more about this below under ‘Sector Digest’.

• Our Spatial Planning Advocacy Group (SPAG) met last week to discuss the upcoming Planning Bill, its possible implications for the heritage sector, and the report of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on the Bill.

• We have also been following the progression of the Environment Bill through the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. Last week, the peers debated an amendment put forward by Alliance members Heritage Railway Association (HRA) and the Heritage Fuels Alliance (HFA). It seeks to ensure that mobile heritage can continue to use appropriate fuels in future. Read more on this below, under ‘Government News’.  

How Does Your Organisation Approach Accessibility?

The Heritage Alliance, in partnership with Ecclesiastical Insurance [Alliance Corporate Partner], is trying to understand how accessibility is being prioritised within the heritage sector.

To this end, we are fielding a survey for heritage organisations. The results of this survey will help us to better understand how accessibility is being managed in the sector as well as some of the challenges organisations are facing. The data will be anonymised and also used by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

Please share your views through the survey by 31 July.

Help to Shape Digital Resources & Training for the Sector

A reminder that later this Summer, the Heritage Digital team (The Heritage Alliance, DOT PROJECT, Charity Digital, Media Trust and Naomi Korn Associates) will be launching a suite of digital training programmes and online learning resources aimed at up-skilling the sector in everything from taking a strategic approach to digital, to social media content development and digital legal requirements.

We’re asking sector organisations to help shape these resources and training modules by completing this survey before 9am Monday 19 July. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. 

These resources will benefit organisations of all sizes and digital skill levels. The Heritage Digital programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to improve the skills of Heritage organisations across the UK, and to support their ongoing sustainability and efficiency. 

#HeritageChat - Industrial Heritage

Join us on Tuesday 20th July (1-2pm) to discuss ‘Industrial Heritage’ in the next #HeritageChat. The questions which will be discussed in the chat can be found on our website and pinned on our @HeritageChat Twitter profile.

Taking part in #HeritageChat is easy: just log on Twitter on the date and time of the chat, follow the hashtag #HeritageChat (we suggest to filter the tweets by ‘latest’ rather than ‘top’), answer the questions which will be shared from the account @HeritageChat, and engage in conversations with other participants!

If you want to suggest a topic for one of the next #HeritageChats please get in touch, you can lead the chat or we can lead it for you! Save the slot in your diary for the next #HeritageChats – download our scheduler for Outlook and Google calendar.

Welcome to The Heritage Alliance

We are pleased to announce that the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group and Tiller and Wheel have joined as the latest members of The Heritage Alliance.

The Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group (HTPG) is a charitable organisation, run entirely by volunteers, and exists to raise the funds required to rebuild Hawker Typhoon MkIb, RB396, as the lasting legacy those brave men and women deserve.

Tiller & Wheel was established to create a sustainable future for the heritage vessels of the East Coast of the UK. To address the problems associated with a lack of engagement and an ageing community, they are pioneering a radical new approach whereby the sailing experiences are offered for free, supported by crowdfunding website Patreon. They are directly responsible for the National Historic Ships 'Edith May', a Thames sailing barge, and 'Thistle', a Whitstable oyster smack.

We also welcome Stuart MacDonald this week as a new Individual Supporter.

Latest Offer for Heritage Alliance Members

Heritage Alliance Affiliate member, Tricolor Associates will now offer Heritage Alliance Members free 1:1 sessions with Tricolor Director Sarah Dowd on Change Management, Project Development and Resilience Planning.

Managing Director of Tricolor Associates and ROSS Consultant and Mentor for National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sarah specialises in regeneration, strategic project development and organisational resilience that makes a genuine difference to people and places.

To take up this offer, please contact Delphine at development@theheritagealliance.org.uk.

Heritage Digital: final event of the summer & more opportunities to take part!

On 14 July, our National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Heritage Digital held its final event of the summer, covering the topic of Digital Storytelling. If you missed it live, the recordings will be posted to the Heritage Digital website in the coming weeks.

There’s more to come from the Heritage Digital consortium in the form of the National Lottery Heritage Fund/DCMS supported follow-on projects, so stay tuned for more information, and don’t forget to fill in the digital skills survey (by 19 July).

New resources

In July, the consortium will be releasing 2 further resources; a guide to choosing a CRM for heritage organisations and a guide to writing your digital marketing strategy. Sign up to the project mailing list to be the first to know when new releases occur.

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!

It’s the *very last opportunity* to apply for the Rebuilding Heritage programme and applications will close at 11pm on Tuesday 27 July.

The programme is open to organisations of all shapes and sizes across the UK: heritage sites, libraries, railways, boats, museums, mills, archives, parks, castles, canals, community heritage, landscapes, lidos, places of worship, craft associations, heritage skills practitioners, archaeologists, storytellers, charities, friends groups, freelancers, private heritage, and local authority services… is there anyone we’ve missed?! We are open to all!

