The IHBC has posted online its updated Communications and Outreach Strategy, for 2021-24, with a foreword by IHBC Chair David McDonald.
David McDonald writes:
It is indeed timely that this strategy has been prepared as we come out of a prolonged pandemic. Covid 19 has profoundly changed the way we communicate with each other. In some cases, such as virtual meetings it has merely brought forward changes which were already slowly taking place, but in others, such as the balance between home and office working, it has radically altered our perceptions of work patterns.
… The formation of our All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dealing with Conservation, Places and People is an example of our advocacy and outreach activity…
In the last few years at the IHBC, before the pandemic, we were already reviewing and improving the ways in which we communicate with our members and others. Our twice- weekly emailed ‘Newsblog’ is an excellent method of disseminating a wide range of news and information affecting the historic environment sector. The formation of our All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dealing with Conservation, Places and People is an example of our advocacy and outreach activity. It’s early days, but is already being noticed and influencing attitudes to conservation and planning.
The pandemic had a direct effect on our communications in 2020, particularly in respect of our Annual School, which had to be changed from an in-person event in Brighton to a virtual conference. Not only did that transition enable more people to attend, but it allowed us to have speakers from across the globe. That positive experience was able to be transferred to a successful online AGM. Again, the virtual event enabled greater attendance than normal.
… Strategy takes into account the valuable lessons….over the past year and sets out a comprehensive list of aims and actions….
This new Communications and Outreach Strategy takes into account the valuable lessons which have been learned over the past year and sets out a comprehensive list of aims and actions which build upon our past successes. Key to this approach will be making sure that we both maintain and enhance our communication with members, and also reach out further to other stakeholders and audiences. In doing this we will be looking at ways in which we can develop our digital and social media skills and at the same time promote diversity and take into account climate change and sustainability. It’s a big ask, but this Strategy provides and clear direction and guidance to enable the IHBC to strengthen its professional future.
The Strategy notes:
… Effective communications and outreach are key to the IHBC’s activities…
Effective communications and outreach are key to the IHBC’s activities. The way the Institute interacts with its own membership and the outside world is central to its effectiveness as a professional body.
This communications and outreach strategy builds on the previous strategy (2016-19) and relates to various areas of the Institute’s work, including member support, external influencing, promoting conservation professional practice and skills and Parliamentary activities.
The strategy is led by the IHBC’s Board and will be delivered through the IHBC’s Council, national activities and branch-led activities.
The strategy is in three parts. Chapter 2 includes strategic aims for communications and outreach. Chapter 3 contains actions to achieve the strategic aims. Chapter 4 deals with parliamentary activities.
The Communications and Outreach Committee will monitor progress on fulfilling the aims and achieving the actions in this strategy.
Contents include:
- Purpose
- Stakeholders and Audiences
- Scope of Professional Practice
- Value of the IHBC as a Professional Body
- Values and Benefits of Heritage
- Conservation Skills
- Influencing Policy, Legislation and Programmes
- Actions and Delivery
- Parliamentary
- Conservation, People and Places APPG
- Influencing Government
Download the Communications & Outreach Strategy 2021-24
See more on the Conservation, People and Places APPG
Download the Communications and Outreach Strategy: 2016 – 2019
