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Conservation Register Handbook

RIBA Conservation Register Handbook2

Contents

3 Introduction4 Aims of the RIBA Conservation Register5 Access to the Register6 Governance7 Role of the Conservation Steering Group8 Equivalence8 Fees9 Appeals 9 Complaints

Appendices10 Appendix 1: Criteria for two formal levels of Conservation Accreditation; Criteria for the entry level Conservation Registrant

12 Appendix 2: ICOMOS Education and Training Guidelines13 Appendix 3: Guidance on application and accreditation evidence required for SCA and CA applications

16 Appendix 4: Skills matrix17 Appendix 5: Guidance for the Conservation Assessment Panel18 Appendix 6: Re-accreditation

Royal Institute of British Architects66 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1ADT 020 7580 [email protected]

Cover De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, refurbished by John McAslan + Partners in 2006

In association with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

In consultation with the HistoricEnvironment Division, NI Department for Communities

Endorsed by Historic England andHistoric Environment Scotland (SCAlevel only for grant purposes)

The RIBA would like to thank the Royal Institute of the Architects ofIreland for its generous advice andassistance in the development of the RIBA Conservation Register.

March 2018

RIBA Conservation Register

In association with the Royal Society of Architects in Wales


Introduction‘Conservation of cultural heritage isnow recognised as resting within thegeneral field of environmental and culturaldevelopment. Sustainable managementstrategies for change which respectcultural heritage require the integration ofconservation attitudes withcontemporary economic and socialgoals...

‘The object of conservation is to prolongthe life of cultural heritage and, if possible,to clarify the artistic and historicalmessages therein without the loss ofauthenticity and meaning. Conservation is a cultural, artistic, technical and craftactivity based on humanistic andscientific studies and systematic research.Conservation must respect the culturalcontext.’

ICOMOS Guidelines for Education andTraining in the Conservation of Monuments,Ensembles and Sites (1993). Compliancewith these Guidelines is central to thesuccess of an application. Applicants shouldclearly demonstrate that they understandand apply them in their decision-making.

The RIBA seeks to further the conservation,adaptation, restoration, protection andrehabilitation of monuments, buildings,groups of buildings and sites which,because of their architectural merit and/orhistorical significance, form part of theheritage of our built environment. It is RIBApolicy to promote architectural conservationas an integral part of the practice ofarchitecture, including an annual CPDrequirement.

To assist clients in the selection of anarchitect to provide them with professionalservices in architectural conservation, theRIBA has developed a system to recognisetwo differing levels of specialistconservation expertise. However, thesystem does not claim to be the sole meansof identifying conservation expertise withinthe profession.

There are two levels of accreditation:Specialist Conservation Architect (SCA) and Conservation Architect (CA).

There is also an entry level as aConservation Registrant (CR) (see Appendix 1).

The RIBA encourages those at the entry CR level to progress through the levels by acquiring additional qualifications andexperience. They can then apply for formalaccreditation at CA and SCA levels.

Carved woodendoorway atApethorpe Hall,Northamptonshire


Aims of the RIBA Conservation RegisterThe Register aims to:

– assist those commissioning works onheritage buildings to identify architectswith the necessary knowledge,competence and experience– strengthen the profession’s credibility and standing in the field of buildingconservation, repair and maintenance andencourage inter-disciplinary collaboration– provide a focus and impetus for specialistCPD, and training, through an accessibleand progressive system

Applicants in preparing their submissionsare advised to carefully read this RIBAConservation Register Handbook, includingAppendix 5 (Guidance for the ConservationAssessment Panel).

Buildings at OrielSquare, Oxford


The RegisterThe two-part Register caters for architectsengaged in conservation work. There is anentry level, and two formal levels ofprofessionally endorsed accredited status.Here, illustrating an understanding,application and working to the ICOMOSEducation and Training Guidelines is a crucialpart of all applications. Individual decision-making according to these Guidelinesshould be explicitly stated in the wayapplications are formulated and presentedfor assessment. Compliance with therelevant section of the related Skills Matrixalso guides that process

Entry Level RegisterConservation Registrant (CR)A Conservation Registrant has anawareness of the issues involved inworking with historic buildings and hasattended a conservation courseapproved by the RIBA.

Conservation Registrants can progress to the formal status of becoming aConservation Architect and a SpecialistConservation Architect throughsubmitting evidence of competencies to the peer review process as theirexperience and knowledge develops.

