Three young people talk in a meeting room.
Young Advisers meet to discuss heritage topics. © Anu Gamanagari
Young Advisers meet to discuss heritage topics. © Anu Gamanagari

Young Advisers

Our Young Advisers are a group of 10 young people from across the country. They’re at the heart of our efforts to engage more young people with England’s heritage.  

It can be hard to find an initiative that is for young people, with young people at the forefront. Allowing young people to take decisions and creative control has been incredible. It's been a wonderful lifeline of hope to see.

Sadia, former Young Adviser Historic England

They work across our organisation, sharing their lived experiences, creating digital content and advising on a variety of projects and issues. Their main focus is our youth-centred History in the Making programme where they help decide which projects should be funded and play an essential role in shaping its future. We value their time and expertise, so all of our Young Advisers are paid.

The programme is also an opportunity to gain new skills and experience. Seeing the inner workings of Historic England, and meeting a range of heritage professionals, helps our Young Advisers develop professional knowledge and gain an understanding of the opportunities that are out there.

Meet our Young Advisers

Shai, 24, she/her

As someone in the early stages of my career in museums, I joined Historic England’s Young Advisers for both personal and professional growth. I'm passionate about ensuring heritage preservation reflects the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of our country. I'm also excited to collaborate with like-minded young individuals!

Idil, 19, they/them

As a Somali-Nigerian British person, I am interested greatly in the preservation of intersectional histories. I joined the Young Advisers because I believe it is important to be a voice for these underrepresented local histories, and to honour them through heritage work.

Mya, 22, she/her

Black British history is something that is often overlooked and forgotten, as a young Black woman I want to share and educate others of this history. By being a Young Adviser, I hope to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and put their histories at the forefront.

Charlie, 24, he/him

I wanted to join the Young Advisers as a chance to connect with other history and heritage enthusiasts and advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity with these types of organisations. In my spare time, I often visit museums and galleries, go running, or you can find me in the theatre, or even the pub!

Amy, 23, she/her

I’ve always found history really fascinating and am really excited to help shape how young people can engage with it!

Boryana, 21, she/her

I am thrilled to be part of Historic England’s Young Advisors! My passion for preserving our heritage and promoting cultural diversity drives my involvement. I am dedicated to championing the preservation of our heritage and most importantly ensuring it remains accessible to all.

Aleena, 22, she/her

I joined the young advisors to broaden the opportunities available to young people in heritage, to help them connect, preserve, and become empowered in their heritage. To promote diversity and an inclusive array of voices. I am currently a student barrister aiming to work with young people and families.

Erin, 23, she/her

I joined the young advisors to be part of the conversations that are beginning around the inclusion of everyone in heritage. Being part of a working class family and growing up in a deprived area, I understand first hand that access to heritage changes mindsets and shapes futures.

 

Ramit, 25, he/him

I am a British Indian researcher and architectural designer. My passion lies in celebrating the rich but often underrepresented experiences of marginalised communities, by providing compelling platforms for these stories to be shared. I am excited to become a HE Young Adviser and support a movement to diversify our built heritage.

Adya, 24, she/her

Drawing from my background in Art History and Museum Anthropology, I am committed to advocating for diversity within arts and heritage, inspiring community-driven change and amplifying underrepresented voices. Young Advisers provides a platform for this, and I hope to encourage young people to engage with and reshape historical narratives.

Young Advisers has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This opportunity has expanded my knowledge of just what is out there and waiting.

Ellie, former Young Adviser Historic England

Apply to be a paid Young Adviser

We’re currently recruiting for new Young Advisers. If you’re 18-25 and passionate about making heritage accessible to all, please complete an application.

Why join?

Joining the Young Advisers will boost your CV and develop your skills in areas as varied as content creation, heritage skills, and public speaking. You’ll connect with people across the country, explore opportunities in the sector, and have genuine influence on decision-making.

We value our Young Advisers’ expertise, so we pay £15/hour.

What do Young Advisers do?

Central to the role is History in the Making, a project which engages young people with underrepresented histories in their local area. You’ll get the chance to read and assess grant applications and decide what we should fund. Other responsibilities will include: creating digital content, talking at conferences, and advising us on how our programmes should develop.

What’s the commitment?

Our new panel will begin in June 2025 and you’ll need to commit for 12 months. We have regular 90-minute meetings online every six weeks and you’ll be needed for 1-2 full days online over autumn/winter 2025 to help shortlist funding applications. We’ll also have two in-person events (all expenses covered). You’ll work around 30-40 hours a year in total, so it can usually be done alongside work or studies.

Do I need to be a history expert to apply?

No! We welcome people from all backgrounds, lived experiences and educational levels.

Deadline for applications: 9am on Monday 19 May

Apply now

If you have any questions, please contact Finn at the email below.

Finn White

Participation Manager
  • Department

    Public Engagement