Support is delivered through 121 consultancy and small group training sessions so that the advice can be exactly tailored to your needs - assistance is available with fundraising, finance, communications and storytelling, leadership, and organisational wellbeing

Our final webinars are also still open for booking including sessions on effective internal communications and how to find balance between online and offline audience engagement, and we’ll be wrapping up with a session looking at leading through change. 

Find out more and book now here.

Government News

Our summary of the latest announcements and guidance for the heritage sector.

Headlines

• Post-Roadmap Plans for Heritage

• New Funding Opportunities for Heritage

• Subsidy Control System Introduced

• Building Safety Bill Published

This fortnight, the Government has published its guidance on reopening and the easing of restrictions. The Prime Minister has confirmed that from 19 July, all remaining restrictions will be lifted. Read more on this below, under ‘COVID-19’.

The Government has also launched a campaign that encourages children and their families to 'Rediscover Summer' by participating in leisure activities in their local communities. The campaign highlights a range of opportunities, including visiting local museums or exploring local heritage sites. A preliminary list of activities is available here.

DCMS has announced that it has set aside £60m to support 20 organisations that work to protect the UK’s historic national heritage. The funding will support projects to welcome back visitors, to increase accessibility, and to meet net-zero targets. Among others, the Historic Royal Palaces [Alliance member] received funding of over £3.5m to support its recovery following the impact of COVID-19.

BEIS has also announced a new subsidy system to support UK businesses. The new system will empower devolved administrations and local authorities to decide whether to issue subsidies by following a set of UK-wide principles. The new system will prohibit the awarding of subsidies that result in the relocation of jobs or economic activities from one part of the UK to another, and aims to prevent 'subsidy races' between public authorities competing to attract the same business.

COVID-19

Roadmap Stage 4 Guidance for Heritage

The Government has confirmed that all restrictions currently still in place (including social distancing rules, face coverings and limits on social contact) will end on 19 July, as part of Step 4 of the Roadmap. From 19 July, social distancing will only be required in limited circumstances: at ports of entry for passengers between disembarkation and border control, in health and care settings, and for people who are self-isolating, particularly if they have had a positive test. 

The guidance sets out the picture at Step 4, which includes the following changes: 

• All settings will be able to open, and large events can resume without any limits on attendance or social distancing requirements.
• All restrictions on life events, such as weddings, funerals, bar/bat mitzvahs and baptisms, will be removed. 
• COVID-status certification will not be required by law as a condition of entry for visitors. However, businesses can ask visitors for proof of COVID-status. The Government is providing a way for individuals to easily demonstrate their COVID-status using the NHS COVID Pass on the NHS app.
• Businesses will be encouraged to display QR codes for customers to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app, to support NHS Test and Trace, although it will no longer be a legal requirement.
• Businesses will be encouraged to ask staff and customers to clean their hands regularly and clean surfaces that people touch regularly.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors could be used to help identify where a space is poorly ventilated with businesses encouraged to take steps to improve ventilation.
• It is no longer necessary to instruct employees to work from home. Employers can start to plan a return to workplaces.
• Businesses must not require a self-isolating worker to come to work, and should make sure that workers and customers who feel unwell do not attend the setting.

More information is available on the plans to ease restrictions, on the government’s response to COVID this summer, and on preventing the spread of COVID after 19 July. 

The Government has also released specific new guidance on i) Events and Attractions and ii) Hotels and guest accommodation in addition to more general guidance on 'Working safely during COVID-19: Guidance from Step 4'.

We expect revised heritage-guidance soon. We continue to collate questions, concerns and case-study evidence from Alliance members and feed this through regularly to DCMS. Please email Hannah Shimko.

The Government has also published its reviews into social distancing, COVID-19 status certification, and events which have informed Step 4 of the Roadmap. 

Results from the Social Distancing Review

The first review looked at social distancing and other measures, specifically face coverings and guidance on working from home, that have been put in place to limit transmission of COVID-19. 

The review concluded, given the success of the vaccination programme, these measures could be lifted. It warns, however, that the removal of social distancing measures could have a ‘disproportionate impact’ on deprived communities and ethnic minority groups, among whom vaccine take-up has been lower.

The review also recommends the continued use of social distancing in hospitals and care homes, for people who are extremely vulnerable or not yet fully vaccinated, and for people who received positive test results or have travelled from abroad.  

Results from the COVID-Status Certification Review 

The second review looked at COVID-status certification, exploring whether and how certification (of a full vaccine course, a recent negative test, or natural immunity) could be used to reopen the economy and to reduce restrictions while maintaining public safety. 

The review concluded that the use of COVID-status certification should not be mandated as a condition of entry for visitors. While it acknowledges the public health benefit, it determined that the burden on people not yet fully vaccinated as well as on organisations responsible for enforcing these measures would be disproportionate at the present time. 

However, organisations will be able to choose how to keep their own promises safe. Although essential settings should not use certification, others can use it at their own discretion. To this end, the Government will make the NHS COVID Pass, accessed via the NHS app, available.

Results from the Events Research Programme

The third review looked at the findings from Phase 1 of the Events Research Programme (ERP) to determine how events in indoor and outdoor settings can be reopened with reduced risk. 

