The merging of the Heritage Skills Hub with the National Heritage Training Group was announced this week, with the chief executive of Heritage Skills Hub being appointed as the general manager of NHTG.
As part of its reorganisation the NHTG is also seeking a part0time administrator to help support the help desk operation.
Heritage Skills Hub writes:
Cathie Clarke, formerly CEO of the Heritage Skills HUB, has been appointed as General Manager of the NHTG and will commence this challenging new role at the start of August. An agreement has been reached which will enable the National Heritage Training Group to take over and build on the solid foundations laid by Heritage Skills HUB to enable the co-ordinated development of the extensive skills, expertise and resources of both organisations for the benefit of the historic built environment. The Heritage Skills HUB Community Interest Company will close its doors at the end of July.
To ensure that support to the industry is not hampered during these significant changes, the Heritage Skills HUB Board of Directors have gifted the company website and all Heritage Skills HUB intellectual property to the NHTG. Brad Steele, Chairman of the Heritage Skills HUB said ‘Heritage Skills HUB started life as a regional project in 2009, supporting the work of the NHTG. We are therefore very pleased that this work will not be lost, but will feed directly back into the NHTG to support the traditional building skills sector on a truly National level. We would like to thank all those involved; Members, supporters and sponsors, for their highly valued past and continued, support’.
Ray Robertson, Chairman of the NHTG said: ’It’s not often that two organisations are able to combine resources in such an effective and positive way and the NHTG would like to thank the Heritage Skills HUB for their vision and support. The challenge now for NHTG is to capitalise and build on the foundations laid by HSH in developing the sector. We are very pleased to welcome Cathie to the organisation as General Manager and know that she will hit the ground running. Her enthusiasm and passion are infectious, but we also know that she fully understands the tough issues faced by the sector. Her in-depth knowledge of people, projects and places will be invaluable.’
Central to the future modus operandi of the NHTG will be clear communication and positive dialogue with all stakeholders. The strategic role of the NHTG is to work with specialist federations and others to develop, promote and deliver appropriate training and qualifications. Announcements will soon be made regarding events and meetings that will facilitate discussion, debate and decision-making. ‘We want everyone to get involved. It is imperative that we allow the industry to speak and be heard’ said Cathie Clarke. She added, ‘But it must also take responsibility. Stakeholders must seize new opportunities to demand skilled craftspeople as well as insisting on appropriate training courses and qualifications. This goes for clients, employers and funders!’
An Information Portal & Training Database will underpin advice and support services offered by the NHTG. Therefore, re-branding and re-launching of the website is a priority for the organisation and also an exciting opportunity to investigate additional services that could be offered. Ray Robertson said ‘We aim to provide excellent customer service. The NHTG Helpdesk and Online Information Portal will be the place that people visit; first time, every time, when looking for traditional building skills advice and support.’
The long-term objective of the NHTG is that all those working on traditional buildings have the appropriate skills, knowledge and qualifications which are demanded by the client base. Therefore, to support the sustainability of the historic built environment, the NHTG is working towards the creation of a Register of Traditional Craftspeople. An industry necessity, providing a resource of qualified and experienced craftspeople that actively promotes a career in traditional building skills.
