IHBC’s members-only Council meeting on 24 March includes a welcome for our next President Rebecca Thompson; thanks to our outgoing President Mike Brown as he moves to the post of Immediate Past President, and the election of our new Vice President Torsten Haak, with up to 3 more Vice President posts open to election at future Councils.
SIGN UP FOR IHBC’s NEXT COUNCIL HERE
24 March, online from 1.15pm to c.3.30pm
With thanks to the Charterhouse Peter Aiers CE, OBE IHBC, and
Aimée Felton IHBC, Charterhouse Director of Estates and Conservation
Blended Council sponsored by VELUX
Please Note:
This is a live event, and no recordings will be available for public use. If you cannot join us, but wish to register your association with the meeting as an IHBC member.
Please submit your apologies HERE
Online attendance is exclusively open and free to all IHBC members
Torsten Haak writes this message for the election in support of his expression of interest as Vice President:
I am an architecture, planning, and conservation graduate from Germany and have worked in heritage and conservation across Scotland since 1995. I became a full member of the IHBC 22 years ago and served as a committee member of the Scottish Branch from 2014 to 2017. I have attended many IHBC Annual Schools and value the Institute’s role in supporting heritage professionals, shaping conservation policy, and advocating for best practice.
My career in heritage and conservation has been diverse, covering both practical and strategic leadership. I began as a cabinet maker in Hamburg before moving into building conservation, working as Buildings Advisor for Edinburgh World Heritage, managing the Arbroath Townscape Heritage Initiative, and leading Glasgow City Heritage Trust as Director for 15 years. Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Iona Community, an international ecumenical movement focused on justice, peace, and environmental stewardship, with over 280 Members and 2,000 Associates worldwide. In this role, I oversee governance, finance, trading, human resources, and the management of properties and estates, ensuring long-term sustainability while supporting the Community’s mission.
Alongside my professional work, I have dedicated significant time to volunteering as a Trustee and, at times, Treasurer for various heritage organisations, with a particular focus on governance, finance, and the development of traditional building skills. I have served as a Trustee of ICOMOS-UK and a member of its World Heritage Committee for 10 years, as Honorary Treasurer of the Built Environment Forum Scotland for five years, and as Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of Europa Nostra UK for three years. I am also a member of the Incorporation of Wrights at the Trades House of Glasgow, the Merchants House of Glasgow, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
On an international level, I serve as Vice-President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Historic Towns and Villages (CIVVIH) and have represented the UK as an expert on CIVVIH since 2008. Through my work with ICOMOS and Europa Nostra, I have been privileged to engage in heritage conservation e?orts across Europe and beyond. I am particularly interested in how historic cities and cultural heritage can drive sustainable development and economic growth, as well as the importance of preserving and sharing traditional building skills across di?erent cultures.
The IHBC plays a crucial role in supporting professionals, advocating for conservation, and ensuring high standards in heritage practice. My three years with the Scottish Branch were just the start of my contribution, and I now wish to serve as Vice-President to further strengthen the IHBC’s influence. I bring a combination of practical conservation experience, leadership in governance and finance, and an international perspective on heritage policy and practice. I believe my experience can support the IHBC in responding to emerging challenges, strengthening its professional network, and championing the role of conservation in shaping sustainable, resilient communities.
I would be honoured to contribute to the leadership of the IHBC and to work alongside colleagues to advance its mission in particular in relation to traditional skills training and community engagement.
Torsten Haak, 16 February 2025
See more on plans for IHBC’s next Council on our NewsBlogs HERE, and on our personal invitation to all IHBC members (in your email inbox)
See more background to the post of IHBC Vice President
See more details in IHBC’s Council HERE
