CIOB NEWS
CIOB-ACCREDITED PROFESSIONALS CAN NOW LEAD FUNDED HERITAGE PROJECTS FOLLOWING A CHANGE IN GUIDANCE ISSUED IN NI, SAYS POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER JOSEPH KILROY… A milestone for heritage
Northern Ireland’s historic buildings are only as strong as the professionals who care for them. From the industrial legacy of Belfast to the fabric of rural villages, these structures demand specialist skills. They must be preserved with care, while remaining safe and functional for modern life. For years, however, the path to formal recognition for construction professionals in conservation has been narrow. Compared with other regions, fewer routes existed in Northern Ireland to gain approval for leading publicly-funded heritage work. That has limited the pool of recognised expertise at a time when demand is growing. Now, that position has changed. Following engagement with the Department for Communities (DfC), a key milestone has been reached. A breakthrough in recognition The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is now formally included in guidance issued by the Historic Environment Division (HED). This decision allows CIOB-accredited professionals to lead projects funded through major schemes, including the Historic Environment Fund (HEF) and the Village Catalyst programme. These are among the most significant funding streams for heritage-led regeneration in Northern Ireland. The recognition is specific. It applies to members who have achieved Proficient or Certified status under the CIOB Conservation Scheme. This ensures standards remain high, while increasing the number of qualified professionals available to take on complex work. It is also an important validation. CIOB members are now recognised alongside other professional bodies as suitably qualified to oversee high-value conservation projects.
“By expanding the list of recognised professionals, the DfC is strengthening the region’s capacity to deliver sustainable upgrades.”
A gold standard for conservation The CIOB Conservation Scheme is built on internationally-recognised principles set by ICOMOS. These standards guide the protection and management of cultural heritage worldwide. The scheme already has the support of major organisations, including Historic England, the National Trust and Historic Environment Scotland. Its inclusion in NI’s official guidance brings regional policy into line with wider UK and Irish practice. Accreditation is not automatic. Members must pass a peer-reviewed assessment. This tests both their technical knowledge and their understanding of conservation philosophy. It ensures they can apply traditional skills in a modern context. Heritage as a driver for growth The Village Catalyst programme, delivered in partnership with the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Housing Executive, aims to tackle dereliction. It supports the
reuse of historic buildings for community and economic benefit. The restoration of the Old Schoolhouse in Glenarm is another exemplar. A once- vacant structure is being transformed into a viable community asset. Such projects require careful leadership. They demand an understanding of both heritage value and modern building requirements. As NI works toward its 2050 Net Zero targets, retrofitting historic buildings will play a crucial role. But such work is complex. By expanding the list of recognised professionals, the DfC is strengthening the region’s capacity to deliver sustainable upgrades. It ensures that energy efficiency improvements can be made without damaging the integrity of historic buildings. For more information on CIOB’s Conservation Certification Scheme, visit www.ciob.org/courses/building- conservation-certification
Joseph Kilroy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager Ireland, Scotland and Wales T: +353 (0)1 513 8950 - M: +353 (0)8711 94 475 - E: jkilroy@ciob.org - www.ciob.org Want to know more?
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