Marking the 25th anniversary of the IHBC – #IHBC25 – our ‘IHBC at 25’ issue of Context in December looked back why budding and already-established conservation professionals joined the IHBC, as taken from Context’s New Member Profile column.
IHBC writes:
… Here is what a few new members have shared with us, taken from Context’s New Member Profile column.
RITA MULLEN
The institute’s interdisciplinary nature immediately appealed to me, interlinking all professions in the heritage sector and all the topics I am interested in.
I joined the IHBC because of its opportunities for conservation professionals to come together to learn and share their experiences. It provides an especially important network for young professionals to begin engaging with conservation.
Since I am now working as a sole practitioner and living in Austria, I am more and more enjoying the advantages of IHBC resources and networking opportunities.
With the number of international members growing, I am hoping to assemble an international working group to establish the needs and opportunities members overseas might have.
FIONA RUSSEK
Being a full member is a badge I wear with pride but not arrogance. While it gives some assurance to those I deal with that I have adequate competence to work on our precious heritage, I am never complacent enough to assume that I know all there is to know about the historic built environment. Each building and each site is different, and I am continually learning from them.
… The IHBC is still the mark of the conservation professional…
ANGHARAD HART
The IHBC is still the mark of the conservation professional and is increasingly being recognised internationally. I am delighted to have fulfilled my goal of full membership, and look forward to upholding the values of the institute while I continue to do my best to preserve and enhance our precious historic environment.
… It is important to be actively involved…
REBECCA THOMPSON
When you join a professional body you sign up to the philosophy and code of practice. It regulates quality and inspires clients to trust that they are receiving the best advice with support of an extensive network, and that the maintenance and restoration works will be carried out to the highest standards. It is important to be actively involved and I look forward to supporting the IHBC at heritage conferences.
I am proud to be a member of the IHBC and find its advice consistently relevant in this ever-changing world.
I found the IHBC annual school an excellent opportunity to meet new people and their organisations, and to hear new ideas about conservation, both in the presentations and in informal discussion. I am excited to continue my involvement with the IHBC and to benefit from other events in the future.
… The IHBC runs MATE sessions…. I would thoroughly recommend attending or organising a session…
LOUISE PRIESTMAN
I became a member of the IHBC because I love how proactive the organisation is and how you do not have to be an architect to join. Different fields provide different perspectives, and there has been more than one occasion where the IHBC has helped me see from a different point of view.
The application process is tough, but it is a great opportunity for reflection. The IHBC runs MATE sessions for those thinking of applying, and I would thoroughly recommend attending or organising a session as it helps demystify the process.
I am looking forward to getting more involved in the IHBC’s work with students and helping to give those considering a career in conservation the confidence and interest to pursue such a rewarding field.
LAURENCE HAYES
I see joining the IHBC as a natural progression in my career. To my mind, membership of the professional body provides immediate assurance to my clients and colleagues that I work to recognised and shared ethical and quality standards, that I provide sound professional judgements and that advice offered is borne out of personal experience.
Since becoming a member of IHBC I have been really impressed by the regular news and member updates, and the range of social and CPD opportunities on offer. I am confident that membership will bring professional recognition for the work I undertake, and that the continued opportunities for professional growth offered by the IHBC will be rewarding.
… Conservation, you might say, is all about context…
ALFIE TEMPLE STROUD
I am glad that the IHBC wants to build worldwide links just when, generally, that approach is threatened. It matters to me because back home in Wales the stakes in conservation are almost a world apart from Camden.
Conservation, you might say, is all about context, and we need a broad and cooperative outlook to engage with it. I hope that the IHBC network will help me find future projects and collaborators at home and abroad.
ATAA ALSALLOUM
Joining the IHBC will certainly contribute to the development of my career in many ways. The IHBC will introduce me to the practice of heritage conservation in the UK and to the academic world of heritage led-regeneration.
HEATHER MARSHALL
Full membership means that I now have professional recognition of my planning and heritage knowledge, which is increasingly required by clients and respected by co-professionals. However, what makes heritage work so interesting is the varied skills and breadth of knowledge required to work across buildings of all ages and types. I am looking forward to continuing support from the IHBC towards enhancing my specialist knowledge, while also knowing how and when to seek other specialist input.
RACHEL MORLEY
I joined the IHBC because I admire it as a forward-thinking group which understands and respects the architectural, cultural and historical importance of Britain’s built environment; it recognises that conservation is multi-faceted, drawing on skills and expertise across a range of fields. The future of architectural conservation and regeneration is exciting but there are many challenges. The IHBC identifies the vulnerability of historic buildings and, by setting and maintaining industry standards, promoting best practice, disseminating knowledge, connecting
and, most important, supporting members, it seeks to mitigate the risk to old buildings.
EILI?SE McGUANE
It took approximately one year to prepare and submit my application for full membership, but receiving recognition as a full member has certainly been worth the investment. For young conservation professionals, being a member of IHBC (regardless of membership level) shows a great willingness to develop your skills and understanding of the profession, and is vital for any employment application within our field.
SARA DAVIDSON
As a new full member I will get a lot out of my membership, principally the support, guidance and advice that the nationally recognised professional body can offer. I’m particularly looking forward to taking part in the acclaimed annual schools. In turn I hope to be able to contribute my own experience and knowledge.
JON MILLHOUSE
As a full member of the IHBC I look forward to playing a more active role in the heritage community, getting to know more people who have a shared interest in heritage conservation. I particularly like the fact that the IHBC is a broad church, encompassing various different disciplines and professions. This allows for a broad range of viewpoints and perspectives, and offers the opportunity for learning and collaboration.
See our newer members in our #IHBC25 Context HERE
See the full issue HERE
See more on Context HERE
Reading Context helps IHBC members develop their skills across all of the IHBC’s Areas of Competence, and so is a critical baseline in addressing priorities in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Access the online archive
See more IHBC background and guidance on IHBC CPD and on how you might use past, current and future issues of Context
See the formal guidance paper on IHBC CPD (scheduled for update)
See more on the IHBC Competences and Areas of Competence
See more on #IHBC25
