Dame Liz Forgan spent her early career in journalism on the Tehran Journal, the Hampstead and Highgate Express, the London Evening Standard and the Guardian. She was part of the founding team at Channel 4 TV later becoming Director of Programmes. She moved to the BBC as Managing Director Network Radio.
She has filled several roles in public life including Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund and of Arts Council England. She is currently Chair of the Scott Trust (owner of the Guardian and Observer), the National Youth Orchestra and the Bristol Old Vic and a deputy chair of the British Museum. She is a trustee of the Art Fund and a patron of the St Giles Trust, the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, the Churches Conservation Trust and the Pier Arts Centre, Stromness. She is an Honorary Fellow of St Hugh's College, Oxford, Girton College Cambridge, and the British Academy.