for making informed judgements about what should be protected, how conservation strategies should be approached and the extent and nature of recording. Finance and Economics In the past, a frequent criticism of conservation specialists, particularly those in the public sector, has been that they are out of touch with the 'real world', that they do not understand the realities of the property market or the true cost of conservation projects. This may have been a valid criticism. The truly effective conservation practitioner should, within his or her armoury, be familiar with the process by which decisions are made on investment in conservation projects. They should also be familiar with the contractual aspects of conservation including differing forms of contracts, costing of conservation works and VAT. In respect of the latter, knowledge of taxation requirements may well lead to saving of large sums of money which can be used directly for furthering conservation objectives. Many previous ACO members have been particularly well-versed in the availability of grants and other sources of subsidy. The emergence of the National Lottery and other substantial grant sources are likely to be of key importance in the future, and Institute members need to be particularly knowledgeable and up to date if they are to be effective in maximising grant opportunities. Research/Recording/ Analysis The ability to record elements of the historic environment is a skill which has perhaps been given too little emphasis in the past. Increasingly, it is recognised that the making of a proper record is both a necessary prerequisite of intervention into historic fabric and essential for the purposes of maintaining an archive of information for future use. The emergence of PPG 15 has highlighted the need for appropriate recording of the historic environment. It should therefore be within the capability of any competent conservation practitioner to undertake simple emergency recording of historic fabric and to carry out archival research. Even if 16 practitioners are unable to execute a highly detailed programme of recording themselves, they should be competent to advise on appropriate techniq1,1es and levels of recording required for buildings or sites affected by development proposals. Awareness of emerging techniques including photogrammetry and CAD as well as traditional means of recording will become increasingly important in future. Design and Presentation Whether in private consultancy or in the controlling/facilitating role the majority of conservation practitioners will, on a daily basis, be involved in evaluating design quality. They should therefore be familiar with townscape appraisal and principles of urban design, and be able to communicate design ideas and concepts in graphic form. Without these skills and knowledge, it is unlikely that practitioners will be able to effectively promote the high standards of design which are so important if the historic environment is to be protected properly. Increasingly, the ability to plan and prepare schemes to improve historic sites is of key importance as the role of enhancement is given equal emphasis to that of preservation. Practice One of the distinctive attributes of many former ACO members was the awareness of the wider context of conservation, and the ability to interact effectively with all bodies and individuals with a significant role to play in the field. Since effective conservation so frequently relies on the active participation and involvement of a wide range of individuals and groups, the ability to establish and maintain productive links with other players is essential. Familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of professional, private and voluntary groups, and the ability to interact with them has always been, and will continue to be, a vital skill of the well-rounded conservation practitioner. CONCLUSION In defining required Areas of Competence for its members the new Institute believes that it is taking a positive lead in setting high standards of practice and in guiding the future direction of the emerging conservation profession. In doing this the IHBC Council is mindful that many previous ACO members may be lighter in some of the eight areas of competence and stronger in others. The initial stages of validation of applications for membership are therefore being carried out with great care and sensitivity and the depth of applicants' knowledge and experience will be taken into consideration where the breadth of knowledge is somewhat lighter/less extensive. Nevertheless, the Council believes that it is vitally important that full professional members must be able to demonstrate at least basic knowledge across the whole range of competencies. This is particularly important in these early days of developing the credibility of the new Institute and in demonstrating that members are required to have and maintain high professional standards. In future perhaps the closest analogy to the typical IHBC member will be the 'General Practitioner' of the conservation world; a competent allround professional who can give sound advice and act as the starting point for all conservation projects. Philip Grover is Director of the MSc/Diploma Course in Historic Conservation at Oxford Brookes University and joint Education Officer forIHBC. Sponsorshifpor conservationtraining Philip Grover outlines the future options for funding of training by the IHBC. For a number of years the ACO pursued a policy of funding two places on the twice yearly SPAB Repair Course. The objective of this sponsorship was to provide an opportunity for young or inexperienced members to gain a valuable insight into philosophy and techniques for the repair of historic buildings. To be eligible for such sponsorship, applicants had to be able to make a case, showing that they were in need of training and that financial support from their employer was not forthcoming. Over the years a number of grateful ACO members have in this way benefited from attending the SPABcourse. Sponsorship took the form of 100% of course fees but excluded the cost of travel and subsistence. In return for the sponsorship the ACO required the recipient to produce a written evaluaContext 56 December 1997
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