Lead bodies for the historic environment
The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is the Government’s lead department for the historic environment.
English Heritage (EH) is the statutory adviser to Government on the historic environment. Its main duties are the preservation and enhancement of archaeological sites, historic buildings and areas; and the promotion of the public’s enjoyment and understanding of the historic environment.
On behalf of the Secretary of State for DCMS, English Heritage is responsible for:
the conservation and presentation of World Heritage Sites, which are cultural and archaeological sites of universal importance, as designated by UNESCO;
maintaining a register of sites of national importance, designated as Scheduled Monuments, and including any structure of human construction or area of archaeological deposits;
maintaining a register of Listed Buildings of special architectural or historic interest; and
maintaining registers of Historic Parks and Gardens, and Historic Battlefields.
The Association of Local Government Archaeologists (ALGAO) Local Government Archaeological services are usually based in county council planning or environment departments and have responsibility for curating the archaeology and historic environment within the local government area.
They incorporate archaeological work within developments that come through the planning system; quality control all archaeological work; develop local and regional strategies, and maintain county Historic Environment Records (HER) formerly known as Sites and Monuments Records. These record known historic environment sites within the authority's area.
Some HERs are also held by National Park Authorities. ALGAO provides advice, and presents the views of its members to Government and other national archaeological and environmental organisations.
The Council for British Archaeology is an UK-wide non-governmental organisation that promotes knowledge, appreciation and care of the historic environment for the benefit of present and future generations. The CBA has five core functional areas- research, conservation, education, information and publication.
