Icon is the professional body for the country's cultural objects and heritage collections, including building interiors and decorative surfaces. It exists to foster excellence in the provision of conservation services, to raise awareness of the importance of conservation skills, and to provide information and advice to those requiring conservation services. Its purpose is to benefit the public and the quality of care of the nation's heritage.

Icon publishes the magazine 'Icon News' and the annual 'Journal of the Institute of Conservation'. It manages the national database of conservation and restoration services, The Conservation Register www.conservationregister.com.