REVIEW AND ANALYSIS 15 WELCOME! REBECCA THOMPSON, IHBC PRESIDENT THIS EDITION of the Yearbook arrives in my first year as IHBC President. I’d like to begin by thanking you all for your support, and in particular to Michael Brown for his outstanding contribution as outgoing president. It is a true honour to take on this role, and I do so with pride, passion, and a deep respect for our profession. The IHBC represents an extraordinary community of interdisciplinary practitioners – people united by their dedication to heritage and high professional standards. In my role as President, I want to shine a light on our profession, celebrate the skills we nurture, and encourage the next generation to find their place in our sector. People and development will be at the heart of everything I focus on. We need to reach future professionals wherever they are – in schools, colleges and workplace apprenticeships – and show them that a career in conservation is not only meaningful, but also viable and rewarding. I believe apprenticeships are essential to our future, and I’ll be using my role to advocate for investment, access and progression for people of all backgrounds. I’ll also be asking members to engage with their own development and let us know how IHBC can better support your CPD needs. I also want to reinforce our commitment to increasing diversity – in the sector, in our membership, and in leadership. The Gus Astley Student Awards remain a key element of this, and I was delighted to celebrate new and emerging talent at the Annual School in Shrewsbury. Another key focus will be supporting our Petition for Royal Charter. Gaining Chartership would be a defining milestone in our collective journey. It would formally recognise the exceptional standards upheld by IHBC members, raise the visibility of conservation professionals, and strengthen our voice across the built environment sector. It’s a long-term goal – but one well worth striving for. I hope to meet many of you at branch events, CPD sessions, or at our fantastic Annual School. The IHBC is built on its members. Our shared experience, expertise and enthusiasm are what give our institute its strength and identity. So let’s keep building. Let’s keep encouraging, supporting and inspiring one another. And above all, let’s remember that professional membership is not just about titles – it’s about people, relationships, and the shared responsibility we have to protect and care for our historic environment. Thank you once again to the IHBC team, our trustees, and every one of you who makes this community so special. Let’s make it a year to remember. Rebecca Thompson president@ihbc.org.uk Rebecca Thompson welcomes members at a reception in St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury at the start of the IHBC Annual School.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzI0Mzk=