CIfA IHBC reciprocal taster memberships

This article originally appeared in the IHBC NewsBlogs

The IHBC and CIfA have announced the first major outcome of the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations: free 1-year ‘taster’ memberships to help new members experience our respective disciplines and support at first hand.

IHBC Chair Mike Brown and CIfA Chair Jan Wills issued a joint statement saying: ‘We are absolutely delighted that our new Memorandum of Understanding is already delivering a great new deal for all our members. Our free 1-year reciprocal ‘taster’ memberships offer just the sort of value, benefit and capacity building our hard-hit heritage sector so badly needs.’

‘This innovative initiative will also enhance mutual understanding and respect across our diverse but critical constituencies. It will also extend our collective reach and impact far beyond the usual heritage borders and, hopefully, into the hearts of government and industry.’

CIfA CEO Peter Hinton said: ‘Those CIfA members whose work involves or informs built and historic environment conservation are encouraged to seek additional professional recognition for this specialist work by applying for IHBC membership – just as we encourage those conservation specialists whose work involves archaeology to seek accreditation from us.’

IHBC Director Dr Sean O’Reilly said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to recommend to all IHBC members whose work involves archaeological practice the generous offer of free CIfA membership for a year so they can experience the discipline and service at first hand and at no cost. And where our members’ work involves or informs archaeological practice, we would also encourage them to seek from the CIfA that recognition, status and accreditation.’

For background see the IHBC NewsBlog