The IHBC has submitted its response to the consultation on the Historic England Industrial Heritage Strategy, recognising that it is valuable document but that it would also benefit by including recognised definitions and a specific charter, while the need for appropriate levels of staffing across the sector is also highlighted.
Current IHBC consultation listings and past responses
The IHBC writes:
… commitment in the strategy to providing expert advice through statutory casework…
Professional skills are needed at LA level and we maintain that there is a need for ongoing capacity building and training. This is also relevant to the commitment in the strategy to providing expert advice through statutory casework and other related work in negotiating the sustainable reuse of redundant historic industrial buildings which is set out in the report (the proposed solution being : ‘Historic England engaging with local authorities, local economic partnerships, development sector, owners and others’). This can only be a fully workable solution if the partner bodies identified have both commitment and suitable expertise. IHBC considers that it is essential that both local authorities and Historic England are resourced sufficiently to advise on optimum solutions for the conservation of industrial heritage. IHBC welcomes the commitment in the strategy to develop skills training in key aspects of industrial heritage. IHBC notes positively the intention to develop with professional bodies a standing forum dedicated to industrial heritage strategy, promotion and progress and we support the creation of such a forum and are willing to be involved in the activities of that forum.
… essential that both local authorities and Historic England are resourced sufficiently…
The IHBC’s Consultations Panel
The IHBC constantly monitors Government Departments and other national and regional organisations for relevant proposed changes to legislation, policy and guidance. The Consultations Panel formulates responses to these documents on behalf of the IHBC.
The IHBC may not necessarily comment on all these consultations, but we are glad to hear opinions on them from both members and non-members.
See more background on IHBC consultations HERE