The review found that risk varied by type of venue, with outdoor spaces generally posing a lower risk than indoor spaces. In particular, large unstructured gatherings indoors where a significant mixing of people in close proximity occurred posed a higher risk. 

The review also found that mitigation measures, such as face coverings, ventilation, testing, restrictions on food and drink, and social distancing/capacity caps, could reduce and manage the risks identified at events. It noted, however, that potential exposures to the virus also occurred during travel to and from venues and any visits individuals make to nearby premises.

Data on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) Usage

ONS have produced a report on current CJRS usage (covering claims for periods up to 31 May). The data shows that the number of people on furlough decreased from 3.5 million on 30 April to 2.4 million on 31 May. This decline is in line with the easing of restrictions as part of Step 3 of the Roadmap when many businesses were able to reopen (albeit with capacity and social distancing restrictions). 

Of the 2.4 million people on furlough, an estimated 6% worked in the creative industry or the arts and entertainment sector. Of all staff employed in the sector, 39% were on furlough on 31 May. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges facing the sector.

Guidance

The latest guidance includes:

• COVID-19 restrictions: what you can and cannot do (updated 12 July)
• COVID-19 guidance: how to stay safe and prevent the spread from 19 July (updated 12 July)
• More general guidance on the government response to COVID-19 this summer (updated 12 July)
• Updated guidance for Visa Applicants and Temporary Residents affected by travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 (updated 13 July)
• New guidance for providers of activities or education provision in out-of-school settings (published 7 July)
• COVID-19 guidance: how to conduct a risk assessment for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations (updated 7 July)
• Fully vaccinated people returning from amber list countries to the UK will be exempt from quarantining after 19 July (updated 8 July)
• People who have had both their COVID-19 vaccine doses will be exempt from self-isolation rules after 16 August (published 6 July)
• How to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad using the NHS COVID Pass (updated 9 July)
• Updated guidance on eligibility for self-employed people wanting to claim the Fifth SEISS Grant (updated 6 July)
• Updated guidance on providing apprenticeships to reflect the change in the return to the workplace (updated 7 July)
• Updated guidance that extends the exemptions for any coronavirus antigen test provided by employers for the tax year 2020/21 and 2021/22 (updated 6 July)

We will continue to collate any updated guidance, including all the latest guidance around Step 4 and the easing of restrictions, in our COVID-19 Hub. 

Social Impact

Indicators from the latest ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (covering the period from 30 June to 4 July) show that, in line with the easing of restrictions, people have become more relaxed about public health measures in the past few months. The proportion of adults who report always or often maintaining social distancing has decreased by more than 20% since April (when Step 2 of the Roadmap was introduced), and the proportion of adults who report meeting someone outside their bubble indoors has increased by almost 30% since May (when Step 3 of the Roadmap was introduced). Nevertheless, almost 90% of adults continue to consider compliance measures to be important to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Data from the latest ONS Business Insights and Impacts survey (15 July) show that the percentage of businesses currently trading has increased steadily from 71% in January 2021 to 89% in July 2021, which is. the highest percentage of businesses currently trading since comparable estimates began in June 2020. 

The arts, entertainment and recreation industry continues to report the highest proportion of its workforce on furlough leave, at 15%. Over 50% of businesses in the arts, entertainment and recreation and other service activities industries reported that turnover was "lower than normal expectations", being the worst affected of all other industries.

Funding

Cultural Recovery Fund - Round Three

Details of the third round of the Culture Recovery Fund (CRF3) have now been announced. The final £300 million from the package includes £218.5 million in Emergency Resource Grants and £35 million for the Heritage Stimulus Fund. 

A reminder that CRF3 Resource Grants through the Strand One of the programme: Emergency Resource Support are now available. This first strand of funding is for organisations that are “at imminent risk of failure due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19”. The closing date for applications is 12pm on 30 September 2021. Details of Strand Two, a Community Support programme, for organisations that have previously received grants, but need further support, will be announced later this summer.

Grants are also being administered for Round 2 of the Heritage Stimulus Fund. Applications are now open for organisations that are restarting vital construction and maintenance on heritage sites to preserve visitor attractions, and for organisations providing immediate work for heritage specialists and contractors in the sector. Applications for Stream 1 & 2 should be submitted no later than midnight on 22 July, and for Stream 3 no later midnight on 5 August.

Cultural Development Fund - Round Two

And a reminder that the deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest for Round Two of the Cultural Development Fund is midday on Friday 23 July 2021. The full online application form will open on Grantium on Tuesday 31 August 2021, and the deadline for submitting full applications is Friday 15 October 2021.

NHMF COVID-19 Response Fund

The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has launched a new COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund offers support for heritage assets that are of outstanding importance to the national heritage and are at risk due to the impact of COVID-19. A total of £40 million will be distributed, of which £20 million is made available by the NHMF to applicants from across the UK and £20 million is made available by DCMS for applicants within England.

The funding is available until the end of April 2023, but there are no deadlines for applications. 

