National Blue Plaques Scheme Historian

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.

Historic England are excited to announce the new National Blue Plaques Scheme Historian role to support the launch of this brand new national commemorative scheme.

The National Blue Plaques Historian will be a key member of the National Blue Plaques team.  They will be responsible for all the research that takes place within the scheme and will be instrumental in ensuring a diverse range of people are commemorated and celebrated across England. 

This is a full time role and a two year fixed term contract. You can be based out of one of the following offices, inclusive with hybrid working.

Newcastle, York, Manchester, Birmingham, Swindon, Bristol, Portsmouth, Cambridge.

What you will be doing

You will undertake high quality, detailed biographical and historical research into prospective candidates for our National Blue Plaques Scheme.  The research will establish the significance of a figure’s historical profile, their contribution to human welfare and happiness and whether they should be commemorated with a blue plaque.  This will involve detailed research on addresses connected with shortlisted subjects with the aim of producing a comprehensive address history, including information on the survival of buildings and their suitability to bear a plaque.  The role will be responsible for responding to requests for information, advice and guidance from the public, the HE Press Office and information teams, and others.  

Please note: the role may sometimes require site visits which may be difficult to access by public transport.   

What we are looking for

• Experience in producing detailed historical research and clear, concise presentation

• Working knowledge of social history, and a strong background in biographical research

• Understanding of best practice, inclusive approaches to socially-engaged historical research & working with community groups

• Ability to write for diverse audiences through different media

  We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having just won the Gold Award from MIND, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

  We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can.

  We are open to considering options including job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working. Please visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.

  Why work for Historic England

  We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive pension scheme starting at 26% contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.

  We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

  We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level.