IHBC updates competence descriptors

Following extensive consultation and reviews, the IHBC Board has adopted updated Competence ‘descriptors’ – the supplementary guidance detailing each IHBC Competence to be used in applications and assessments processes – launched as an outcome from the 25th Anniversary ambitions #IHBC25

IHBC Communications Chair Dave Chetwyn said: ‘I’m delighted the IHBC’s Communications and Outreach Committee has been able to complete this ambitious anniversary project. We have drilled down into what each Competence entails, and come up with current and consolidated descriptions of how they should be understood under the IHBC’s interdisciplinary conservation practice standards.’

IHBC Membership and Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Shepherd said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome these much needed updates to the descriptors of the IHBC competences, which applicants for Full Membership must demonstrate they have achieved.’

‘These reflect how changes in the scope of what conservation and development have developed so very much since the original drafting of the competences many years ago.’

‘The understanding of the implications of climate change and sustainability must now be fully absorbed by our members in their professional work, and so it is appropriate they now need to show their engagement and expertise in these fields, as well as the more usual conservation practice skills.’

‘I believe that this shows how the multi-disciplined members of the IHBC can demonstrate their fitness for all the challenges of modern interdisciplinary conservation practice in all their fields.’

IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘Now these new descriptors are in place we are perfectly placed to undertake the next stage of our review of accreditation process with an update of the Application Forms for accreditation – as Full Member and Associate.’

‘This will aim to make sure the application process and procedures for IHBC accreditation are as tight as possible. We also want to make them as accessible as possible for all practitioners, but without undermining the hard-won recognition of our unique approach to conservation practice.’

Download the updated competences and descriptors.

Download the competence and areas of competence graphics.

This article originally appeared on the IHBC website on 20/10/2023 as 'IHBC launches updated Competence ‘descriptors’ – new written guidance on each IHBC Competence'.

See more on the IHBC’s application and accreditation processes for:

--Institute of Historic Building Conservation