Horizon Europe Funding

Horizon Europe funding for culture and heritage related research in the UK is available through UKRI, Cluster 2 (Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society). There are 18 topics in 2021, and the deadline for applications is 7 October 2021. Further details can be found here and a Q&A on the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe is here. 

As part of the Horizon Europe Funding, a stream dedicated to the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) was set up. It intends to unite cultural and creative organisations from business, higher education and research to deliver solutions that help these sectors become more resilient. 

A call for proposals will be launched in the last quarter of 2021 with a deadline of submissions in the first quarter of 2022. A tool to find potential partners for the upcoming call for proposals is now available online. Find all the details here.

Art Fund Weston Loan Programme

The Art Fund has launched a new round of its Weston Loan Support Programme. The programme offers financial support to museums and galleries that want to borrow works of art from national collections and major lending institutions, including for transportation, conservation, and training. 

The deadline for applications is on 17 August, and successful applicants will be notified in September. 

Government-backed Start-Up Loans

Creative England has partnered with the British Business Bank to unlock new finance opportunities for people working across the creative industry in the UK as part of the Start-Up Loans scheme. The scheme offers personal loans of up to £25,000 to businesses that have opened within the last two years to allow them to develop their creative potential.

Travel & Tourism

The Government has confirmed that the requirement to self-isolate when returning from amber list countries to England will be removed on 19 July for people who are fully vaccinated. The requirement to self-isolate for non-vaccinated people under the age of 18 will also be removed to allow families to take holidays together. 

Those fully vaccinated will still be required to complete a pre-departure test before arriving in England, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arriving in England. Children aged 4 and under will continue to be exempt from any testing, and those aged 5 to 10 will only need to take a day 2 PCR. 

Brexit & Immigration

EU Settlement Scheme still Open for Some Applicants

The deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme was on 30 June. However, EU citizens living in the UK can still apply for the scheme if: 

• they have a later deadline (e.g. they are joining a family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020)

• they have ‘reasonable grounds’ for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021 (e.g. they had a serious medical condition or were the victim of domestic abuse)

Application for New Graduate Immigration Route Open

The Home Office has now opened applications for a New Graduate Immigration Route. This route provides an opportunity for international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above to stay and work in the UK or stay and look for work, for up to 2 years (or 3 years for students who have completed a degree at the doctoral level).

Following this, applicants can switch to the Skilled Worker route and stay permanently if:

• they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the required skill level

• they will be paid the relevant minimum salary threshold (normally £25,600)

• they can speak English at the intermediate level at B1

Resources

Want to keep up with the latest news and guidance around Brexit? ​The Heritage Alliance Brexit Hub collates the latest Brexit guidance that is relevant to the heritage sector, including on working in Europe, funding and visa requirements - and our sector briefings on Heritage, Brexit and Immigration can be found on our website. 

Alliance Members can continue to inform us with their latest questions and concerns. We are particularly interested in detailed case studies of obstacles and issues emerging. Please contact Hannah Shimko.

Do you have any questions about Brexit and its impact on heritage? The Historic Environment Forum continues to update its Brexit FAQs Trello Board with material to help the sector navigate the post-Brexit period.

Planning

Protecting Local Involvement in Planning Bill 

The MP Rachel Hopkins has put forward a motion that seeks to protect the right of local communities to participate in the planning decisions and to comment on individual applications. It also seeks to retain traditional ‘statutory notices’ alongside new digital ones to ensure the process remains accessible.

The motion is a response to the Government’s White Paper on Planning. In its current state, the planning reforms would restrict the involvement of local communities in the planning process in favour of permitted development with the ultimate aim of fulfilling the need for affordable housing.

The motion put forward by Rachel Hopkins echoes many of the concerns raised by the Select Committee on Housing, Communities and Local Government in its report on planning.  

Debate in Westminster Hall on Planning Reforms

The MP Bob Seely led a backbench debate on the planning reforms, emphasising that any reforms must consider community involvement, “levelling up”, and environmental protection.

He stated that the White Paper for the Planning Bill, in its current form, will likely not meet the goal of creating affordable homes for first-time buyers. He pointed to the fact that many planning applications are currently approved by local councils but are not taken further by developers. 

His speech was supported by a number of other MPs, many of whom emphasised the importance of community involvement to ensure that any developments reflect the communities’ needs and are to their benefit. 

Building Safety Bill to Establish Building Safety Regulator

The Building Safety Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 5 July. The Bill is intended to overhaul regulations pertaining to how residential buildings are constructed and maintained, with the aim of keeping residents safer. The Bill would also set up a Building Safety Regulator. The body would be responsible for ensuring that safety risks in residential buildings exceeding 18m are dealt with and that gateway points in the development process are met.

Under the proposals, residents would be able to seek compensation for substandard construction work for 15 years (as opposed to 6 years). The changes would apply retrospectively.

MHCLG Released New Apps for Extension Application Process

MHCLG has launched two new apps intended to help homeowners improve and extend their homes. The first app (for homeowners) can determine whether plans for extensions are in line with local and national permitted development requirements. The second app (for council planning officials) has been designed to manage permitted development applications.

