A long process of debate and consultation across the organisation’s membership, Branches and Committees has resulted in a re-designed form that is clearer and offers more specific advice on how best to complete the various sections.
Paul Butler, Chair of the IHBC’s Membership and Ethics (M&E) Committee, said: ‘A concern in the past has been that whilst applicants might be qualified to meet the demanding criteria set by the Institute for membership, this wasn’t always sufficiently well demonstrated in their application. The new guidance at the beginning of each section should make it clearer how their competence can be demonstrated to the assessors.’
‘Other minor changes have been made to the form as well, primarily designed to make the form look and work better. But as ever any further feedback from members and applicants is welcome.’
Paul Butler also said: ‘We hope the new form will encourage Affiliates to apply for full membership. The bar to becoming a Full Member has been, and remains very high – underpinned both by the internationally recognised conservation training standards of ICOMOS and project development models of the World Bank – but the expectations are now clearer and this should help’.
Jo Evans, Chair of the IHBC and former Chair of the M&E Committee said: ‘The strength of the IHBC results from its highly qualified and professional membership. Being a Full Member is a significant badge of both ability and commitment to conservation in its widest terms. We hope many people – both Affiliates and others – will become full members of an Institute that is playing an increasingly prominent and significant role in conservation across the UK.’
Sean O’Reilly, IHBC Director, said: ‘This additional, and indeed optional, guidance sits above our robust standards and disciplinary processes. Now we can encourage long-standing Affiliates to progress to the professional membership envisaged by them and anticipated by us. In the coming months we will contact relevant Affiliates and ask them to progress their application.’
Download the Full Member Application Form here: LINK
