Are you willing to commit some of your time, energy and experience to link the people of the past with London’s buildings of the present by supporting our famous blue plaques scheme as a member of the Blue Plaques Panel?
We are looking for up to four new members with particular expertise in the history of art, sport, international relations/military history and cultural history. As a member of the Panel, you’ll support English Heritage’s blue plaques team by reviewing an exciting list of nominations and deciding who should be commemorated with a new plaque.
ABOUT LONDON’S BLUE PLAQUES: PART OF LONDON’S FABRIC
The London blue plaques scheme, run by English Heritage since 1986, celebrates the links between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked. Originally founded in 1866, it has inspired many similar schemes in the UK and around the world.
English Heritage continues to broaden the coverage of the scheme, both geographically – there are now plaques in all but two of London’s boroughs – and in the people being recognised. Figures commemorated in recent years have ranged from the footballers Bobby Moore and Laurie Cunningham, the women’s rowing pioneer Amy Gentry, the SOE agents Noor Inayat Khan and Odette Sansom, and the artists Graham Sutherland, Vanessa Bell, and Duncan Grant.
Members of the public are invited to suggest individuals (and sometimes other historical associations) to be commemorated by a blue plaque in London. These nominations are considered by the Blue Plaques Panel against a set of criteria, chief among which are the significance of the nominee’s achievements and the strength of their connection to London and its buildings.
The Panel is a group of experts in a variety of fields to reflect the wide range of blue plaque nominations English Heritage receives. This includes politics, sport, music, film, theatre, science, history, art and popular culture. Whilst members are appointed for their considerable expertise in a particular area, they are also expected to consider all nominations put before the Panel.
Please note: since 2023, Historic England has run a plaque scheme covering England outside London. This is administered separately and has its own awarding panel.
ABOUT YOU
We are recruiting for up to four new Panel members with particular expertise in one of the following areas: history of art, sport, and international affairs/military history.
We would ideally like the new Panel members to join us in time to attend the 4 February 2027 meeting.
Required experience, attributes and skills
- Experience in the history of art, sport, international relations/military history or cultural history, evidenced by a senior appointment (or similar evidence of relevant expertise), a public profile in the relevant field or a strong publication record.
- An awareness and understanding of London history, geography and culture.
- An understanding of and enthusiasm for the blue plaques scheme.
- Strong influencing, interpersonal and relationship-building abilities and the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- A commitment to Nolan's Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Having the time and focus to fulfil the role to the highest standard.
Everyone is welcome at English Heritage, and we are always looking for people who reflect the diversity of London and the UK today, to help us make the blue plaques scheme more relevant to the diversity of the people, communities and places we serve.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Time commitment
The Panel meets three times a year, on dates planned well in advance, usually in February, June and October. The meetings are typically held at English Heritage’s office in London EC2 and normally last two hours. Time is allowed afterwards to give members the opportunity to get to know each other and members of the blue plaques team.
Papers for each meeting are sent out ten days in advance. These will include detailed reports on nominations, final reports on plaques approved and any related issues. Members are expected to come to meetings well-prepared, having read these papers in advance.
We ask Panel members to be active ambassadors for the blue plaques scheme. They are encouraged to attend blue plaque unveilings when possible and to speak on behalf of the Panel in cases where their specialism is relevant.
Terms of appointment
Initial appointments are made for four years, and members are eligible for reappointment for a further term.
The role is unremunerated, but all reasonable expenses (such as for travel and childcare) are claimable. Panel members will also have the opportunity to engage with the wider work of English Heritage, including visiting some of the 400+ sites within our care.
Our commitment to you
We’ll give you a full induction about the scheme and the work of the Panel.
Application Instructions
HOW TO APPLY
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality are part of our work. The more diverse the Panel, the better able it is to bring new perspectives and to support us to keep the scheme exciting and relevant. To that end, if you've felt you could never apply to a role like this or that we could be doing things differently and are interested, apply. We really want to hear from you.
To apply, please fill out the form with your CV and cover letter.
Interviews will be held in person in central London on 25 November 2026. The appointments will be made subject to satisfactory references and other appropriate due diligence.