The apps are part of a step towards a fully digital planning system, as outlined in last year’s ‘Planning for the Future’ White Paper.

Environment & Agriculture

Deadline to End Coal Power Moved Forward to 2024

The Government has brought forward the deadline to remove unabated coal from the UK’s energy mix by a year, from 2025 to 2024. In the past decade, the UK has already managed to reduce its reliance on coal for electricity significantly. It accounts for less than 2% of the UK’s power generation today, compared to 40% in 2012.

The move is part of the Government’s plans to transition away from fossil fuels and drive down emissions in order to eliminate the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050. The announcement comes ahead of the COP26, which will be hosted in Glasgow in Autumn 2021.

Environment Bill Passes Committee Stage

The Environment Bill has now passed the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. There was an oversubscription to co-sponsor our amendments to the Bill, and the Lords passionately argued for the inclusion of heritage in the Bill. Unfortunately, however, heritage amendments were not carried forward at this stage.

This week, Peers also debated an amendment brought forward by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) and Heritage Fuels Alliance (HFA) [Alliance members]. The amendment sought to ensure that mobile heritage and historic houses can continue to use heritage fuels, including coal, in appropriate amounts moving forward. 

Lord Faulkner and Lord Forsyth spoke to the importance of embedding assurances that heritage fuels will be exempt from emissions targets and restrictions in law, particularly given the importance of the heritage sector for tourism and the regional economy. The amendment received further cross-party support, from Lord Bradshaw, Baroness Randerson, Lord Khan of Burnley, and Baroness Neville-Rolfe. 

In response, Baroness Bloomfield (on behalf of the Government) assured Peers that the Bill would not exercise a direct impact on the heritage steam sector and would not infringe on the ability of local authorities to exempt historic buildings from the emissions requirements. She also emphasised that the Government recognised the importance of heritage more generally. 

DCMS & Culture

DCMS Sector Economic Estimates: Employment Percentage Measure

DCMS has released its estimates of the percentage of all 16- to 64-year-olds with their main job in the sectors for which the DCMS is responsible (excluding tourism) - also known as the ‘employment percentage measure’. This is the first time the percentage of the population employed in the DCMS sectors, which also include the creative industries and the cultural sector, has been calculated.

It is estimated that 9.3% of all 16- to 64-year-olds had a main job in DCMS sectors in 2020 compared to 8.9% in 2019. Examining individual sectors, 5.0% of all 16- to 64-year-olds had a main job in the creative industries, and 1.5% had a main job in the cultural sector. 

Comparing genders, men were slightly more likely to have a main job in DCMS sectors compared to women (10.7% of men compared to 8.0% of women). Those living in London were also more likely to have a main job in DCMS sectors than those living in any other region. 

DCMS Launches New Plan for Digital Regulation

DCMS has launched a new plan for digital regulation. The new system aims to minimise the regulatory burden on businesses working in the digital sector in order to support innovation in the space. It would only introduce regulations where absolutely necessary, allow for regular updates to the regulations, and consider the international implications of proposed regulations. It also includes options to improve information-sharing between the regulators.

The plan is part of the Government's plans to revamp digital regulation. It comes ahead of the Online Safety Bill being introduced into Parliament, and the UK hosting the Future Tech Forum in Autumn 2021. 

To support the delivery of a coordinated approach to digital regulation, the Government is working closely with the recently-established Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF). The voluntary DRCF currently comprises the CMA, the FCA, the ICO, and Ofcom.

State-Backed Insurance Scheme May be Introduced for Theatres

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has indicated in a speech in the House of Commons that the Government will be able to support the reopening of theatres after 19 July with a state-backed insurance scheme, if there is “a market failure”. The suggestion of such a scheme was first made in an announcement to MPs back in March and the industry has made repeated pleas for this support.

Efforts to Tackle Bullying in the Creative Industries

Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, held a roundtable on 29 June with representatives from organisations across the creative industries including Equity, BECTU and the Creative Industries Federation to begin efforts to tackle bullying and harassment in the sector.

Parliamentary & Other News

Prime Minister Calls for Greater Devolution in Speech on “Levelling Up”

The Prime Minister gave a speech yesterday morning on "levelling up", in which he urged for more devolution in England. He pointed to the lack of local leadership as one of the barriers to delivering opportunities for growth beyond London.

Johnson has called for towns and counties to share their “vision” for how they will be “levelling up”, so that the Government can work to extend devolution and address problems of regional equality in a way that suits individual areas.

The High Streets Strategy announced yesterday intends to support the ‘“levelling up” agenda by making local communities a more attractive place to live. The strategy will make temporary measures allowing for outdoor seating permanent, help local groups take over businesses at risk of closure, and invest in green infrastructure. 

The Government aims to facilitate this strategy through the Community Ownership Fund, which launched yesterday. The fund allows communities across the UK to support and benefit from facilities and assets in their local area.

