Heritage Debate 2024

Now in its 15th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today.

This year’s debate, 'Balancing the Books: How should the heritage sector be funded?', is a must-hear for all those invested in our sector’s future and its survival in today’s uncertain financial climate. Hear members of our expert panel make a case for the benefits and pitfalls of public, private and philanthropic funding models, and be part of this important discussion by casting your vote.

This year Heritage Debate will be free for all our delegates, but you will still need to book a ticket to attend. If you can, please consider making a small donation as part of your ticket to help the work of The Heritage Alliance.

The debate will be chaired by Carole Souter CBE, Chair of the Heritage Alliance and formerly Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, where she oversaw the distribution of billions of pounds of investment in culture, heritage and the environment. Together the panel and audience will share our views and decide the outcome of the debate in real time using interactive tools. There will also be the opportunity to submit questions for the panel. The panel will consist of:

• Caroline Underwood OBE, CEO of the Philanthropy Company - representing philanthropic and charitable giving.
• Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England - representing public funding.
• Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin , custodians of the Crooked House, Lavenham - representing commercial income generation.

The event will also feature research research insights from Ecclesiastical Insurance, our corporate partner and event sponsor.