The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (the IHBC) is the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists. IHBC members work in areas that help secure the conservation of historic places, buildings, sites or areas that we value. If you are interested in historic environment conservation as a career, or you are already working in it, you will want to become a member of the IHBC.

Our members work within and across all areas required in the conservation of buildings, landscapes, sites, gardens etc. The specialist disciplines of our members are reflected in our membership standards, the Areas of Competence, and can cover

• Evaluation: covering investigation and research into historic buildings, landscapes, areas and archaeological sites
• Management: encompassing conservation management processes, such as conservation in the planning system, and
• Intervention: including conservation and enhancement projects, such as building restoration projects and area regeneration programmes.

These different areas are inter-dependent and overlap. The IHBC and our members help integrate these activities, seeing this as the most effective strategy for securing sustainable conservation of the historic environment.

Prospective members, regardless of skills, are strongly encouraged to secure membership as an Affiliate Member of the IHBC as a first step to full membership. Affiliate membership is an inclusive membership category. It is easy to subscribe to, and is structured to allow us to help everyone through the more substantial process of becoming a Full Member. As Affiliate status imposes a duty to observe our Code of Conduct while encouraging CPD, it is the perfect preparation for Full Members. As a membership class, Affiliate Member can apply equally well to individuals early in their career or to experienced professionals interested in exploring the benefits of full membership of the IHBC.

From 2022 this category will require assessment. You can apply for assessment HERE and upload your completed application form HERE or use the link in the form.

Subscriptions: The annual subscription rate for all classes of membership for 2022-23 is £127.

Concessions: There is a concessionary rate of £64 for those on lower incomes (salary below £18,500; proof required & renewed annually).

Retired: Existing retired members: £64 (proof required)

Fee support: Members in need of additional support for their subscriptions may apply for hardship support. For details please follow 'Fee Support' link.

Corporate: There is no corporate membership of the IHBC. Context is made available to corporate bodies (libraries; educational bodies etc) at a corporate subscription rate, including postage of: United Kingdom £60; Elsewhere £90.

For membership application queries please contact Carmen Moran, IHBC Membership Services Officer at membershipservices@ihbc.org.uk