Being on the Formal RegisterThe RIBA Conservation Register is open toany ARB-registered architect who candemonstrate an understanding ofconservation philosophy, and that they havethe appropriate level of competencies in thefourteen specialist skill areas detailed in theICOMOS Guidelines.

Non-RIBA applicants are also bound by theRIBA Code of Professional Conduct, inrespect of which the professional conductprocesses of the RIBA apply.

The two formal levels of accreditation are:

Conservation Architect (CA)A Conservation Architect has in-depthknowledge and experience of working withhistoric buildings.

Specialist Conservation Architect (SCA)A Specialist Conservation Architect hasauthoritative knowledge of conservationpractice and extensive experience ofworking with historic buildings.

Being on the Formal Register is based ondemonstrating compliance with the criteriain Appendices 1 and 4.

Guidance on application and accreditationevidence is given in Appendix 3.

Timber-cruck roof of tithe barn,Bradford-on-Avon


GovernanceThe Register is managed by theConservation Registrar who, advised by theRIBA Conservation Register Steering Group,reports to the RIBA Practice and ProfessionCommittee.

Excluding members of the Steering Group apanel of assessors is appointed to carry outthe assessment of applications.

Positions on the Assessment Panel areadvertised with specific eligibility criteria(including experience and expertise to meetthe SCA standard and experience of similarprocesses of peer assessment).

Two members of the Assessment Panelassess every CA and SCA application, witha wider group of assessors of up to 20people discussing, moderating andendorsing the recommendation. Anindependent Moderator chairs themoderating session.

The assessors do not interview applicants;their assessment is made on the basis ofthe submitted accreditation evidenceillustrating relevant competences andabilities of the individual applicant.

This is considered against the criteriaestablished by the ICOMOS Education andTraining Guidelines (Appendix 2) and aguiding Skills Matrix (Appendix 4).

In the event of an appeal against theassessors’ decision, the Registrar willappoint different assessors from theAssessment Panel to consider the appealwhilst assessing the same submittedevidence.

It is important to note that members of theAssessment Panel are strictly independentand must declare a conflict of interestbefore reviewing applications. Any suchstated conflict will be avoided in theallocation of applications for assessment.

Restored brickworkat The Roundhouse,Camden


Role of the Conservation Steering GroupThe Chair of the Steering Group isappointed by the RIBA Practice andProfession Committee. The Chair makesnominations for the membership of theSteering Group, for approval by the RIBAPractice and Profession Committee. TheSteering Group has not less than seven and not more than twelve members.

A majority of members of the SteeringGroup are persons with conservationexperience and/or expertise.

The Steering Group should include at least one RIBA Council member and onemember of the RIBA Conservation Group.

The task of the RIBA Conservation SteeringGroup is to advise on the operation of theRegister.

It aims to ensure that the Assessment Panelcarries out its work in a fair, transparent andrigorous manner, and that assessmentcriteria are applied to develop and maintaina high level of professional competenceamong architects on the RIBA ConservationRegister.

It also liaises with the relevant bodies andother stakeholders to ensure that theRegister meets the requirements of clients and that the two formal levels ofaccreditation criteria are appropriatelymaintained.

The Steering Group works with theConservation Registrar to ensure that theadministration and marketing of the Registeris carried out efficiently and effectively.

Concert hall foyer,Barbican ArtsCentre, City ofLondon, refurbishedby AHMMArchitects in 2007


EquivalenceThe Steering Group, with assistance from the Assessment Panel as required, will consider recognition of equivalence ofother conservation accreditation schemes.

FeesThe RIBA charges an application fee tocover costs of assessment and re-accreditation and to cover the costs ofproducing the associated guidance material.

There is also an annual registration fee toremain on the Register, to cover the runningcosts of the Register and RIBA provision ofCPD/knowledge community support.

An annual administration charge in additionto the normal fees is levied for non-RIBAmembers.

Any RIBA Chartered Member or ARB-registered architect may apply foraccreditation.

An applicant who can demonstrate throughtheir accreditation evidence that they areable to meet the appropriate accreditationcriteria is eligible for formal registration asSpecialist Conservation Architect (SCA), orConservation Architect (CA).

Successful applicants are entitled to use therelevant suffix, SCA or CA.

Details of fees are set out on the website atwww.architecture.com

South nave aisle at Bath Abbey,Somerset


Appeals An applicant who wishes to appeal againstthe decision of the assessors must do sowithin six weeks of the result being issued.

