Category Archives: Sector NewsBlog

The Centre for Better Ageing has highlighted a coalition of nine charities and housing organisations calling for urgent action to tackle the UK’s acute and growing shortage of accessible and adaptable homes. image for illustration: Open government Licence v3.0

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has expressed its support for the government to build more homes on brownfield land but warns that new urban brownfield schemes must be closely monitored.

Potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has now been found in the buildings of 18 universities and colleges in Scotland. image for illustration: Open Government Licence V3.0

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has invested in seven projects that ‘will reimagine and protect the UK’s history of innovation, transport and industry.’ image for illustration: David Lally / Isles of Scilly Town Hall Commons Wikimedia

Guidance on ‘Partnerships for People and Place’ offers ‘Guidance and advice for officials working on place-based policymaking’, providing practical tips for officials to improve approaches to place-based ways of working. image for illustration – Open Government Licence v3.0

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is excited to announce a new batch of Project Development Grants to community-focused projects that will contribute to the transformation of high streets and town centres in England.

Civic Voice and Historic England have announced their collaboration aimed at gaining understanding about local plaque schemes and the organisations behind them. image for illustration: Historic England

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has launched a new ‘Residential Retrofit Standard’ following consultation.

The RIBA’s new horizon scanning programme with ‘RIBA Horizons 2034: The Environmental Challenge’ provides foresight into how the design and construction industry can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Scottish Government have launched the Digital Skills Portal, a ‘one stop’ portal designed to improve the confidence of digital skills, amongst all planners, in their everyday roles.

Preparing industry for the Building Safety Act, improving productivity, reducing carbon emissions and supporting biodiversity will be the priorities for the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in 2024.

A new National Parks Health check report from the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) finds national parks across England and Wales are struggling to restore nature as a result of insufficient funding and outdated design.

Historic Environment Scotland has published a refreshed Skills Investment Plan (SIP) to support our workforce and to nurture their skills, knowledge, expertise, and personal qualities.

Westminster City Council has set out new proposed planning policies on retrofitting and affordable housing. image for illustration

Labour’s 5-point plan to breathe life into Britain’s high streets….Under the Conservatives, Britain’s high streets are on the decline. image for illustration: Joanna Theobald

ICOMOS-UK is recruiting for a new General Secretary, a voluntary role for which expenses are paid, with closing date for the application is 17 May 2024.

The United Kingdom (UK) has ratified UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will be effective on 7 June 2024.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a new report entitled ‘Surveying and Analysing Connections between Properties in Care and the British Empire, c.1600-1997.’

The Office for Place is funding and supporting 10 new areas in England as part of the Design Code Pathfinder Programme. image: Open Government Licence v3.0

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has issued its ‘Scottish Existing Built Environment Policy Overview Map Spring 2024’.

Government announces an extension to the existing scope of Agricultural Property Relief. image for illustration

The Adam Davison Foundation (ADF) has announced its 2024 brief for The Davidson Prize, now in its fourth year, ‘Rethinking Home – Adapt and Reuse’. image for illustration

IHBC’s Chair David McDonald has reminded voting members to complete proxy voting forms – SHORT or LONG as suits – as back-up arrangements for voting at our 2024 AGM on 30 April, while reminding all to register in advance for … Continue reading →

After a fire devastated the Danish city’s 400-year-old stock exchange building the mayors of Copenhagen and Paris have been in touch to see what can be learned from the catastrophic fire at Notre Dame cathedral. image for illustration

‘Integrating the Management of the Natural and Historic Environment’ is a Joint Statement between Natural England (NE), Historic England (HE), and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). image for illustration – Peter Badcock