Last Friday, 8th May, on a bright afternoon, Buckingham Palace gates opened to an 8000 strong crowd who stepped inside with quiet excitement, crossing the gravel paths into wide lawns edged with flowerbeds in full colour. Pausing to take in the sweep of the gardens and the distant façade of the Palace, as if they have stepped into a scene set carefully aside from ordinary London life. This event specially conceived for organisation representatives from the charity, public sector and services...

Thirteen years ago, on Jan 5, 2013, I took over as the new Director of V4CE. People have asked me to reflect on the changes I’ve seen over the years since that opening working week, when I took on the leadership of the organisation. That’s not an easy thing to do in a single blog piece, but I’ve considered the proposition. Here are a few thoughts to some of the direct questions that have been put to me.

Reflecting on eight years as an English Heritage Trust Trustee, I’ve seen milestones from Blue Plaques honoring Sophia Duleep Singh, Adelaide Hall, and Bob Marley, to the Mansfield Judgment anniversary event, the Tintagel footbridge, and promoting diversity at board level. It’s been a privilege supporting heritage access, conservation, and inclusive leadership as I step down this December.