CONTEXT 189 : SEPTEMBER 2026 47 Janine Dykes CONTEXT 186 : DECEMBER 2025 43 Elaine Walters New member profile My conservation career began as a town planner in local government. I appreciated the diversity of heritage assets and found that historic environment cases required careful research and a problemsolving approach. Following my MSc in historic conservation at Oxford Brookes, sponsored by Winchester City Council, I moved into a historic environment team post and volunteered on the Winchester Diocesan Advisory Committee. I set up my own consultancy in 2021 and have worked as the principal historic conservation officer at New Forest District Council since 2023. At the beautiful district of New Forest the range of historic environments, heritage assets and applications is varied and interesting. Under the theme of transportation infrastructure, we recently granted listed building consent for the relocation of a D-Day Whale Bridge, a vital component of the Mulberry harbours used during the Normandy landings in 1944, from Town Quay in Southampton to the Marchwood Military Port. A D-Day Whale Bridge being relocated (Photo: Associated British Ports) We work with the policy team on the emerging local plan, implementing a conservation area review programme and drafting historic environment retrofit guidance, which forms part of the evidence base. Our heritage at risk register is being reviewed with the help of our graduate planner, and we have helped to secure conservation repair work to the council-owned Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, to allow it to mill again. Applying for IHBC full membership did take time to draft but this was a useful reflection on my career to date, directing my CPD. I am grateful for the professional expertise and support of Chris Reynolds, my MATE mentor, and my My career in conservation has been shaped by a long-standing interest in the historic environment and a belief that good conservation is both rigorous and practical. My interest in the built historic environment began at a young age as I was fortunate enough to grow up in Stamford, the first conservation area designation in the country. That early experience has had a lasting influence on me and led me first to study architecture, and then to complete a master’s in historic conservation. I have since developed a broad perspective on conservation practice, from understanding the significance of historic places to navigating the realities of change and development. In the autumn, I will be joining Stantec to lead and grow the heritage team, which is an exciting next step and a chance to build on my experience in a new context. Before moving into consultancy, I spent 13 years as an inspector of historic buildings and areas at Historic England in both the Midlands and East of England. This gave me a strong foundation in assessing significance, understanding change over time and working with others to secure appropriate outcomes for heritage assets. The combination of public sector and consultancy experience has been invaluable. It has given me insight into conservation from strategic policy and designation matters through to detailed building assessment and development management. I have always been particularly interested in how buildings have evolved over time and the vernacular materials that give a place its distinct character. I enjoy the investigative side of the work, but equally the collaborative process of finding solutions that are respectful, proportionate and deliverable. Over the years, I have come to value conservation most when it is clear, well-evidenced and constructive. Working with clients, architects, planners and other professionals to shape proposals that respond positively to significance is, for me, one of the most rewarding aspects of the work. Thoughtful advice early in the process can make a real difference to the quality of outcomes for both heritage and development. I have joined the IHBC because I see it as the principal professional body for those working in built conservation, and because I wanted to be part of a community that shares my commitment to high standards, informed judgement and practical stewardship. Full membership feels like an important recognition of the experience I have gained throughout my career, and also an opportunity to strengthen my contribution to the wider profession. What I hope to gain from the IHBC is continued professional learning, connection with others in the field and the opportunity to reflect on good practice in a changing sector. What I hope to contribute is my own experience, my enthusiasm for careful heritage assessment, and a commitment to ensuring that conservation remains relevant, credible and constructive in shaping the future of historic places. Janine Dykes is a new full member of the IHBC.
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