If you want to help the IHBC’s UK-wide built and historic environment conservation practice Branch network, have strong IT, comms & interpersonal skills, and seek flexible home-working with huge potential for engagement, travel and supporting interdisciplinary conservation, please let us know as advised below, before 18 July.
The IHBC writes:
Following the initial appointment of regional IHBC ‘Branch Consultants’ in 2024, to support our local volunteer Branches and networks, the IHBC is keen to extend the programme by diversifying our support network and skills.
IHBC Branch Consultants are responsible for supporting communication networks and sustaining resilient relationships across IHBC Branches, their networks and partnerships.
Typically each Branch Consultant agrees to work with selected IHBC Branches and their Committees, with an 0.5 average weekly time commitment in total, treated flexibly across a year. Most services will be carried out online, but attendance and networking at in-person events is also encouraged, with expenses paid, all by agreement and typically in a voluntary capacity due to personal and CPD benefits. The role also may include an offer of a free residential place at the IHBC’s Annual Schools.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL APPOINTMENTS AND DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE DETERMINED BY IHBC NATIONAL OFFICE SUPPORT PRIORITIES FOR BRANCHES
SUMMARY
This is a hugely rewarding role! It offers a unique and flexible opportunity to work directly and imaginatively with conservation volunteers and practitioners across multi-disciplinary practice areas, at all career stages – from early career to retired, students to international experts – and across all sectors, including government, charity and private.
Supported by the IHBC’s staff and other consultants, your primary task will be to facilitate voluntary IHBC and partnership activities by adding capacity, skills and energy.
Roles and work may include:
- Serving as a key resource and contact for IHBC Branches, volunteers and linked networks such as Working Groups, partnerships and more
- Liaising between the National Office and Branches, offering support, guidance and, as agreed, capacity in volunteer activities, notably training events and committee operations
- Offering ad hoc regional or local support services agreed by the National Office (expenses and time paid as applicable).
Person specifications
You should have diverse experience of working with volunteers, preferably in the IHBC or a comparable professional, trade or member association or charity.
You will need to be an enthusiastic, well-organised and self-motivated individual, capable of working independently and on your own initiative while observing IHBC’s ‘small charity’ values.
For appointment, your application letter (see below) will need to demonstrate suitable skills, knowledge and experience, as well as relevant qualities, as concisely as possible and as follows:
Skills, knowledge and experience
Working with IHBC volunteers:
- Some knowledge of IHBC services and networks, ideally (but not necessarily) as a member (any category)
- Capacity to work with volunteers sensitively, both in person and virtually, providing support and guidance as required
- Previous experience in voluntary or support service roles, preferably in a professional, trade or member association or charity
- Strong communication and interpersonal qualities
- Ability to develop and maintain excellent and effective relationships
- Understanding of the fundamentals of event management.
IT, digital media and communications:
- Practical capabilities and working knowledge across a range of digital technology, social media and online services and platforms
- A capacity to quickly and competently learn new skills in these and other areas, supported by the IHBC’s National Office as required
- Experience of production of electronic notices and newsletters etc. from content development to circulation and promotion
- Ability to provide technical support for online meetings, occasionally hosting as required
- Proficiency in Word and Excel with working knowledge of other MS Office applications, and the knowledge of – or willingness to learn – other software tools, such as MailChimp or equivalent
- Informed engagement with social and digital media.
Outline terms (All dependent on skills and negotiation):
- Term: Flexible appointment, with good potential to renew and, by agreement, expand roles
- Hours: c.4 hours/week. The role requires irregular hours as well as a flexible approach to the travel. You should be able and prepared to attend occasional meetings, in person or online, outside of the standard working day, including in evenings and over weekends.
- Probation: 3 months from start
- Fee: On a consultancy basis, flexible, £25/hour from 4 hours/week, + service expenses (depending on experience and the final roles)
- Workbase: Home or ‘own office’ work base.
These details constitute the formal information relevant to any appointment.
About the IHBC
The IHBC is a professional body, but it is also a small charity that relies on a substantial body of voluntary support. In their roles and work patterns, Branch Consultants – like our staff – are expected to recognise the IHBC’s distinctive character as a charity supporting volunteers, often with busy jobs, that deliver substantial public benefits.
The IHBC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on age, race, colour, religion, origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other legally protected characteristics.
This policy is also enshrined in the IHBC’s Code of Conduct which states that: ‘Members shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, sex, creed, religion, disability or age in their professional activities and shall seek to eliminate such discrimination by others and to promote equality of opportunity.’
How to apply
Please email admin@ihbc.org.uk attaching your application letter before the closing date, accompanied by a detailed CV or equivalent, stating why you think you should be appointed in this role. If you are applying for part of the role please clearly specify if your interest is with working with volunteers or social media and online promotion.
If you have any queries about the position please contact Seán O’Reilly, IHBC Director by email at director@ihbc.org.uk
Closing Date: 18 July 2025
THE ROLE OFFERS SUBSTANTIAL POTENTIAL FOR FLEXIBLE,
CUSTOMISED CPD LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE
THIS PROGRAMME IS ENHANCED BY THE IHBC’S
CREATIVE Conservation Fund: Supporting Conservation People
