The IHBC’s January 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) saw trustees appointed; approval for IHBC’s Charter plans, among other business, all bookended by Claudia Kenyatta, Historic England’s New Co-Chief Executive, and post-AGM discussions ranging from housing to congratulations to IHBC’s Chair on his OBE.
IHBC Chair David McDonald OBE said: ‘It is always a privilege to chair the IHBC’s AGM, and on this occasion I was delighted that it was not only very well-attended, but that the preparation with our Petition for Charter was overwhelmingly supported.’
‘It was also valuable to listen to Claudia Kenyatta Historic England’s Joint Chief Executive and hear her priorities for the year ahead.’
IHBC Vice President Torsten Haak said: ‘At the AGM, I was delighted to hear about the strong progress IHBC is making with the Privy Council towards achieving official charter status.’
IHBC President Rebecca Thompson said: ‘I was very disappointed not to be able to attend this AGM due to unexpected and unavoidable obligations. However I fully appreciate that it sets a firm foundation for our progress as a professional body, as we look towards lifting our standing as a respected professional and specialist body.’
‘So I was delighted to learn that all went well, from a stimulating presentation from Claudia Kenyatta to the overwhelming support from our Members for all Resolutions, including the approval of an impressive trio of newly-elected Board members and on progressing the Charter.’
‘Of course I was especially sorry to miss the celebration of the news of David’s OBE, but I do look forward to future opportunities to pass on my best congratulations in person.’
IHBC writes:
AGM Business included the un-contested election of new Trustees to the Board as follows:
- Joanna Saady, as Honorary Treasurer and Trustee, standing down as Trustee ‘without portfolio’ to take this post as successor to Jill Kerry
- Serena Cardozo, as elected Trustee following a period as Trustee co-opted by the board
- Alexandra Fairclough, as Trustee elected as a new Board member.
Business also saw the formal ratification of Resolution 5: ‘That Members agree to the preparation of a Petition for Charter to be submitted to the Privy Council Office following review and approval by a subsequent AGM under the Institute’s Articles of Association, to include the Charter text, Byelaws and Regulations as required.’
As ever, following the AGM there was an opportunity to question officers and discuss current and future plans such as training and accreditation support, IHBC Schools, Parliamentary engagement and more, with encouraged to submit queries and issues in advance to facilitate AGM business management.
See more on IHBC AGMs HERE and on IHBC governance etc by following the guidance HERE
See more background to the IHBC’s Petition for Charter Consultation and update HERE and on the IHBC NewsBlog on its submission HERE
For more on the 2026 AGM background see the IHBC NewsBlog
See more on IHBC’s governance etc on the ‘About’ link on our website HERE
