Inclusive Heritage Case Studies

Explore the case studies below to discover how other organisations are making their work as diverse and inclusive as possible.

Click these links to find case studies about:

Making heritage spaces and content accessible

Creating a Heritage Project That Lessens Barriers to Participation
A case study of the work of Britannia Sailing Trust, submitted by members of The Heritage Alliance as part of their inclusive sector support work.
Making Churches More Accessible
A case study by independent charitable trust Cloudesley on improving accessibility in churches and other historic buildings.
Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Your Participants in Heritage Projects
A case study on planning and providing access support for project leaders and participants when sharing and discovering sensitive histories.

Changing Board Practices to Be Inclusive and Welcoming to All
A case study drawing on the experience of the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) in changing their board practices.
6 Steps to Recruiting Inclusively for Heritage Boards
A case study drawing on the experience of Historic Buildings and Places.
Making Board Opportunities Inclusive by Removing the Need for Previous Board Experience
A Collections Trust case study on recruiting people with no previous board experience.
Improving Everyday Board Practices
A case study on improving everyday board practices to welcome everyone, drawing on the experience of Heritage Trust Network.
Recruiting Trustees Who Bring New Perspectives
A case study highlighting 6 practical steps towards adding new perspectives to your board.
Establishing a Young Members Board
A case study about supporting organisations to survive and thrive by establishing a Young Members Board.
Keeping a Board Fresh and Ready to Meet Future Needs by Setting Terms of Office
A case study on setting terms of office, drawing on the experience of Historic Buildings and Places.

Working with Volunteers to Address a Lack of Bengali Representation in Public Collections
A case study on capturing and preserving the images and oral histories of the Bengali community in East London, led by Four Corners.
Uncovering the Role of Sikh Mothers in Smethwick's Industrial Heritage
A case study on the 'Rags to Riches: How Sikh Mothers Made Smethwick' project, led by the Sikh Development Academy.

Engaging Working-Class Young Men with Local Sporting Heritage
'Halifax Stars' is a project that celebrates local boxing heritage. This case study was produced with verd de gris arts.
Using Heritage Projects to Create Opportunities for Young People to Learn New Skills
A case study about the Youth Blacksmithing project by Newbigin Community Trust.
Building Young People’s Heritage Skills Through Active Participation and Co-creation
The 'People of Jane Pit' project engaged young people with collaboration and access to learning heritage skills.
Exploring Contested Histories with Primary School Pupils
A case study exploring how the work of an academic historian was recontextualised to create a history walking tour and a range of learning resources.
Authentic Consultations – Working with Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
A case study covering 3 projects from the History of Science Museum and Oxford University Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM).

Addressing Sensitive Topics Through Heritage Projects
A case study about 'Remembering Greenheys and Len Johnson', a Steam Hubs and Pubs CIC project.
Creating Engaging Online Content About Diverse Histories
This case study looks at a series of Instagram reels about LGBTQ+ history in various places across England, created by Hollyzone History.
Telling Overlooked Local Stories Through Ambitious Heritage Programming
'Unearthed: Collective Histories' was a 12-month pilot programme of commissions, workshops and events about 20th century histories of Clapham, London.
Using Trauma-informed Approaches to Uncover Sensitive Stories
‘Moments of Grace’ is a co-created project about working-class experiences of marginalised health professionals in London.
Creating a Lasting Legacy Celebrating Workers' History with Homeless People
The 'Navvies' project explores and commemorates the heritage of the 17,000 working-class labourers who dug the Manchester Ship Canal.
Responding to Local Needs Through Heritage to Increase a Sense of Belonging and Cohesion
The 'Out of the Blue' project shows how you can engage with diverse groups and the importance of this work.
Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Your Participants in Heritage Projects
A case study on planning and providing access support for project leaders and participants when sharing and discovering sensitive histories.

Authentic Consultations – Working with Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
A case study covering 3 projects from the History of Science Museum and Oxford University Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM).
Engaging Working-Class Young Men with Local Sporting Heritage
'Halifax Stars' is a project that celebrates local boxing heritage. This case study was produced with verd de gris arts.
Using Heritage Projects to Create Opportunities for Young People to Learn New Skills
A case study about the Youth Blacksmithing project by Newbigin Community Trust.
Building Young People’s Heritage Skills Through Active Participation and Co-creation
The 'People of Jane Pit' project engaged young people with collaboration and access to learning heritage skills.