Stonehenge and Avebury WHS seeks new independent chair for its Partnership Panel

This prestigious role requires an individual who is comfortable being in the spotlight and operating at a high level. You will have the experience and outstanding collaborative, communication and influencing skills to chair a committee of stakeholders with diverse views. This is a voluntary position with expenses payable for a fixed term of three years.

The successful applicant will need the skills and experience to chair a committee of often diverse views and to recognise strategic points of importance, often amongst considerable detail.  Outstanding collaborative, communication and influencing skills are essential.

The post holder will champion Stonehenge and Avebury’s World Heritage status and have a strong understanding and appreciation of heritage issues at local, national and international levels.  Despite the independence of the position, political awareness and experience of handling the media will be of great benefit.

Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) is made up of two iconic prehistoric sites of international importance.  Each part of the World Heritage Site covers approximately 25km² and includes over 700 monuments dating from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods.

Both parts of the WHS work closely together under a single WHS Management Plan.  The Partnership Panel, led by an independent chair, provides a coordination role for both halves of the WHS.  The Panel encourages and facilitates joint working and acts as representative for the whole WHS.

The Partnership Panel is made up of Historic England, English Heritage, the National Trust and Wiltshire Council together with the chairs of the local steering committees and a representative from the research community.

Supported by the World Heritage Site Coordination Unit (currently hosted by Wiltshire Council), the Chair will lead Partnership Panel meetings with the purpose of delivering the actions of the WHS Management Plan. It may on occasion be appropriate for her/him to attend the Stonehenge and Avebury local Steering Committees.  S/he will also be involved in promoting projects, chairing project boards and attending functions as required.  It is hard to set prescriptive time requirements but candidates should be able to dedicate at least two days per month to the role.  The duties may involve some travel within the UK.

This role is not open to current employees, councillors or representatives of the key partners: Historic England, English Heritage; National Trust; Wiltshire Council.

The candidate brief can be found here or request a copy from Susan Clarke susanclarke@northwessexdowns.org.uk

For informal enquiries please contact:

Anne Carney, World Heritage Site Partnership Manager, Stonehenge & Avebury WHS Coordination Unit, c/o Wiltshire Council on 07767 932828 or email: anne.carney@wiltshire.gov.uk.

or

Henry Oliver, Chairman, Avebury WHS Steering Committee, c/o North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on 07786 173296 or email henryoliver@northwessexdowns.org.uk.

Applications should be made by submitting a CV and covering letter to susanclarke@northwessexdowns.org.uk, to be received by 00:01 on 21^st June 2021. Interviews are expected to be held remotely during the week beginning 12^th July 2021