Policy

The Forum regularly issues policy statements and consultation responses, as a means of bringing about change and ensuring the sector speaks up with a coherent voice. It provides briefing notes on policy documents and key publications.

DCMS Culture and Heritage Capital Programme

Briefing note: Culture and Heritage Capital Programme

The briefing note provides a pathway through the major developments in the UK Government's Culture and Heritage Capital Programme since its launch in January 2021. It also summarises the aspects of the programme that are most relevant for the heritage science community.

Heritage 2033: National Lottery Heritage Fund Strategy

Briefing note: Heritage 2033

This briefing note summarises the National Lottery Heritage Fund strategy, Heritage 2033, that launched in March 2023. It also highlights aspects relevant to the heritage science community.

Scotland's Museums and Galleries Strategy 2023-2030

Briefing note: MGS Strategy, 2023-2030

This briefing note summarises the Museums Galleries Scotland strategy for 2023-2030, launched in February 2023, and highlights aspects relevant to the heritage science community.

UKRI strategy 2022-2027: transforming tomorrow together

Briefing note: UKRI strategy, 2022-2027 - transforming tomorrow together

This briefing note summarises the UKRI strategy for 2022-2027, launched on 17th March 2022, and highlights aspects relevant to the heritage science community.

Budget 2021

Budget 2021: a summary

The 2021 budget was announced on 3rd March. This summary draws out extracts from the budget that are of potential relevance to the heritage science sector.

NHSF spending review representation

Written representation to HM Treasury, September 2020

NHSF has submitted a written representation to HM Treasury in advance of the 2020 Spending Review calling on the Government to support investment in a distributed heritage science and conservation research infrastructure, and to sign the UK up to participation in the forthcoming European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium).

Budget 2020

On 11 March 2020 the Chancellor presented his budget to parliament. There are a number of announcements with potentially relevant outcomes for the heritage science community and the strategic framework for heritage science. These have been summarised in the document above.

Briefing note: Changes and Choices (Smith Review)

This briefing note summarises key elements of the Smith Review (Changes and Choices: Advice on future frameworks for international collaboration on research and innovation). The document was published in July 2019 and forms part of research to understand the options for international research collaboration in the event that the UK does not associate to Horizon Europe beyond 2020.

Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament

Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament - Notes for Heritage Science

The Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament, 19th November 2019 set out the new government's priorities for the coming session. NHSF have reviewed this and provided an overview of key areas of relevance to heritage science.

Summary of Conservative Manifesto 2019

Summary of 2019 Conservative Election Manifesto

Following the results of the 2019 General Election, in which the Conservative Party won a strong majority, NHSF has reviewed their manifesto and created an overview of their policies and pledges that could impact heritage science.

Summary of 2019 General Election Manifestos

NHSF has reviewed the General Election manifestos of six UK political parties and created a summary of key policies and pledges that have a bearing on heritage science.

Arts Council England: response to consultation on draft strategy for 2020-2030

NHSF contributed to the consultation that was run by ACE over the summer of 2019 on its draft strategy for 2019-20. The Forum is supportive of the new strategy and its response identifies elements of it that align to the new strategic framework for heritage science in the UK and where there are opportunities for heritage science to contribute to ACE goals as part of a wider definition of culture and creativity.

AHRC Delivery Plan 2019

Briefing note: AHRC Delivery Plan 2019

A summary of the AHRC's 2019 delivery plan with cross-reference to the goals of the strategic framework for heritage science in the UK, 2018-2023.

UKRI Progress Report

A summary of UKRI's Progress Report on its Research and Innovation Infrastructure Roadmap.

Spring Statement, 2019

A short summary of key points of relevance to the heritage science community following the Spring Statement, 2019.

UK Research and Innovation

UKRI Briefing Note

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) was launched in April 2018 to bring together the seven research councils, as well as Innovate UK and the newly created Research England. UKRI's cross-disciplinary remit, emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation, and approach to investment based on delivering economic, social and cultural impact are well-suited to heritage science. This briefing note aims to highlight opportunities for the sector arising from this change in the research landscape.

Civil Society Strategy: Building a Future that Works for Everyone

Civil Society Strategy briefing note

In its new Civil Society Strategy, published August 2018, the Government sets out how it will work with and for civil society in the long-term to create a country that works for everyone. The Strategy presents a number of opportunities for heritage science, highlighted in this briefing note.

Brexit White Paper: The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union

Brexit White Paper: highlights for heritage science

In July 2018, the Government published the White Paper outlining its position for a post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, to underpin negotiations with the EU ahead of the 29 March 2019 exit. This briefing note highlights points of specific interest to heritage science.

