IHBC launches affiliate fast-track pilot for local authority conservation staff

On 2 August 2024, IHBC announced it will soon launch a new Affiliate Fast-Track Pilot – developed from recent pilots – specifically aimed at helping existing Local Authority heritage, planning and conservation staff progress from Supporter to Affiliate membership, and maybe beyond, with applications closing 30 August.

IHBC Trustee Joanna Saady, who led in targeting this new support to Local Authority officers, said: "I am delighted to see the early and positive results from our previous pilot training programme now re-cast to encourage staff in Local Authorities advance towards Affiliate – and hopefully Full – membership of the IHBC, with reduced formalities and as much help and guidance from us as capacity allows. Participation, commitment and engagement have climbed significantly since the first pilot, reflecting the original pilot programme’s success. So please do take full advantage of our newly targeted pilot: the stronger our membership, the stronger our collective voice. These are exciting times for our country and our growing organisation!"

IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: "This new pilot targets IHBC Supporter members serving as Local Authority staff in any capacity – full time, part-time or consultant etc. – in a role that involves heritage, planning and/or building conservation for the equivalent of a year or more, and/or have completed an IHBC recognised course. This pilot recognises the extent to which such local government officers play pivotal roles in the public interest, but often receive little incentive, support or recognition for their professional development. As ever, we will of course build on the lessons in future – and free – capacity-building support for members. But this is the chance to take advantage of our most substantial targeted support for our Local Authority Supporters to date."

IHBC Education and Application Support Officer Angharad Hart said: "Many IHBC Supporter members in local authorities are more than skilled enough to advance to Affiliate membership, or beyond. However, we also appreciate that many do not advance due to a lack of time to address the application, uncertainties around the application process, or even a lack of confidence around being able to demonstrate sufficient awareness to achieve Affiliate status. But the IHBC has an answer! We’re now piloting a newly targeted and streamlined format – together with additional guidance and support – to qualifying local authority staff. It’s based on the success of a first fast track pilot started in 2023, so new applicants can be sure we have the best possible plans to help them succeed.

"Our new format offers a more accessible route to Affiliate membership for more experienced staff by taking advantage of existing evidence and simplifying the process, adding both clarity and the option of more personalised support as needed. The Affiliate fast-track offers a quicker route for any IHBC Supporter to secure formal recognition as an Affiliate and – if interested – help advance to become a Full Member, IHBC-accredited as an interdisciplinary conservation professional. Qualifying applicants will have access to online sessions that offer more and personalised assistance, including support to prepare their applications. They will also have access to the new Affiliate fast-track guidance document which accompanies the existing suite of Affiliate membership resources available on the website. It’s also good to know that time spent preparing an Affiliate membership application can count towards CPD."