IHBC's Council is an evolving but critical body in the IHBC’s governance. It was formally launched in 2021 following the adoption of new IHBC Articles of Association in December 2020 and after extensive piloting from 2015.

Council serves as the inclusive and representative body for all IHBC members, of all categories. It encourages new volunteers to get actively engaged with the IHBC’s UK-wide operations and agendas, with opportunities to gain knowledge through proactive learning and professional development, while also helping advance the IHBC’s own work.

Council operates using an experimental, flexible format that can test and explore new models of engagement between ALL our practitioners and stakeholders and the corporate body of the IHBC itself: the registered company and charity.

This way, Council aims to serve as an inclusive and representative assembly, and as an informal advisory body to the Board of Trustees.

All IHBC members are encouraged to attend Council

Participation in Council is regarded as suitable preparation and learning for more senior voluntary posts in the IHBC, in particular as Trustees and Committee Chairs.

Branch Committees should ensure they are formally represented at Council on a formal basis, with up to two formal representatives for each Council noted to the IHBC’s National Office through our Branch Liaison Officer, at support@ihbc.org.uk.

Details of forthcoming Councils are notified to members as part of their membership benefits, and reported publicly on our NewsBlog service and in the tabs below.

“Council could have a very positive contribution to make.”

“This could be a precious hub to interchange the news between members.”

“Wide agenda, well managed“

“A number of very capable individuals spoke at length and clearly knew their subject matter.”

“It is important to have professional voice for those involved in heritage.”