Our proposals to increase our focus on developing skills, supporting volunteering, and providing more opportunities for young people are widely endorsed, with many respondents seeing close links between these activities. A quarter of all respondents (and over half of national organisations) singled out increased emphasis on skills as a priority for investment, with significant skills shortages highlighted across the sector. Many also want to see a wider range of people volunteering in heritage and support sustained work with young people with a view to seeing them progress to volunteering and work experience roles.

‘I am keen to see a link between engaging young people and the special skills shortage. Investment in craft skills experiences and training young people is probably a crucial step in tackling the growing skills deficit.’
Secretary, historic environment association

‘HLF’s recognition of volunteers and the use of volunteer time as match funding for projects has led a culture change in funding, with many funders now following suit – a major boost for the heritage sector.’
Development manager, county wildlife trust

People also welcomed the proposal to place an increased emphasis on the principles of sustainable development for the period of our third Strategic Plan, with organisations in the natural heritage sector particularly commenting on this, and on the need to address the impact of climate change.