18 C O N T E X T 1 7 4 : D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 Why join the IHBC? The more you put into it the more you get out. Budding and already-established conservation professionals join the IHBC for a variety of personal and professional reasons. 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. 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. 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. 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. RORY LAMB 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. 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. 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.
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