Three Commissioners terms extended to the Historic England Board

Sandra Dinneen

Sandra Dinneen is an experienced Chief Executive and Board member with roles spanning the public, private and not for profit sector. She has a background in economic growth and health and has led and advised on a number of successful  projects.

Sandra has a keen interest in organisational development, cultural change and commercialisation. She continues to deliver leadership development programmes and executive coaching. Previous roles include, Chair of the District Councils Network, Senior Independent. Director of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust, a founder Trustee and Member of the Sapientia Multi Academy Education Trust and leading the Priscilla Bacon Charity to deliver a new Hospice for Norfolk.

Sandra Chairs Historic England’s Business and Finance Committee and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Paul Farmer

Paul Farmer is the Chief Executive of Age UK, and was previously Chief Executive of Mind, the leading mental health charity.

Paul is also a Non-Executive Director of NHS Frimley ICB, and has just become a Trustee of English Heritage. Paul became a Commissioner of Historic England in 2018 and was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours 2016.

Dr Patrick Newberry

Patrick holds a number of non-executive directorships in the financial services and not for profit sectors, chairing boards and audit and risk committees. He was a partner in PwC for 25 years, working in the financial sector in the UK and globally as well as serving as a member of PwC’s Supervisory Board. He was a board member and former President (2010-2011) of the Management Consultancies Association. He currently chairs the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Cornwall College Group and is Vice Chair of The Georgian Group. He is also a Lay Canon and Member of the Chapter of Truro Cathedral.

Sandra Dinneen, Paul Farmer and Patrick Newberry’s second terms have been extended for 9 months to 30 September 2026. 

Remuneration and Governance Code

Historic England Commissioners are remunerated £4,133 per annum.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

Sandra Dinneen, Paul Farmer and Patrick Newberry have declared no political activity.

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.