Heritage Lottery Fund Strategic Framework 2019-2024

Response to HLF consultation on its role, vision and funding priorities

NHSF has submitted a response to the March 2018 Heritage Lottery Fund consultation on funding priorities for its next Strategic Framework, 2019-2024. The response focused on the areas of the consultation that aligned to recent NHSF work, touching on: The well-being benefits of heritage participation Place-making Digital and innovation The Forum contributed ideas and insight gained from recent events and current work to develop a new National Heritage Science Strategy.

Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the Future

Briefing note: Industrial Strategy White Paper

In November 2017, the Government published its Industrial Strategy: building a Britain fit for the future. The Strategy sets out five themes as 'foundations of productivity' (ideas, people, infrastructure, business environment and places). NHSF has reviewed the published strategy against the proposals it made as part of the consultation on the Green Paper and has published this Briefing Note that summarises implications and opportunities for heritage science.

Brexit Science and Innovation summit

Evidence submitted by NHSF to the Science & Innovation inquiry

The Science and Technology Select Committee (Commons) will be hosting a summit on the topic of Brexit and science on the 22 February 2018. The summit will identify actions needed now to mitigate risks and exploit opportunities for UK science, research and innovation after Brexit.
To help inform this initiative, NHSF submitted evidence to the Committee's Science & Innovation inquiry.
The summit will be streamed live on the Parliament website on 22 February between 9 am and 12.30 pm. The programme has already been announced; panels will feature speakers from University College London, Universities UK and the Wellcome Trust.

Heritage Science and the Mendoza Review of Museums in England

Briefing note: Heritage Science and the Mendoza Review

The Mendoza Review: an independent review of museums in England, published November 2017, looks at the challenges and opportunities presenting themselves for all of England's museums, including but not limited to those directly sponsored by Government. It explores the themes of government support and funding, the increase and diversification of audiences, the role of museums in community-building and placemaking, and in supporting soft power, as well as sector resilience.
This briefing note highlights the opportunities for heritage science in the nine priority areas identified by the Review for England's museums.

Briefing note on the DCMS Heritage Statement 2017

Briefing note - DCMS Heritage Statement 2017

On 5 December John Glen MP, then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DCMS, launched the government's Heritage Statement 2017. The Statement stresses the importance of cross-government working and announces the creation of a new Heritage Council to ensure greater co-ordination and a strong voice for heritage within government (a need raised by NHSF in its response to the government's Industrial Strategy Green Paper). This Briefing Note summarises the 'we will' actions listed in the Statement. DCMS will develop an action plan to take forward these issues and proposals.

Science & Technology Committee (Commons) inquiry into the Science Budget and Industrial Strategy

Science Budget & Industrial Strategy inquiry - key points

In October 2017 the House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee launched an inquiry into the Science budget and Industrial Strategy. It aimed to clarify the relationship between the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and the 'Sector Deals', review the distribution of funding within the Science budget and other support initiatives, and assess how these were expected to affect place-based growth throughout the country. NHSF has summarised the key points of the inquiry and their relevance to heritage science.

Autumn Budget 2017

Autumn Budget 2017 Summary

The Autumn Budget, announced 22 November, contains statements of interest to the Heritage Science community under the headings of technology, research and development, skills and jobs for a new economy and local growth policies.

UK Digital Strategy 2017: why it matters

UK Digital Strategy 2017 briefing note

NHSF has summarised the key points of the UK Digital Strategy 2017. It highlights opportunities for enhancing engagement, the use of data and digital technology in heritage research and industry, and the role of heritage organisations in skills development for a digital economy.

Cultural Heritage Parliamentary Questions

Questions to DCMS, June/July 2017

Between the 27 June and 5 July 2017, a number of parliamentary written questions have been asked by Kevin Brennan MP that relate to NHSF's policy goals. The questions, answered by John Glen and Matt Hancock, covered:
Horizon 2020 and the Erasmus Plus Programme
Conservation research funding
Access to specialist materials
Freedom of movement for heritage professionals post-Brexit
These questions follow on from issues discussed at a round table with the Secretary of State in January, for which NHSF provided evidence on the funding implications and expected impact of Brexit.

General Election Manifestos

NHSF has summarised the key points that have a bearing on heritage science from the manifestos of the four main UK parties.

Why heritage science is important, 26 April 2017

Why heritage science is important - key facts

Following confirmation that a General Election will be held on 8 June, NHSF has published key facts about heritage science and why it is important to the UK. NHSF calls for strong support from all parties for heritage science and its contribution to tourism, education and industry.