The applicant should state in writing thathe/she wishes to appeal. There is no needto provide grounds for the appeal, or furtherevidence.

Appeals should be addressed to:

Conservation RegistrarRoyal Institute of British Architects66 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1AD

The appeal will be adjudicated by anindependent pair of assessors appointed by the Registrar from the AssessmentPanel. No assessor who took part in theoriginal assessment shall be appointed toconsider the appeal.

The new assessors will undertake anindependent evaluation of the accreditationevidence originally submitted by theapplicant.

The new assessors will submit theirdecision on the appeal, which will be final, to the Registrar.

ComplaintsAn applicant who wishes to make acomplaint about the conduct of theassessment may do so through the RIBA complaints procedures.

Bargate stone wallat Tigbourne Court,Witley, Surrey

RIBA Conservation Register Handbook Appendix 110

Appendix 1: Criteria for the two formal levels of ConservationAccreditation

Specialist ConservationArchitect (SCA)A Specialist ConservationArchitect has authoritativeknowledge of conservationpractice and extensiveexperience of working withhistoric buildings.

Conservation Architect (CA)A Conservation Architect has in-depth knowledge and experienceof working with historic buildings.

Accreditation evidenceSpecialist ConservationArchitect (SCA)eitherFive years’ relevant experience as demonstrated by thesubmission of five papers/reports/dossiers.*** Experienceon at least one job should bewithin the last five years, and themajority of work should havetaken place within the last tenyears. See Appendix 5.orCompletion of a ConservationTraining Course;* and four years’ relevant experience asdemonstrated by the submissionof fivepapers/reports/dossiers.***

orMaster’s degree or equivalentin Conservation;** and threeyears’ relevant experience asdemonstrated by the submissionof five papers/reports/dossiers.***andCommitment to using theICOMOS Education and TrainingGuidelines. Applicants mustclearly demonstrateunderstanding and application ofthe Guidelines by providing a300–500 word explicit summaryof how the 14 aspects wereconsidered and incorporated intheir decision-making for eachsubmitted dossier.

Undertaking to act professionallyin compliance with the RIBA Codeof Professional Conduct.

Submission of a detailed CV withdue regard to the criteria set out inthe SCA section of the SkillsMatrix.

Conservation Architect (CA)eitherFour years’ relevant experience asdemonstrated by submission of four papers/reports/dossiers.***Experience on at least one jobshould be within the last fiveyears, and the majority of workshould have taken place within thelast ten years. See Appendix 5.

orCompletion of a ConservationTraining Course;* and three years’ relevant experience asdemonstrated by the submissionof four papers/reports/dossiers.***orMaster’s degree or equivalent in Conservation;** and two years’ relevant experience asdemonstrated by submission of four papers/reports/dossiers.***andCommitment to using appropriatecriteria from the ICOMOSEducation and Training Guidelines.Applicants must clearlydemonstrate understanding andapplication of the Guidelines byproviding a 300–500 word explicitsummary of how the 14 aspectswere considered andincorporated in their decision-making for each submitteddossier.

Undertaking to act professionally in compliance with the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct.

Submission of a detailed CV withdue regard to the criteria set out inthe CA section of the Skills Matrix.

Criteria for the entry level of ConservationRegistrantConservation Registrant (CR)A Conservation Registrant hasan awareness of the issuesinvolved in working with historicbuildings and has attended aconservation course approvedby the RIBA.

A commitment tounderstanding and using theICOMOS Education and TrainingGuidelines.

Undertaking to actprofessionally in compliancewith the RIBA Code ofProfessional Conduct.

Submission of a detailed CVwith due regard to the criteriaset out in the CR section of theSkills Matrix.

The HooverBuilding, Perivale,London


*Conservation Training Course There are a number of potentialroutes to fulfilling this requirement:

– existing courses run by a range of organisations that fulfil thecriteria listed below

– RIBA/RSUA/RSAW courses which meet the criteria

Working through the 5 units of theUnderstanding Conservationwebsite (www.understandingconservation.org) may also behelpful.

CriteriaCourses are based on theICOMOS Education and TrainingGuidelines.

There is a minimum of 21 hoursstructured learning.

There is evidence that candidateshave satisfactorily completed thecourse through the issue of a fullAttendance Certificate whichshould be copied and includedwith the submissiondocumentation.

.

** Master’s degree or equivalent in ConservationIn consultation with theConservation AccreditationSteering Group, the AssessmentPanel will give guidance on theMaster’s courses that satisfy thiscriterion.

