The IHBC has launched our joint ‘Conservation Professional Practice Principles’ at the 2017 Day School and AGM in Manchester, which offers a new, accessible statement on practice principles for specialists working in built and historic environment conservation roles.
IHBC Chair James Caird said: ‘I’m delighted that we have produced this new joint statement on conservation practice, as it marks a whole new level of support for conservation by the IHBC.’
‘Prepared collectively by the IHBC, the Historic Towns and Villages Forum and Civic Voice – the membership of which includes built environment professionals, developers, local civic and community organisations, local authorities, professional firms, and other heritage interests – it can serve as the critical cross-sector statement on the interdisciplinary practice of built and historic environment conservation today.’
Dave Chetwyn, past IHBC Chair, and now IHBC Communications Secretary, led in the drafting of the ‘Principles’, and said: ‘Working with historic places and buildings involves a diverse and complex range of specialist skills, across different professional disciplines. It is essential to employ professional teams from the necessary disciplines, with historic and built environment expertise.’
‘As the ‘Principles’ statement recognises international, national and devolved UK legislation, policy and statements, and how they operate in the real world, it puts practice standards at the heart of how we deliver successful conservation outcomes’.
The Practice Principles state:
‘Conservation professional practice is challenging, as demonstrated by the many considerations set out in this guide. This requires not just depth of knowledge, but also breadth, due to the wide scope of decision-making. Good conservation practice is not about viewing heritage and cultural values in isolation, but considering these as an integral part of planning, place-making and helping places and buildings to adapt to modern needs. This integrated approach is at the heart of specialist, professional practice.’
Practice Principles contents include:
1 What Does a Conservation Professional Do?
1.1 Specialist Conservation Activities
1.2 Specialist Disciplines
2 Understanding Values of Heritage
2.1 Value to Owners
2.2 Economic Values
2.3 Community Values
2.4 Environmental Values
2.5 Heritage Value, including Special Interest and Significance
3. Professional Practice
3.1 Reconciling Values
3.2 Things to Consider
3.3 Making Balanced Judgements
For the Practice Principles follow the links to our ‘Recognised standards and guidelines’ on the IHBC’s Toolbox
See IHBC’s Toolbox
DOWNLOAD the Practice Principles
