16 C O N T E X T 1 7 4 : D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 A new kind of institute The IHBC is made for a world in which professionals and their institutes collaborate and learn from one another. We asked four professionals to comment on its approach. Accreditation, and a mark of quality I have been in the industry for the thick end of 40 years, working on many and varied building types throughout the Island of Ireland and parts of England. I have a small country practice, just about within sight of Lough Neagh. I am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and registered as a CIAT accredited conservationist. I have been a full member of the IHBC for seven years, and served three years as Northern Ireland chair, mostly during Covid, and recently as a trustee. One of the great strengths of the institute is not only the broad range of membership disciplines but also the culture of producing and sharing of information and guidance. I am not aware of any other conservation accreditation body operating at this level, and for a very affordable fee. The IHBC is deeply respected as a mark of conservation quality and as a valuable contributor in the conservation conversation at all levels. Some suggestions. First, let us be open to those who are highly qualified but who may have different learning and communication styles; let us not revert to the academic track, but remain as a broad church, being up to speed on current educational thinking in regard to membership application. Second, let us look at more formal and mutual benefit with regard to other institutes. For instance, if another accreditation body carries a top-level place in line with COTAC, could we consider membership transfer, especially for those who are listed to lead grant-aid projects by Historic England? Finally, let us ensure that the IHBC is listed everywhere for its accreditation, not just a mark of conservation quality. Des Cairns, accredited conservationist Take an active role Professional bodies serve many purposes. They acknowledge expertise, and ensure that high standards are maintained in the industry through continual professional development and insisting that those who have signed up as members uphold their duties and work to the law, guidelines and best practice. Professional bodies enhance a network of like-minded individuals, enable the sharing of knowledge and experience, and provide a platform for mentoring and career opportunities. Membership numbers rise in times of uncertainty as professional networks can be priceless. Using them correctly involves giving time and energy, and making use of the kudos of the associated letters after your name. I take an active role in every professional body of which I am a member, and I would encourage others to do so if they are able.The rewards are endless, for both career and personal development. As my career has developed, I have been able to mentor the next generation of conservation professionals. As we look forward to the next 25 years of the IHBC, we face many challenges. These include ensuring that our historic properties are responsibly retrofitted when upgrading or altering buildings to conform with EPC and policy requirements, ensuring we have the craft skills to carry out this work, and making sure that we adapt to new ways of working. With more people working from home, we are adapting to meeting online, but personal meetings need to be included in the programme of events. It is when people meet in person that inspirational conversations take place and we move beyond the written agenda of a meeting. This is a challenge for the IHBC and other professional bodies. On the positive side, the online aspect is more inclusive in many ways, enabling contact whatever the distance. I have found the IHBC to be an agile organisation over the past couple of years and hope to see this continue. Rebecca Thompson, Chartered Institute of Building A trusted voice Although I first qualified in the RICS, like many surveyors, I found the focus of IHBC on building conservation a great fit for my work, and joined it as soon as I could. At that time the IHBC was emerging from its local authority roots into the voluntary and private sectors. It was clear that this was a group that intended to bring people together around shared values, and that is still what the IHBC does best. The skills of the membership are truly diverse; this encourages members to explore their own strengths and weaknesses, and gives members a great network of support to confidently refer casework that is not in their area of expertise. The IHBC provides appealing CPD. This is mostly discussing places and problems in a setting where creative solutions are encouraged.
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