Future of Learned Societies at Burlington House

A few weeks ago, Parliament held a debate on the future of the learned societies at Burlington House in Piccadilly. The five 'learned societies', including the Society of Antiquaries [Alliance member], have been housed here since the 1850s. However, a rise in rents of more than 3000% in the past decade has threatened their ability to remain there. 

The debate was initiated by MP Tim Loughton. He pointed to the heritage and educational value of the ‘learned societies’, to the potential dangers of moving fragile historical pieces, and the importance of the central location of the societies in London. His arguments were supported by a number of other MPs, including Chris Bryant, James Gray, Sir Robert Neill, Liz Saville Roberts, Alun Cairns, Chris Skidmore, Siobhan Baillie, Martin Vickers, and Simon Baynes.

Sector Digest

Read on for a breakdown of the latest news from across the sector.

Guidance for Arts & Cultural Venues on Keeping Visitors Safe

Despite the lift of all restrictions on 19 July, it appears that many arts and cultural venues will continue to follow COVID safety measures, in line with feedback from audiences and visitors. This includes theatres, which may still encourage the wearing of face masks and use of the NHS Test and Trace app, and build more gradually to re-introducing full capacity audiences.

ALVA [Alliance member] has shared draft guidance for visitor attractions that wish to maintain social distancing and other mitigation measures after 19 July. This guidance is based on the sentiment analysis ALVA published at the end of June, which shows that 75% of the public are not yet ready for all measures to be lifted as visitor attractions. 

These data chime with findings from a YouGov poll conducted on 5 July, to which 71% of the respondents across England, Scotland and Wales agreed that rules on face coverings on public transport should remain in place for longer and 66% agreed the same for shops.

Historic Environment Forum Foresight Day 2021

Originally organised as part of the programme Heritage 2020, Foresight Days bring together member organisations of the Historic Environment Forum (HEF) to discuss relevant themes for the future of the sector. In 2021 the Foresight Day focused on ‘Collaboration for Heritage Recovery’. Participants in the event (HEF members) started building collectively an action plan for the delivery of the Heritage Recovery Plan, developed by HEF and Historic England in early 2021, and discussed three of the topics of the forthcoming Heritage Statement.

You can download a summary of the event here.

Museum Heritage Award Winners

The winners of this year’s Museum + Heritage Awards have now been announced. We congratulate all the winning organisations, who include the following Heritage Alliance members:

• Covid special recognition award - Bernard Donoghue, ALVA

• Covid Supplier of the Year - Tricolor Associates: recovery support for many

• Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year - The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings - SPAB Old House Project

... and those who were shortlisted, including Chawton House - Transforming Chawton House: the Covid year, the Bawdsey Radar online retail team - Bawdsey Radar Trust, English Heritage - Reverberate, Council for British Archaeology - University of Lincoln Dig School (Enquiry-based learning in archaeology), National Trust for Scotland - Burn's Big Night In.

The full list of winners and shortlisters can be found here.

Kids in Museums shortlist for Family Friendly Museum Award 2021

Kids in Museums has announced the 20 museums that have been shortlisted for its Family Friendly Museum Award. The award recognises the efforts of museums that go ‘the extra mile’ to welcome children, young people, and families both offline and online. 

This year, the award also includes a new category - Best Accessible Museum. It celebrates the work of museums that include families with children or young people who have special educational needs and disabilities. 

In the coming months, undercover family judges will visit each of the 20 museums to decide the winners who will be announced in October. The shortlist of nominated museums is available here.

Closure of University of Sheffield Department of Archaeology Confirmed

The University of Sheffield has announced that it is closing its world-renowned Department of Archaeology, despite a campaign to keep it open. More than 42,000 people had signed a petition opposing its closure, and academics and organisation across the UK had called for it to be saved.

When the review was first announced, the Council for British Archaeology [Alliance member] said the closure would be ‘devastating’. It added that the University has a high profile in the academic world and made significant contributions to the country’s educational profile. The department has produced a number of famous archaeologists, including Stonehenge expert Mike Parker Pearson.

The Department was a member of one of the 39 universities and colleges that are members of UAUK [Alliance member]. 

Ecclesiastical Announces Movement for Good Winners

As part of its Movement for Good awards, Ecclesiastical [Alliance Corporate Partner] is allocating £1million to charities that make a real difference in the local communities, including to projects that support culture and heritage. 

Phase 1 of the awards, which awarded the 500 winning charities with £1000 each to support their activities, has now come to an end. We congratulate all the winners, who included two Alliance members: the Council for British Archaeology and the Churches Conservation Trust. 

Applications for Phase 2 of the awards, which will see 30 charities awarded £10,000, two with an additional £50,000 grant, and one with an additional £100,000 grant, have now opened.  Ecclesiastical is looking for specific projects or innovative initiatives with clear outcomes and benefits. The deadline is on Friday 6 August. Guidance on applying for Phase 2 is available here.

Archaeologists Call for Protection of Archaeological Heritage in Planning Reforms

Archaeologists are calling for the Government to ensure that undiscovered heritage assets are protected in its planning reforms. The rigorous archaeological assessments that developers are currently required to undertake prior to commencing construction, and have led to significant archaeological discoveries, are missing from the White Paper on the Planning Bill in its current state.  

