The IHBC’s 2026 Yearbook is our network’s essential sector guide, reference and review for 2026-27, complementing our 2026 Newcastle School, with IHBC updates and a foreword by Jan Bessell FRTPI, 2026 RTPI President, who supports ‘conservation planning’ as ‘… a creative, collaborative and cohesive force for good in the public interest’.
Continue reading
image for illustration: Chris CC BY-SA 2.0 vis Wikimedia Commons
A recent IHBC online discussion covered the wide-ranging implications for conservation in England’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), complement a raised profile as IHBC Chair, David McDonald OBE, fronts some early thoughts picked up by Planning Resource.
Continue reading
image for illustration: Belfast, Photo via IHBC
The IHBC is delighted to host a stall at the Heritage Network Conference 2026, on 28 September, with Branch and National Office leads attending, so if you are there be sure drop by, and remember to encourage your colleagues and friends to come along too!
Continue reading
IHBC members and networks should note that our Marsh Award Nominations – for Community Contribution (Retired Member) and Successful Learning… – will now open at the end of September each year, and close in December, so watch out for more details, and do start planning your nominations with our easy-use form, coming soon.
Continue readingThe third symposium hosted by The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB) in memory of Mark Girouard looks at women’s contributions to architectural history in Britain and Ireland, with sponsors that include the IHBC, will take place on 14 November 2026.
Continue readingThe Scottish Government has issued guidance that provides a ‘technical insight into the conversion of Scotland’s traditional buildings, balancing building regulation compliance with conservation’ and ‘promotes a holistic, risk-based approach to technical compliance in the performance of traditional buildings.’
Continue readingIHBC’s heritage business register HESPR – our Historic Environment Service Providers Recognition quality assurance scheme for heritage services – emails members weekly ‘News and Tender Alerts’, and this week features the IHBC welcoming COTAC’s new ‘Developing Personal Competences’ guidance.
Continue reading
image: Neville Hall, Newcastle by Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet has agreed a recommendation to take ownership of Neville Hall, formerly the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.
Continue readingA company that let a historic Tunstall building fall into disrepair has been ordered to pay more than £8,000, reports the City of Stoke -on-Trent Council.
Continue reading
image for illustration: King’s Lynn Custom House, DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Conservation work to sensitively restore and revive King’s Lynn Custom House – considered one of England’s most perfect classical buildings and an icon of the town – is starting soon, reports the local Borough Council.
Continue readingNew Government measures to clampdown on cowboy builders and rogue bailiffs to help ease cost of living
Continue readingWorld Heritage UK has issued its regular annual review capturing highlights from across the UK’s World Heritage sector, including significant national highlights.
Continue readingHistoric Environment Scotland(HES) has published its ‘Skills Investment plan for Scotland’s Historic Environment: Two Year Report’.
Continue readingimage for illustration: Chris CC BY-SA 2.0 vis Wikimedia Commons
A recent IHBC online discussion covered the wide-ranging implications for conservation in England’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), complement a raised profile as IHBC Chair, David McDonald OBE, fronts some early thoughts picked up by Planning Resource.
Continue readingThe IHBC’s new ‘Branch Committee Bulletin’ has been issued, updating our Branch committees on strategic developments and current priorities, while if you want to find out more just check the NewsBlogs or contact your Branch Officers or the IHBC’s National Office.
Click on the image below to sign up for the alerts:
image for illustration: Belfast, Photo via IHBC
The IHBC is delighted to host a stall at the Heritage Network Conference 2026, on 28 September, with Branch and National Office leads attending, so if you are there be sure drop by, and remember to encourage your colleagues and friends to come along too!
IHBC Services and Support Executive Officer, and Branch Link, Sarah Homer will be there and said: ‘I am really looking forward to working with our wonderful Northern Ireland Branch Colleagues to host our stand at this sector leading conference.’
‘It will be a pleasure to have the rare opportunity meet such a wide range of delegates and to make new connections.’
‘The conference is focussing on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, which is really important for the IHBC – and was an important theme in our case for a Charter – so please do spread the word, and if you are able to attend, drop by for an informal and friendly chat.’
‘We would love to make the most of this opportunity to hear about and share your thoughts and experiences.’
Architect Alina Holyst, Deputy Chair of IHBC’s Northern Ireland Branch said: ‘We’re delighted that the Heritage Network event is coming to Northern Ireland this year! Having such a fantastic gathering right on our doorstep is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our rich heritage, strengthen connections and create new opportunities for collaboration.’
‘The IHBC Northern Ireland Branch is very pleased to be involved, and we’re looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the heritage sector to Belfast and Armagh.’
Continue readingIf you are no longer interested in holding on to your hardcopy Context don’t let it go to waste: ‘Help The Conservation Professional’ and pass it on to a friend or colleague, and help us all spread the word about the great benefits offered by the IHBC and our members!
Continue reading
image: Worcester Cathedral interior by Steve McLeish for IHBC Annual School 2016
This IHBC and our West Midlands Branch will join the next West Midlands Heritage Trust (WMHT) Careers Fair, which will come to Worcester Cathedral on 21 October 2026.
Continue readingThe Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) on a new publication about tackling damp and mould in England’s housing sector.
Continue readingThe IHBC’s heritage business register HESPR – our Historic Environment Service Providers Recognition quality assurance service – sends members exclusive ‘News and Tender Alerts’, with the Director’s top taster for NewsBlog readers this week a call by an England Council for and Architect/Design Team for transforming a Grade II listed Town Hall, to 09/10/2026.
JOIN HESPR, FROM £145PA (TO 2 EMPLOYEES)
Continue readingUK Parliament’s Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) Committee is launching new inquiries on Business and energy and delivering Warm and comfortable homes across the UK.
Continue reading
image: (c) Fiona Newton, IHBC
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund to support eligible listed places of worship across Scotland by helping them recover VAT costs associated with repair works, expected to open for applications in Autumn 2026.
Continue readingResearch from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) shows that 9 in 10 local authority planning departments across England and Wales are understaffed, delaying planning decisions and threatening the Government’s target of 1.5 million new homes.
Continue readingA government consultation on ‘Planning powers for mayors in England’ seeks to gather views on implementation of planning powers for mayors of strategic authorities.
Continue reading
image: Temple of Vaccina, Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A new report from Historic Houses looks at how Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register?(HARR) can be used.
Continue reading