***Papers/reports/dossiersDetailed guidance notes forapplicants and assessors areprovided in Appendix 3 (Guidanceon application and accreditationevidence) to explain what isexpected in a paper, report ordossier. In general these are toreflect the range of work areas aconservation architect undertakesand reveal their personalcompetence in effective decision-making.

The emphasis is on applicantsbeing able to submit examples of,and reflect upon, what decisionsthey have made in the course oftheir professional work, ratherthan having to write significantnew material.

It is important to note that thematerial submitted must be theapplicant’s own personal work,and be chosen to reveal theircompetences and abilities inappropriate decision-makingwithin the ICOMOS Education andTraining Guidelines criteria.

Applicants may use one buildingfor no more than two dossiers, to illustrate different aspects.

Top Detail oftimber sections

Above Storehouseat Chatham NavalDockyard, Kent


Appendix 2:ICOMOS Educationand Training Guidelines

The criteria for the assessment of evidence and accreditation arebased on the ICOMOS ‘Guidelinesfor Education and Training in theConservation of Monuments,Ensembles and Sites’ (1993) andthe principle that conservationworks should only be entrusted topersons competent in theseactivities. This competencedemands the ability to:

a. read a monument, ensemble or site and identify itsemotional, cultural and usesignificance;

b. understand the history andtechnology of monuments,ensembles or sites in order todefine their identity, plan fortheir conservation, andinterpret the results of thisresearch;

c. understand the setting of amonument, ensemble or site,their contents andsurroundings, in relation toother buildings, gardens orlandscapes;

d. find and absorb all availablesources of information relevant to the monument, ensemble orsite being studied;

e. understand and analyze thebehaviour of monuments,ensembles and sites as complex systems;

f. diagnose intrinsic and extrinsiccauses of decay as a basis forappropriate action;

g. inspect and make reportsintelligible to non-specialistreaders of monuments,ensembles or sites, illustrated by graphic means such assketches and photographs;

h. know, understand and applyUNESCO conventions andrecommendations, andICOMOS and other recognizedCharters, regulations andguidelines;

i. make balanced judgementsbased on shared ethicalprinciples, and acceptresponsibility for the long-termwelfare of cultural heritage;

j. recognize when advice must be sought and define the areasof need of study by differentspecialists, e.g. wall paintings,sculpture and objects of artisticand historical value, and/orstudies of materials andsystems;

k. give expert advice onmaintenance strategies,management policies and the policy framework forenvironmental protection andpreservation of monuments and their contents, and sites;

l. document works executed and make same accessible;

m. work in multi-disciplinary groups using sound methods;

n. work with inhabitants,administrators and planners to resolve conflicts and todevelop conservationstrategies appropriate to localneeds, abilities and resources.

TopDetail of egg and dart cornice

AboveTerracedhousing in Beverley,East Yorkshire

RIBA Conservation Register HandbookAppendix 313

Appendix 3:Guidance on SCA andCA applications andaccreditation evidenceNote: The criteria forConservation Registrant (CR)applications are outlined inAppendix 1.

Accreditation evidenceThe accreditation evidencerequired for the two levels –Specialist Conservation Architect(SCA) and Conservation Architect(CA).

Criteria for accreditationThe criteria for the assessment of evidence and accreditation arebased on the ICOMOS ‘Guidelinesfor Education and Training in theConservation of Monuments,Ensembles and Sites’ and theprinciple that conservation worksshould only be entrusted topersons competent in theseactivities (see Appendix 2).

Detailed CVYour CV should be detailed (to amaximum of four A4 pages), witha clear relationship to the SCA andCA criteria in the Skills Matrix. Itsfocus should be on conservation,and include a list of projects withconservation content. This caninclude all aspects of conservationpractice including academicstudies, surveys, reports andpractical works. This list should

include building type, date, listingstatus if any, project start andcompletion dates, and indicateclearly the phases of the project inwhich you were specificallyinvolved and your role and areasof responsibility within the project.

It should be a chronological guide to your career, detailing yourarchitectural education and thepractices where you have worked.

Papers, reports and dossiersFor architects who are employedin the public sector, as academicsor in advisory roles, and whosework does not involve built works,the submission of academicresearch papers or advisoryconservation reports, withrelevant extracts thereof up to amaximum of 12 A4 pages perpaper/report/dossier, on heritagestructures or on proposed worksto heritage structures will beadmissible evidence.

