‘The report is an independent scoping of barriers to key skills needed for successful built and historic environment conservation. It helps shape our response to this costly and damaging story of skills deficits and disappointments. Ranging from old crafts and new trades to professional practice and, of course, retrofit, its grand and ambitious sweep captures a challenging account of poor decisions and missed opportunities. The wide scope reflects the concerns of IHBC members who, as Conservation Professionals, work across development processes to achieve the best viable outcomes for valued places and buildings. That scope also reflects the IHBC’s successful case to apply for a Charter, as we continue to focus on enhancing the public benefits of cross-cutting and interdisciplinary conservation practice. Here, our own ‘Five Commitments’ lists how we will respond to the skills challenges captured in the report. So I hope everyone can use this work too, to help you seize on any opportunities to address them.’ I am delighted to welcome the IHBC’s response to a new report into ‘Heritage Skills in Conservation’, supported by the IHBC’s CREATIVE Conservation Fund. Rebecca Thompson, IHBC President & Director of Property, St Paul's Cathedral
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