National Trust chooses 'non-political' Chair in attempt to put woke agenda behind them

The National Trust have announced that René Olivieri will be their new Chair.

It comes after the former Chair Tim Parker left the role in May of 2021 when campaign group Restore Trust planned to force his resignation.

It is claimed that the appointment is an attempt to cool tensions between members who complained that the organisation was moving away from core objectives of protecting the UK heritage. Instead they have been accused of taking too much of a political role.

René Olivieri has not publicly commented on “culture wars” which have seen the National Trust face criticism in previous years.

In a press release the National Trust said: "Mr Olivieri will take up the post at the Trust, which is Europe’s biggest conservation charity, in February, and has pledged to bring his unique experience in both culture and nature to become a forceful advocate for the charity.

"Olivieri was Interim Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a member of both the Culture Recovery Fund Board and DCMS’s Cultural and Heritage Capital Advisory Board. He was Chair of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts for six years and has been Chair of the RSPCA since 2019.

"The announcement follows predecessor Tim Parker’s decision to step down in May after seven years in the position. Deputy Chair Orna NiChionna Turner is currently acting as Chair and will continue until Olivieri takes up the role formally. The Chair is the most senior volunteer at the charity and will head the Board of Trustees and the Council."

Mr. Olivieri said: “I believe the National Trust is the body that makes essential connections in our world, between the past and future, nature and heritage and between people from all parts of society

“We must all work together to preserve and promote our heritage while taking climate action and restoring nature.

“I want to ensure the National Trust, which is privileged to be able to take such a long view, plays a leading role in realising these ambitions.”