REVIEW AND ANALYSIS 89 THE CONSERVATION HOUR CPD WITH IHBC WEST MIDLANDS RACHAEL PARRY THE WM branch is now on its second series of our one-hour lunchtime CPD sessions of ‘The Conservation Hour’. Feedback was so positive following our first attempt that we decided to carry on and open it up to all those interested, not just our own local members. Initially, the idea came from supporting our members looking to complete their full membership applications by utilising our own ‘home grown’ experienced and skilled members here in the West Midlands. Many of us, including me, mentioned how we had ‘put off’ completing the application or were ‘put off’ from applying due to what seems, at the outset, a complex and confused process and application form. We wanted to give back and help and encourage those attempting/ looking to submit. The sessions are often more akin to group therapy – working together to demystify and share how best to approach the application and learn from each other. The group includes those on our committee who had either recently been successful in gaining full membership, those who were assessors and those who could discuss where they went wrong and were not successful on their first attempt. We also advertise the sessions as general CPD to encourage everyone to take part. Each month we host a session via Zoom where we bring in a speaker to present on one of the eight competencies. Their presentation covers half of the session; the remaining half is for Q&A on the presentation itself and on the application process. The series starts with a ‘membership accreditation training event’ (MATE) hosted by IHBC and ends with a mop up session for attendees to ask questions and for feedback to be given to support those who have nearly completed their applications. Speakers range from IHBC members to those who are involved in conservation and may not hold their full membership, for example, some with RICS or AABC accreditation. We’ve had architects, historic building consultants, conservation officers, project managers, building surveyors and someone presenting information on their PHD studies. Each presentation normally includes case studies that the speaker has been working on, showcasing what they are involved in or where they have worked. Some are able to use their own case studies as examples in their application. Season Two is now well underway, with only a few more sessions before we finish in June. We’ve advertised through IHBC and on LinkedIn and now get over 100 people per session from all over the country and beyond. We share the recordings and presentations after each session for those either not able to join us or who wish to watch again. Speakers are from all over and work in all aspects of conservation. We are very lucky to have so many passionate people involved; often our speakers spend a great deal of time on preparing their presentations and give up their Friday lunchtimes to speak, present and answer a variety of questions. I am not sure what the future holds for The Conservation Hour sessions. We know as a branch we would love to carry them on, or something similar; however, for now, we need to pause, refresh, evaluate and plan what’s best
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