IHBC NewsBlogs

image for illustration: Belfast, Photo via IHBC

The IHBC is delighted to host a stall at the Heritage Network Conference 2026, on 28 September, with Branch and National Office leads attending, so if you are there be sure drop by, and remember to encourage your colleagues and friends to come along too!

IHBC Services and Support Executive Officer, and  Branch Link, Sarah Homer will be there and said: ‘I am really looking forward to working with our wonderful Northern Ireland Branch Colleagues to host our stand at this sector leading conference.’

‘It will be a pleasure to have the rare opportunity meet such a  wide range of delegates and to make new connections.’

‘The conference is focussing on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, which is really important for the IHBC – and was an important theme in our case for a Charter – so please do spread the word, and if you are able to attend, drop by for an informal and friendly chat.’

‘We would love to make the most of this opportunity to hear about and share your thoughts and experiences.’

The IHBC and the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB) have launched the 2026 joint Heritage Research Award to celebrate ‘the quality of architectural-historical research.. in heritage and conservation practice’, for research from 2024 & closing 20 August.

IHBC’s newest CPD Circular lists current, accessible & cost-effective ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) opportunities across our networks, with updates on local Branch events – Wales, West Midlands (Dudley), London (AGM) and beyond (even Barcelona!) – Awards, Director Spotlights and much more.

Government UK has launched an open consultation on ‘Permitted development rights: schools, assets of community value, defence and conservation’.

image for illustration: Sagrada Familia Barcelona by Canaan Commons Wiki Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB) is running a 4-Day study tour to Barcelona in October, tied to its UNESCO designation as 2026 Capital of Architecture (and Gaudi too!), with privileged access to a range of landmarks, and offers IHBC members (all categories) £150 off the standard tour price.

The IHBC’s celebrated annual Gus Astley Student Award close on 31 August 2026, so if you have relevant coursework from ANY UK taught course – under-graduate or post-graduate, completed by 30 September 2025 OR 30 September 2026 – just submit it online and on time to have a chance to receive a cash prize at the IHBC’s Annual School in Bristol/Bath in June 2027, on ‘Climate Change & Significance’.

_{image: Worcester Cathedral interior by Steve McLeish for IHBC Annual School 2016}

This IHBC and our West Midlands Branch will join the next West Midlands Heritage Trust (WMHT) Careers Fair, which will come to Worcester Cathedral on 21 October 2026.