The next IHBC Council+ – our national forum for engaging with members at all skills levels – will provide members, associates and affiliates with the opportunity to focus on their continuing professional development (CPD), so if you want to join this conversation, as only limited places are available, be sure to contact your Branch, or Fiona at operations@ihbc.org.uk as soon as possible (ASAP) (NB: c.50 places, travel expenses covered, allocations of places based on representative attendance).
James Caird, Chair of the IHBC said: ‘This larger ‘MATE style’ review session – inspired by our ‘Membership Application Training Events’ sessions, will both demonstrate and explore how the IHBC is supporting membership accreditation.’
‘Through our MATE sessions – some run in partnership with the Branches, others taking place in businesses, organisations and national partners such as Church Care and Historic Environment Scotland – they offer the opportunity for delegates to understand our accreditation processes and priorities.’
‘This coming Council+ will also offer delegates oversight, feedback and review opportunities on the content, programme and plans for MATE sessions. This way we can make sure we are doing the best we possibly can to support our members and the wider sector.’
‘And this kind of review and collective learning – for trustees, staff, volunteers as well as members – is just what Council+ is about: generating new conservation capacity across the UK, while providing more opportunities for members to input into the IHBC direct.’
David Kincaid, IHBC Trustee and Chair of the Membership and Ethics Committee said: ‘CPD is integral to being a member of a professional membership body. This Council+ offers a forum in which we can focus on this area of membership, and hone your future CPD plans and our support planning. It is also an opportunity to talk with fellow IHBC members, volunteers and staff, wherever you are in the membership process.’
Kate Kendall the IHBC LETS Officer and lead on membership development said: ‘Our MATE sessions are tailored to support the needs of those seeking IHBC conservation accreditation. No matter what point you are at in your career, your professional development is critical: constant evolution as a conservation professional is as inevitable as it is essential – you gain experience and the sector changes with new technology and updated guidance and legislation. And we are here to support you throughout!’
‘MATE sessions let applicants get to grips with the IHBC competences and conservation cycle. The focus of this Council+ is to introduce the MATE programme to anyone less familiar with it, and with that knowledge to review the programme to date, and see what we can do to improve our support. Of course for Affiliates – especially long-standing ones – we hope the day will offer a special prompt to move things forward.’
Fiona Newton, Operations Director said: ‘The structure of the afternoon session of this Council+ reflects that of the IHBC’s MATE programme, but that is just the starting point.’
‘So if you would like to attend our next Council+ in London, on 2 May, please contact your Branch – for a nomination – or myself at operations@ihbc.org.uk.’
‘We have an exceptionally large allocation of places for this event – c.50 – to make sure delegates are as diverse and representative as reasonably possible. If we do have to make delegate selections we will give priority to those that ensure we do get a balanced representation.’
‘Further details of the day will be coming soon but top have the best chance of joining this special IHBC opportunity, do get in touch as soon as possible!’
For more on MATE sessions see mate.ihbc.org.uk