CIfA [Alliance member] has been supporting calls for safeguarding undiscovered heritage assets, with Rob Lennox pointing to the importance of embedding protections in the Bill. Tim Loughton, a Conservative MP and former archaeology student, also shares these concerns. 

The Department of Communities, Housing, and Local Government, which is leading the planning reforms, has responded to the concerns raised. It has stated that the ‘planning reforms will build on the strong protections already in place’ and that it will ‘work with key archaeological bodies' to 'develop detailed proposals for the Planning Bill’.

Six Tests for Planning Reforms

CPRE, with the support of other organisations including The Heritage Alliance, has developed six tests to assess the Government’s planning reforms. These tests aim to scrutinise how the Government responds to the recent planning consultation on the proposed reforms to the planning system. 

Test 5, which was brought forward by The Heritage Alliance, emphasises that any reforms need to ensure that the conservation of heritage and designed landscapes are safeguarded against inappropriate developments, and that their enhancement is prioritised. A summary of all tests and indicators that show whether these tests have been met is available here.

New Toolkit for Investors looking to invest in Creative Industries

The Creative Industries Council has published a new toolkit for investors who are looking to invest in the creative industries. It features resources that help investors navigate the creative industries, as well as videos and events with industry leaders who share their insights into the various sub-sectors. One webinar, for example, examines the drivers behind the success of the Netflix series Bridgerton. 

Our 2019 report: Inspiring Creativity: Heritage and the Creative Industries examined how heritage organisations and places contribute to the success of creative industries in the UK.

New Guidance on Bats & Building Works

Historic England has released new guidance which is intended to help property owners (and others involved in making changes to buildings) protect bats and their breeding sites when carrying out building works. As all species of bats are protected by law in the UK, building works need to be planned carefully to not clash with the occupancy of bats in their roosts.

Bates Wells guidance on Charities Bill

Bates Wells [Alliance Legal Partner] has released a guidance document on what steps charitable trusts and other unincorporated associations will need to follow when amending their governing documents under the proposed Charities Bill.

The Charities Bill aims to align the rules for unincorporated charities with those for other charitable structures, including corporate charities. It intends to revise the 2011 Charities Act to reduce the time and resources that charities spend on their legal work by reducing regulations and clarifying grey areas that currently exist in the law.

NMDC Guide to Lending and Borrowing Collections

The NMDC has published a new guide for lenders and borrowers to help loans proceed as smoothly as possible. The guide intends to support the wider sector during its recovery, and the museums that form the NMDC have committed to making their works available as widely as possible. 

Lending and borrowing pieces of art can maximise outcomes for both the organisations involved and the public. It not only allows for diverse audiences across the country to engage with the UK’s collections but also relieves some of the pressures from the impact of COVID for museums.

Alliance Member News

A snapshot of the current work of our members.

Consultations

Open Consultations:

• HM Treasury - Residential Property Developer Tax: consultation - 22 July
• CMA - Draft Guidance on the Operation of the CMA’s UK Internal Market Function - 23 July
• DCMS - Shared Rural Network Consultation - 27 July

• Natural England - Open Land Access Restrictions - 30 July

• HMRC - Call for Evidence: Simplifying the VAT Land Exemption - 3 August 
• BEIS - Review of the Schemes to Compensate Energy Intensive Industries for Indirect Emission Costs in Electricity Prices - 9 August
• Environment Agency - Environmental Permit Competence Requirements: changes to technically competent manager attendance - 9 August
• DEFRA - Direct Payments to Farmers: Lump sum exit scheme and delinked payments in England - 11 August
• HM Treasury - Public Service Pensions: Consultation on the discount rate methodology - 19 August

• Environment Agency - Thames Valley Flood Scheme - 20 August

• HM Treasury - HM Treasury fundamental review of business rates - 24 August
• DfT - Request for evidence on changes to the operator licensing - 24 August

• BEIS - Smart Meters for Non-Domestic Consumers - 24 September

• BEIS - Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) - 28 September

Open Access Land Restrictions

Natural England is seeking views on proposals that will restrict public access to ‘open access land’ in places across the country. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the right to access ‘open access land’ can be restricted for the purposes of public safety, nature conservation, or land management. Before restricting access, however, Natural England must consult on any proposals. 

The potential sites affected include Blind Sike in Northumberland, Flinty Fell in Cumbria, and the Atkinsons Peat Moss in Durham. 

Deadline: 30 July 2021

Thames Valley Flood Scheme

The Environment Agency (EA) is seeking ideas for further measures it can take to manage flood risk across the Thames Valley. The EA has already introduced a number of schemes to reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding in the Thames Valley. However, communities remain at risk of flooding. The predicted impacts of climate change also implies that extreme rainfall will become more common, bringing more frequent and severe floods.

The EA has produced a series of videos and information to help explain the Thames Valley Flood Scheme.

