New Chair for The Heritage Alliance – Peter Ainsworth

Peter Ainsworth, Chairman of The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), is to take on an additional role at The Heritage Alliance, assuming the role of Chair from Loyd Grossman CBE, who will be standing down at the end of his third and final term of office.

The Heritage Alliance is England’s biggest coalition of heritage interests. It is a powerful, effective and independent advocate for volunteers and professionals working in the independent heritage sector. It now has over 120 member organisations, ranging from larger charities such as the National Trust and English Heritage to more specialist bodies representing visitors, owners, volunteers, professional practitioners, funders and educationalists.

Peter became Chair of CCT in 2016 and has over 30 years of commitment to public life. Peter entered Parliament in 1992. During his time as an MP Peter was the shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1998-2001) and then the shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (from 2001-2002, and again 2005-2009). Peter is also Chair of the Big Lottery Fund.

Peter said:

“It’s a great honour to have been asked to succeed Loyd Grossman as Chair of the Heritage Alliance.

“At a time of economic, social and political challenge the values and lessons gifted to us by the past become even more potent. The vast diversity of our historic buildings and landscapes provides thousands of jobs and is the cornerstone of our vital tourism industry. Just as important is the sense of joy, and sometimes awe, to be gained from visiting a great house, a medieval church, or a humble cottage steeped in history. This is for everyone today; it is the duty of our generation to pass it on to the future.

“I look forward to getting to know more about all of the Alliance’s different member organisations very soon.”

Peter Aiers, Chief Executive of The Churches Conservation Trust said:

“Congratulations to Peter on his appointment as Chair of the Heritage Alliance. We are delighted that he will be spreading his knowledge across the heritage sector whilst remaining Chair of The Churches Conservation Trust”

Find out more about The Heritage Alliance