Industrial Strategy Green Paper: 'Building our Industrial Strategy' - Response, 17 April 2017

Response to the 2017 Green Paper consultation

NHSF has issued a detailed response to the Government’s industrial strategy Green Paper, ‘Building our Industrial Strategy’.

Heritage Lottery Fund tailored review, 7 April 2017

Summary of evidence submitted for the HLF tailored review

NHSF has submitted a response to the DCMS's tailored review of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

2016 Autumn Statement

Comment in advance of 2016 Autumn statement

NHSF has issued a statement in advance of the 2016 Autumn statement summarising the issues that it would like to see addressed. It calls on the Chancellor to renew his commitment to underwriting the payment of Horizon 2020 awards, give an indication of the government's medium-term financial plan to support research excellence when the UK is no longer an EU member, and commit to upgrading UK heritage science infrastructure.

Statement on Open Science

NHSF Statement on Open Science

Meeting on 14 June, the Board of the National Heritage Science Forum has welcomed the commitment by Science Ministers of European governments to ensure that by 2020 all scientific research which enjoys public funding must be publicly accessible. The unanimous agreement, reached on 27 May, is a significant step for science and public engagement.

White Paper, "Success as a Knowledge Economy"

Response to Success as a Knowledge Economy

NHSF has drafted a statement in response to the publication of the White Paper, 'Success as a Knowledge Economy'. NHSF welcomes the white paper and its goals of multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research and innovation. It supports the development of a single UKRI structure to coordinate cross-disciplinary research.

House of Lords Science & Technology Committee inquiry, "Relationship between EU membership and UK science"

Written evidence submitted to the House of Lords, July 2016

NHSF has submitted written evidence to the House of Lords Science & Technology select committee inquiry into the 'Relationship between EU membership and UK science'. The submission draws attention to the just under €4 billion of EU funds allocated to heritage science research through the FP7 'Environment' programme alone, the potential lost opportunities in Horizon 2020 (the €80 billion programme in which at least 16 programme strands are identified as relevant to heritage science), and the importance of the mobility of people and international collaboration to the highly interdisciplinary field of heritage science research.

Consultation on Cultural Protection Fund

Response to consultation on Cultural Protection Fund

In February, NHSF responded to the DCMS consultation on the establishment of the Cultural Protection Fund. The Forum's response drew attention to the importance of science in underpinning documentation, conservation and restoration and suggested that the operation of the Fund should take this into account.

2015 Autumn Statement

Response to 2015 Autumn Statement

NHSF gives a cautious welcome to the Autumn Statement and Spending Review announcement of 25 November 2015. The protection of resource funding for science and commitment to taking forward the recommendations of the Nurse review of Research Councils are welcomed. The impact of cuts to BIS and DCMS will be monitored and NHSF will redouble its efforts to build collaboration to drive a new era of openness and sharing that is essential to secure the UK's leadership in heritage science.

Extracts from the 2015 Autumn Statement and Spending Review

Collated extracts from the Autumn Statement, and the DCMS and BIS settlements, that are relevant to the heritage science community.

Historic England's Draft Action Plan 2015-18

Response to Historic England's draft action plan

The NHSF response welcomes Historic England's commitment to ensuring that heritage science delivers more effective approaches to understanding and protection of the historic environment.

Heritage2020 Framework

Comments on the draft Framework

NHSF has commented on the draft Heritage2020 Framework, the successor to the National Heritage Protection Plan that is being developed by the Historic Environment Forum in collaboration with the wider sector.

"Our Plan for Growth: Science and Innovation"

Response to the Science and Innovation strategy

Statement in response to the Government's science and innovation strategy, published 17 December 2014.

BIS Consultations

Response to BIS proposals for long-term investment in science and research

NHSF and the Science and Heritage Programme have submitted a response to the BIS consultation on proposals for long-term capital investment in science and research.

Response to BIS Science and Innovation strategy

NHSF also submitted a response to the subsequent government consultation on its Science and Innovation strategy, due to be published later in 2014.

Future priorities for the National Heritage Protection Plan

Consultation response

Response to the English Heritage consultation on future priorities for the National Heritage Protection Plan. Submitted online 2 May 2014.

Historic Environment Scotland Bill

Submitted evidence on the Historic Environment Scotland Bill

Response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Culture Committee's call for written evidence on the Historic Environment Scotland Bill. 22 April 2014.

English Heritage New Model

Response to the consultation on the New Model

NHSF responded to the Government's consultation document on the New Model proposed for English Heritage and the management of the National Heritage collection. 7 February 2014.

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