ucati • • a1n1n Conservation Consultancy S/NVQ Level 5 Using the ICOMOS Guidelines as the base reference, the Level 5 (Conservation Consultancy) conservation standard has been designed for professionals who have already qualified, and whose principal role is in providing advice at strategic level. The Level 5 award has been designed to address two purposes. It can either be achieved as a full award (where all units need to be achieved) for those who have already qualified in a relevant professional field and whose main role is in providing strategic level advice on all aspects of conservation or, as individually certificated CPD Units to satisfy professional needs. There are nine separate units in the Award. To ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach all of these were framed up in compliance with the ICOMOS Guidelines that were ratified in 1993. Major decay problems are not created overnight. Although the effects of water penetration inside a building can be devastating, the decay process inevitably starts in an insidious way. Often the obvious signs of this are ignored until it is too late. A routine annual/bi-annual/triennial/ quinquennial inspection process plays a crucial part in a building's health check.. More routine external housekeeping maintenance needs should also be accommodated in a more frequent cycle. Adequate training is required by more professionals in this essential part of keeping the nation's building stock in good shape. 22 The 'Advise on conservation policy and plans Unit is of particular relevance for those in a policy role in conservation. It addresses the needs of those who advise or work within public bodies on strategic conservation issues; and who contribute to the process of framing action plans. 'Investigate and assess factors affecting conservation and advise on options is the second Unit. This is relevant to those who have the task of researching the overall context of a conservation site where there is a need to assess and balance all relevant considerations relating to conservation and to advise on options for particular action to protect a site and control its conservation. The 'Advice on the selection of conservation schemes and processes Unit is for those whose task it is to determine the optimum solution to a conservation issue. It is about the weighting of all significant factors and advising on what proposed solutions best suit the needs of all the concerned parties. The 'Advice on conservation methods and project compliance with quality standards Unit is relevant to those who have a key technical role on conse1vation projects. It deals with advising on methods of conservation and on whether these, and the techniques that have been used, are consistent with best practice to meet specified quality standards. It is particularly relevant to those advising clients or contractors on contract compliance, and for those called as experts in the event of disputes. The Unit 'Advise on requirements for the continuing conservation and planned maintenance is particularly relevant to those whose role is advising on how conservation sites should be serviced and maintained on a continuing basis. It will be particularly relevant to individuals responsible for quinquennial and other inspection processes and for guiding those who manage sites. The 'Survey conservation sites Unit is relevant to those who must be conversant with best practice and procedures, and who have responsibility for specifying surveys of conse1vation sites by others. The 'Specify tests relevant to conservation and interpret data' Unit is relevant to those who commission and interpret data from the wide range of tests relevant to conservation sites, materials and artefacts. It covers invasive, non-invasive, destructive and nondestructive testing methods. It does not cover the conduct of the tests - which is a diverse and highly specialA lack of awareness of both materials and the original construction techniques, can lead to the most unfortunate results. When combined with the use of the wrong materials, emerging repairs can reveal a high level of ignorance on the part of the specifier and the total loss of the building's indigenous character. As the structure can be required to act in a way that it was never intended, it can also lead to post-work performance difficulties. An educated understanding of such issuesis sadly lacking in most areas of the construction industry, while an unquestioning belief in manufacturers' sales literature can be equally foolhardy. ised field in its own right- but requires a clear understanding of the range of techniques that are used, their appropriateness and validity. 'Document the conservation site is a key Unit for those whose task it is to make and maintain records of conservation sites. It is an essential function for those who have an ongoing responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric and for carrying out investigative work; for those planning modifications and alterations; and for those monitoring changes to the condition of sites and artefacts. The final 'Contribute to advances in the body of knowledge and conservation practice Unit relates to those who will wish to achieve the full Level□5 award. However, it could also be relevant for those whose role is primarily research and/or teaching for CPD purposes. The emerging suite of Units target architects; structural and environmental engineers; landscape architects; building economists; surveyors; urban designers and town planners. In addition, the framework of these standards can also be used to assist individuals, who have had backgrounds in a more diverse range of disciplines, to achieve and satisfy their individual Continuing Context 56 December 1997
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