A new report from Historic Houses, In Good Hands: Understanding careers in the heritage sector, drawn from more than 250 responses from staff and employers across 102 Historic Houses member properties, has found that the independent heritage sector inspires a remarkable degree of loyalty and satisfaction among its workforce.
93% of respondents would recommend a career in heritage. 87% described themselves as quite or very satisfied in their work, and 83% said they are likely to remain in the sector in the future. More than half did not set out to work in heritage, yet 53% have been with their current employer for at least five years and 45% have been in the sector for at least ten.
The research points to clear reasons why. Respondents cited the work itself as deeply rewarding, with a strong sense of purpose derived from caring for places of lasting significance. Almost two thirds said their colleagues were one of the main things they enjoyed about their work, pointing to a sector defined as much by its community as by its settings. Many described feeling part of a story that extended well beyond their own career, with some saying they would only leave when they retired, and even then, reluctantly.
Historic Houses members collectively supported over 12,000 full time equivalent jobs in 2025, generating over £1 billion in economic benefit for the UK economy (A Fragile Inheritance, 2025). Many of these roles are based in rural communities where a historic house is often one of the most significant local employers.
Yet the research also identifies challenges that, if left unaddressed, risk undermining that loyalty. Recruitment remains difficult, with two thirds of recruiters reporting difficulty hiring staff and many struggling to find skilled craftspeople when vacancies arise.
The report sets out a clear roadmap in response. Targeted investment in training and clearer pathways into the sector, alongside a concerted effort to raise the profile of heritage as a career among school leavers, graduates and mid-career professionals, could have a significant and lasting impact on the sector’s ability to find and retain the people it needs.
Work In A Castle, (www.workinacastle.com), a new free careers platform from Historic Houses, has been developed as a direct contribution to that effort and is open to all.
Director General Ben Cowell said: “A career in the heritage sector is a career to be proud of, and the loyalty and passion of those working in it is extraordinary. Our member places at Historic Houses are irreplaceable, and so are the people who look after them. Historic places will only thrive if the right people are in them. That is what this report, and our new Work In A Castle initiative, are about.”
The report draws on more than 250 responses from 102 of our member properties across the UK.
You can find the full report here: https://tinyurl.com/24rbm7kw
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
