There is a very strong endorsement for the continuation of our three strategic aims of conservation, involvement and learning, with only eight respondents (2%) raising points of disagreement.

Within this support for our broadly based framework, there were some qualifying comments. In particular, 19% of all respondents (and over a third of UK national organisations) spontaneously mentioned that conserving, regenerating and sustaining heritage should ‘remain the engine that drives everything that we do’ and should be HLF’s primary aim. Some respondents, particularly historic environment and Industrial, Maritime and Transport organisations, questioned the emphasis in SP2 on access and learning, sometimes seen as ‘political correctness’; but a clear majority welcome HLF’s holistic approach, many commenting on how it contributes to the sustainability of projects.

‘HLF has genuinely transformed the UK’s heritage…changing people’s lives and safeguarding our heritage for future generations. I believe that HLF’s three aims strike exactly the right balance for the future and show intelligent development of the HLF as an organisation.’
Director, independent museum

‘I think HLF has done a fantastic job over the last 11 years. It has made so many things possible which before HLF were just dreams. And HLF is not content to just potter along but is pushing forward with practical strategies which put PEOPLE at the heart of everything. This is vital if future generations are going to care about our heritage.’
Volunteer, friends group

There is strong agreement that we should continue to widen participation in heritage, and appreciation of HLF’s role in achieving this under SP2. People particularly want funding to enable communities to engage with their local and cultural heritage, increase access and participation by under-represented groups, and increase the diversity of the heritage workforce. Many respondents highlight the importance of community-led heritage projects in place-based regeneration.

‘We recognise that there is much to do to increase the diversity of people working in the sector and to broaden the idea of heritage as part of every community’s story: the HLF have been leaders in this field and it should remain a central theme for its work.’
Conservation coordinator, national archaeological organisation

‘Heritage is important in creating a sense of place, underlying why people want to live in an area. A shared understanding of communities’ heritage adds to their cohesion and sense of belonging. The small scale projects Heritage Lottery Fund enables can have a profound impact on people and places, sometimes in a less obvious but no less powerful way than some of the capital regeneration.’
Executive director, regional cultural consortium

People want our support for both informal and formal learning to continue, with natural heritage organisations in particular wanting increased emphasis on projects which engage schools in education outside the classroom (on which they are key partners in the Government’s manifesto). Organisations in the historic environment focus chiefly on community activity, volunteering and heritage skills development as ways of broadening engagement with heritage and building their sector’s capacity to do this.

‘We are particularly impressed by the emphasis placed by HLF upon education (in its widest sense) and would support moves to develop this commitment.’
Principal archaeologist, county archaeological service