Sandra Dinneen, Paul Farmer And Patrick Newberry

From left: Sandra Dinneen, Paul Farmer And Patrick Newberry have had their second terms at Historic England increased

Photo: Historic England

Changing Faces

Trio of Historic England commissioners granted term extensions

Arts Professional
2 min read

Culture Secretary LISA NANDY has extended the second terms of SANDRA DINNEEN, PAUL FARMER and PATRICK NEWBERRY as commissioners of Historic England by nine months, to 30 September 2026.

An experienced chief executive and board member with roles across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Dinneen has a background in economic growth and health, and chairs Historic England’s business and finance committee.

Previously, she was chair of the District Councils Network, senior independent director of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust, founder trustee and member of the Sapientia Multi Academy Education Trust, and led the Priscilla Bacon Charity to deliver a new hospice for Norfolk.

Currently chief executive of Age UK, Farmer was previously chief executive of mental health charity Mind. He is also a non-executive director of NHS Frimley ICB and a trustee of English Heritage. He became a commissioner of Historic England in 2018 and was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours.

Newberry was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 25 years, serving on its supervisory board. He was also a board member and former president (2010–2011) of the Management Consultancies Association.

He currently chairs the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Cornwall College Group, and is vice chair of The Georgian Group. He is also a lay canon and member of the chapter of Truro Cathedral.