Ian Bancroft has been appointed by the Prime Minister as a Trustee to The National Lottery Heritage Fund board, a role that brings with it responsibility for the Heritage Fund and Memorial Fund’s work across the whole of the UK as well as specific responsibility for chairing the Heritage Fund’s Committee for Wales.
Ian has been a public servant for over 35 years, most recently as Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council (2018 to 2024). He played a leading role in major heritage projects both in England and Wales including: Wigan Pier, Greenfield Valley, Bailey Hill, North East Wales Archive, Stori Brymbo, Football Museum of Wales and the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site.
Commenting on his appointment Ian Bancroft said:
“I’m thrilled to be appointed to the Board of The National Lottery Heritage Fund as Trustee and Chair of the Wales Committee. Heritage plays such a critical role in Welsh identity, I want to make sure the Heritage Fund maximises its impact in Wales across all communities.”
More recently his career has focused on being Vice Chair of Sport Wales and Chair of the Electoral Management Board Wales. He also sits on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) UK Town of Culture Advisory Panel.
Welcoming Ian Bancroft, Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of the Heritage Fund and the Memorial Fund said:
“I am delighted to welcome Ian to the board. His expertise will be very welcome in shaping how National Lottery funding is invested across the UK for the benefit of local communities. Ian deeply understands the value of heritage from historic buildings to our landscapes, nature, industrial past, historic collections, and the stories and traditions of our communities. He is well equipped to help us deliver lasting impact for people and places across the UK.’
With a background in a wide range of cultural services, Ian is an advocate for the sector and aims to use his skills and experience to ‘give’ back to public services and the cultural sector. Ian Bancroft has been appointed for a term of three years, commencing on 01 September 2026.