A paper may relate to any topicwithin the field of architectural orbuilding conservation, must besubstantial in content and musthave been published in a refereedjournal or other publication subjectto scholarly peer review.

A relevant report or extract ofmay relate to an entire building, toan assembly of buildings, or to anaspect or part of a building or itscurtilage, and might take any ofthe following forms:

– an assessment of itssignificance and/or architecturalvalue

– a condition report on theconservation aspects

– a more detailed assessment,including historical analysis

– a report on the steps required toensure its survival

�– a report on the impact of anyproposed interventions orchange of use

– a report prepared forsubmission with a planningapplication

or any combination of these.

An essential characteristic of the submitted evidence is that it involves the expression ofprofessional judgement in theform of conclusions, opinion,advice or proposals. Forexample, an inventory or surveyof the building would not, on itsown, constitute a conservationreport.

For architects working in privateconservation practice, applicationsfor accreditation categorieswhere papers, reports or dossiersare required must include at least three dossiers.

The purpose of the dossier is todemonstrate that you have thenecessary skills for the successfuladministration of a projectinvolving works to a heritage orprotected structure.

It is important to note that work on a listed building or historicbuilding does not of itself provideevidence of conservationexpertise. For example, extensive‘refurbishment’ to render a buildingsuitable for re-use or insertion of acontemporary intervention,without evidence of appraisal asto the appropriateness of thisstrategy, would not suffice.

The majority of experientialevidence must be post-qualification.

The evidence submitted mustshow how you exercised yourresponsibility for analysis of thebuilding and decisions on theconservation approach to be taken.

TopTimber rooftruss at Whitbread’sBrewery, Finsbury,London

AboveDetail view of roof tiles


Your dossier should present, in aneconomical fashion, a personalaccount of the steps you havetaken when involved in the work,problems encountered andsignificant decisions taken.Obviously this could vary, butmight be expected to includerelevant historical research,condition report, analysis andproposals. The historical researchshould be sufficient todemonstrate the significance ofwhat has been studied, theanalysis and basis for theconservation approach adopted.

This could be followed by a recordof the personal decisions thatwere taken, how the worksactually carried out related to theworks originally proposed andhow any changes were recorded.The successful dossier willdemonstrate exemplaryapplication of conservationprinciples in the adopted approachclearly described against therelevant ICOMOS Guidelines.

The dossier must includeevidence of your role and areas ofresponsibility in the work. If it isyour practice to obtain theservices of other conservationexperts, your dossier should setout the respective responsibilitiesof the parties involved and whyyou decided on that course ofaction.

Applicants relying extensively onthe advice of conservationexperts are unlikely to achieveaccreditation as SpecialistConservation Architect (SCA).

The dossier must include asuccinct summary assessment(between 300–500 words perproject) of the effectiveness ofyour role in the conservationdecision-making process. In thisregard, any failure of the client toact on your advice will notprejudice the application foraccreditation.

Apart from the summaryassessment, it should be possible to construct your dossier byassembling a limited butconsidered selection of existingdocuments from the job file. Forexample, any reports (or extractsfrom them) prepared during thecourse of the work can beincluded in your dossier. Anydocuments created by your ownhand should be limited to those ofmajor importance to your dossierand if reduced to A4 should still belegible.

You should include only relevantmaterial in assembling yourdossiers, as extraneous material is unhelpful to the assessmentprocess. A maximum of 12 A4pages per paper/report/dossier is recommended as beingnecessary to summarisesufficient information.

The criteria for accreditation ateither SCA or CA level requiresevidence of your experienceappropriate to that level. Withinthat context the quality of theconservation intervention/judgement displayed in thedocumentation is the criticalquestion that needs to beaddressed. Assessors should notbe placed in the position of havingto interpret the submittedevidence on your behalf.

Conservation reports or dossierswill be assessed by theAssessment Panel in terms of thestandards of conservationpractice obtaining at the time thework was carried out, under theoverall remit of the 14 ICOMOSGuidelines.

The best submissions will bethose from applicants who clearlyunderstand the meaning ofconservation, have appropriateexperience over the requiredperiod of time and who, throughthe documentation submitted,demonstrate that experience in away that makes clear the basis forthe conservation judgementsarrived at.

Submissions shoulddemonstrate:

– a conservation-led approach to architecture

– clarity as to your role andresponsibilities

– the exercise of judgement anddecision-making in aprogressive manner over theperiod of relevant experience

You are advised to keep a copy of all documentation included in your submissions.

