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.
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.