As part of its support for local, cost-effective Branch-based training, advice and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the IHBC has posted West Midlands (WM) Branch’s celebrated suite of webinars, ‘The Conservation Hour: Series 2’, and seeks thoughts on a possible Series 3!
IHBC Members and non-members can access the series on request by completing the form HERE
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘This wonderful, and accessible series is a testimony to strength of the IHBC’s volunteer infrastructure.’
‘This independent initiative, led by WM Branch Officer Rachael Parry, confirms how the core skills of Conservation Professionals are so deeply rooted in broad practice, deep experience and diverse disciplines that the light touch of a skilled volunteering lead and network offers as much training and learning as many an expensive programme.’
‘The underpinning strength is the direct ties between the IHBC’s Competences and the CPD content.’
‘This way, these diverse perspectives on our areas of practice help anyone – from prospective Affiliates to long-standing Full Members – to gain useful, new and challenging perspectives on the practice challenges faced by any Conservation Professional.’
Branch Vice Chair and Series lead and host Rachael Parry said: ‘The WM Branch is delighted that the recordings of ‘The Conservation Hour: Series 2’ are now available online.’
‘Access is managed by the IHBC team and is open to non-members as well, on request.’
‘The series was designed to demystify the membership application process, offering a structured, step by step approach through monthly sessions focused on individual competencies. Each session featured a guest speaker who explored a relevant topic and case study from their professional experience.’
‘Although the series concluded in 2024, we continue to receive requests from those wishing to catch up or revisit the sessions while completing their applications. We were fortunate to host a diverse range of speakers who generously dedicated time to prepare and deliver presentations, as well as answering questions. The feedback has been extremely positive, and many attendees have since achieved membership. In total, 291 people registered to attend or receive the recordings, reflecting strong interest not only in application support but also in broader CPD and professional development.’
We may consider revisiting the programme in the future and would warmly welcome any feedback or interest in supporting a potential Series 3.
See more on IHBC’s West Midlands Branch HERE, on all IHBC Branches HERE, and on Branch Guidance HERE