Deadline: 20 August 2021

Smart Meters for Non-Domestic Consumers

BEIS is consulting on proposals to help non-domestic customers save energy through the use of smart meters. Smart meters allow customers to engage with, and better manage, their energy consumption. Unlike domestic households, however, non-domestic customers are currently not provided with a default way of accessing their energy consumption data.

Therefore, BEIS is seeking views on how suppliers can provide non-domestic customers with regular free information about their energy consumption, based on the data from their smart meter. 

Deadline: 24 September 2021

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)

BEIS is calling for views on the proposed changes to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). The ESOS seeks to improve the energy efficiency of businesses by providing them with information about energy savings they can make. 

In order to improve the scheme, BEIS is now seeking ideas on how to raise the quality of audits, increase the carbon and cost savings of recommendations, and ensure that recommendations are consistent with the UK’s net zero commitments.

Deadline: 28 September 2021

Events

Upcoming Heritage Events - Quick Look

• 19 July: Welsh Country Houses: The East India network in Wales, 1760-1820, Georgian Group lecture

• 19 July: Rebuilding Heritage - People-led: Internal Communications

• 22 July – Workshop Insight Visit: new sails for Kibworth Harcourt windmill, SPAB, Bristol

• 22 July: The Newport Medieval Ship: Challenges of Conservation, Re-assembly & Display, online talk

• 22 July: Rebuilding Heritage - Needs-led: Fundraising for sustainability

• 26 July: Rebuilding Heritage - Digital is not the answer

• 28 July - The SAVE Guide to Heritage Campaigning, SAVE, online

• 29 July: Rebuilding Heritage - Values-led: Leadership for change

• 29 July – Webinar: Covid safety & the QR code – AHI, online

• 7 September: Tour of St Anne's Church, Limehouse, SPAB, London

• 11 September: Leeds Minster: ‘noblest among the noble’ of the early-Victorian churches

• 14 September: The taste for Chinese wallpaper in the British Isles in the long eighteenth century, Georgian Group lecture

• 16 September – Historic graffiti at Kibworth Harcourt windmill – SPAB, online lecture

• 21 September: Wilton House: the art, architecture and interiors of one of Britain's great stately homes, Georgian Group lecture

• 22 September: Photographing Old Buildings online workshop, SPAB

• 22 September: Conservation on the Edge: The Northern Lighthouse Board - online lecture, SPAB Scotland

• 25 September - Walking Tour: Pontefract, the hidden gem, SAVE, West Yorkshire

• 2 October: The Lay Experience of the Medieval Cathedral, The Annual Conference of the Ecclesiological Society

• 6 October: Conservation on the Edge: Scapa Flow Museum, Orkney - online lecture, SPAB Scotland

• 10 October - Walking Tour: Historic Sunderland, SAVE, Sunderland

• 12 October: Making print rooms in the late eighteenth century, Georgian Group lecture
• 19 October: Collecting and displaying fakes and copies in the eighteenth-century home, Georgian Group lecture

• 20 October: Conservation on the Edge: Mountain Bothy Association - online lecture, SPAB Scotland

• 30 October – Day Conference: Communities of Dissent – Chapels Society, Oxford

• 3 – 4 November – AHI Annual Online Conference - Part 1

• 3 November: Conservation on the Edge: Building Repairs at Height - online lecture, SPAB Scotland

• 13 November: Living with Your Old House online course, SPAB 

• 15 November: The Castles of Wardour: building an Anglo-Catholic identity in eighteenth-century Britain, Georgian Group lecture
• 16 November: Noble Ambitions: The fall and rise of the post-war country house, Georgian Group lecture

• 17 – 18 November – AHI Annual Online Conference - Part 2

• 23 November: William Wrighte's Grotesque Architecture of 1767, Georgian Group lecture

Courses

Photographing Old Buildings Online Workshop: an appreciation of textures, details, space & light 

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) [Alliance member] is holding a virtual, three-step workshop on Photographing Old Buildings on 6 October.

The course will offer an opportunity to receive professional guidance on photographic techniques and composition using your digital SLR camera, and includes access to a live online feedback session.

Jobs

Salaried

Unsalaried

Notes & Subscriptions

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Schedule of forthcoming issues:

• Issue 448 - Thurs 29 July (content deadline: Fri 23 July)
• Issue 449 - Thurs 12 August (content deadline: Fri 6 August)
• Issue 450 - Thurs 26 August (content deadline: Fri 20 August)
• Issue 451 - Thurs 9 September (content deadline: Fri 3 September)

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Contact Us

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Lizzie Glithero-West
lizzie.glithero-west@theheritagealliance.org.uk

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projects@theheritagealliance.org.uk

A full list of our staff contact information can be found on our website here.

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Heritage Update is produced by The Heritage Alliance, with thanks to our generous sponsors the Historic Houses Foundation.

Image credits (in order of appearance): The Landmark Trust; Waterloo Uncovered; English Heritage; The Ragged School Museum; Heritage Open Days; The SPAB; Sussex Heritage Trust; National Historic Ships UK. Details of the header image are listed at the top of each issue.