Historic Chapels Trust and CCT partnering for strategic review

The Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) and the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) are delighted to confirm that they will be working together in 2018/19.  The CCT will take over the day to day running of HCT, including its 20 historic chapels, for a period of one year whilst a strategic review of HCT takes place.

HCT was established in 1993 to look after historic redundant places of worship other than those of the Church of England, receiving core funding from Historic England (formerly English Heritage).

Increased pressure on public sector funding means that future support cannot be guaranteed. With the support of Historic England the Trustees of HCT have commissioned a strategic review to look at a sustainable future for their properties and a way forward for the charity. During the review period, and in addition to taking over the administration of HCT and its properties, the CCT will undertake an assessment of HCT sites and look in detail at longer term commitments. It is expected that a strategic report will be brought together by the end of 2018.

HCT Trustees, who will remain responsible for the governance of the charity, are keen that day to day activities continue to run smoothly and pre-existing arrangements for events and opening arrangements will be unaffected.

Peter Aiers, CEO, CCT says: “In a challenging funding environment it is sensible to consider ways in which we can work more efficiently and effectively together. We trust that through our expertise in conservation, regeneration and volunteering we can support the future of HCT.”

Debbie Dance, Chair, HCT says: “HCT has an important job to do in caring for our non-conformist and other non-Anglican places of worship.  We are committed to ensuring a positive long-term future for our buildings and enter into this partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust, supported by Historic England, allowing us to share our collective expertise, and helping us to achieve a positive future.”    

Find out more about The Historic Chapels Trust