IHBC members tell us that that skills in condition surveys are a priority, so we are happy to note that Oxford University is offering a practical, 3-day course on this from 8 May, from £455, and it does cost, our own research helps members make the case for employer support!
IHBC Director Sean O’Reilly said: ‘Professional skills do not come cheap, so if you want to get your employer to help support your skills development in this priority area, just highlight how it fits with your IHBC CPD priorities, and that the IHBC’s own research work has highlighted the market demand for these skills’.
‘Our research identified condition assessment and survey as ‘crucial’ and the only ‘priority 1’ area for ‘future skills support’. That should help make the strongest possible case for employer support, alongside relevant career planning, underpinned by your current IHBC CPD form too of course!
Oxford University Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE) writes:
Condition surveys of historic buildings require an understanding of architectural and construction history, as well as the ability to analyse and prioritise defects. This course aims to give participants an understanding of traditional construction and its defects and to provide the skills to carry out balanced and informed surveys of historic buildings.
The course is designed for built environment professionals who are responsible for the repair, maintenance and management of heritage assets, public sector planning and conservation professionals, and owners of heritage assets.
The course will include the following classroom sessions on
- the principles of condition surveys as applied to historic buildings
- Understanding defects in historic structures
- surveying major heritage assets
- a structural engineer’s approach to historic buildings
- case studies of condition surveys
- quinquennial inspections of churches
- specialist works including glazing, wallpaintings, timber framing.
The course will also include a practical survey workshop where there will be visits to historic buildings to carry out practical exercises in assessing condition, followed by discussion and feedback.
For the relevant IHBC research see the website resources
