Commonwealth Heritage Forum

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum (CHF) is an innovative membership organisation open to all those interested in sharing in the conservation of the built heritage of the Commonwealth. We welcome membership from individuals, heritage bodies and trusts, professional practitioners and academic institutions. The CHF subscribes to the principles and core values of the Commonwealth while working with partners to raise awareness through education and improving livelihoods by sharing skills and expertise. It has an important role to play in meeting certain Sustainable Development Goals in particular, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 Climate Action. By reusing and adapting the legacy of the past to meet 21st century requirements, best use can be made of the embodied energy which buildings contain reducing the carbon footprint of new development while revitalising historic neighbourhoods and existing communities. The creation of buildings and settings, by architects, engineers and craftsmen from myriad cultures generated a fusion of architectural traditions across the Commonwealth that are united in their diversity and creativity. This is a heritage shared by the whole Commonwealth. In May 2022, the CHF launched the largest ever Commonwealth heritage programme: The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills (CHS) Training Programme. The CHS Training Programme is generously funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation, which has made £4.5 million available over 5 years. The CHS Training Programme will support Commonwealth countries to develop the range of specialist skills they need to protect valuable heritage sites. Over an initial five-year period, the programme will train up to 600 people in a wide range of heritage and craft skills. It will focus on those countries where local stakeholders tell us the need is greatest, and where there is little existing capacity to manage or restore heritage at risk.