Historic England investigates diversity of heritage volunteers

Historic England is running a survey to understand the diversity of volunteers across the UK heritage sector.

The survey, which opened today (May 6), aims to identify existing barriers to volunteering and gaps in representation in the sector.

The public body says the results will be made available to help organisations in the sector develop strategies for creating more inclusive volunteering opportunities.

Sean Curran, Historic England’s head of inclusive heritage, said volunteers play a vital role in the sector and added that understanding the makeup of the volunteer community is “essential to ensure heritage is truly accessible to everyone”.

Last December, the organisation published its first Heritage Sector Workforce Diversity survey, which reported low levels of ethnic diversity and social mobility.

Shortly after, it announced plans to undertake a study into the diversity of the sector’s volunteers as part of one of its planned actions in light of the findings.