TopTudor rosefireplace detail atDover Castle, Kent

AboveTile-hungweavers’ cottages at Goudhurst, Kent


FormatThe front cover of the paper,report or dossier should showclearly:

– your name

– article/project/building name

– paper/report/dossier number

Three hard copies of thepapers/reports/dossiers should be provided.

ContentsMatters that must be covered in a conservation report or dossier include:

– status/importance of thebuilding

– nature and purpose of thereport/project

– your job title and role;documentary evidence of this role must be provided (withregard to the relevant SCA orCA skills matrix).

– project team make-up,respective responsibilities andmethod of working

– critical analysis of of personaldocumentation

– the basis for conservationjudgements made; if workinvolves design interventions toa historic building you mustexplicitly address the issue ofthe appropriateness of theintervention

– a summary assessment of yourrole in the project, outcomerelative to actions proposed, etc.

– which relevant ICOMOSguidelines have been met Gothic Revival

decorated roof at StMary’s Church, StudleyRoyal, North Yorkshire


Appendix 4:Skills matrix

Specialist ConservationArchitectSCAExpert

Conservation ArchitectCASkilled/proficient

Conservation RegistrantCRAware

Overview

Very substantialpersonal autonomy

Acknowledged by othersas an authority

Possesses requisiteknowledge and skills to perform effectively

Able to work withconsiderable autonomy

Understands whenspecialist training orguidance required

Possesses basicknowledge and skills

Understands when able to work with someautonomy and whensupervision required

Requires further training and development

Able to work effectively as part of a team

Knowledge

Authoritativeknowledge ofconservation practice,principles andphilosophy andcontributor to debate on development

Depth of understandingof conservationpractice, principles andphilosophy

Good working andbackground knowledgeof key aspects ofconservation practice,principles andphilosophy

Standard of work

Excellence achievedwith relative ease and consistency

Competent delivery of services achievedroutinely

Straightforward tasksundertakencompetently withinguidance and controlsystems

Autonomy

Able to contribute to development ofstandards, practice,principles andphilosophy ofconservation

Able to take fullresponsibility for own work

Able to guide and takeresponsibility for others

Able to achievestraightforward tasksusing own judgementbut understand whenguidance /supervisionrequired

Coping withcomplexity

Holistic grasp of complex situations

Moves between intuitive and analyticalapproaches with ease

Deals with complexsituations holistically with confident decisionmaking

Appreciates levels ofcomplexity throughanalysis, consequentskills and experience

Perception of context

Sees overall picture and alternativeapproaches, and avision of what may be possible

Sees overall picture andhow individual actionsfit within that

Sees actions as aseries of steps, at leastpartly in terms of long-term goals

Adapted from Dreyfus model of skills acquisition (1981 and 1984 for PACR)


Appendix 5:Guidance for theConservationAssessment Panel

Accreditation criteriaThe criteria for accreditation arebased on the ICOMOS ‘Guidelinesfor Education and Training in theConservation of Monuments,Ensembles and Sites’ and theprinciple that conservation worksshould only be entrusted topersons competent in theseactivities.

EvaluationPlease see Appendix 1 for the basic requirements foraccreditation at SpecialistConservation Architect (SCA) and Conservation Architect (CA)levels.

Evaluation will be based onreasonable and objectivestandards related to the range ofskills necessary to carry out theservices involved. Demonstrationof relevant experience shouldinclude evidence of conservation-led practice. ‘Conservation-ledpractice’ means work on olderbuildings in which conservationprinciples have been carefullyconsidered in arriving at theappropriate professionaljudgements.

Accreditation at a particular levelrequires evidence of experience of buildings appropriate to thatlevel. Within that context thequality of the conservationintervention/ judgement displayedin the documentation is the criticalquestion to be addressed.Applicants will be expected to

demonstrate an appreciation of and application of conservationprinciples to the project, includinghaving sought expert advicewhen appropriate.

The conservation principles onwhich evaluation will be based are those set out in internationalcharters (for example, the VeniceCharter, 1964; the WashingtonCharter, 1987; the Nara Document on Authenticity, 1994; the BurraCharter, 1999).

ProceduresEvaluation will be based on the following:

– academic qualifications orsuccessful completion of aconservation training course

�– experience

�– publications

�– research

The evaluation will be basedsolely on the accreditationevidence in the application form,papers, dossiers, reports anddetailed CV.

In the case of an architect workingin a strategic or policy role, andwhose work does not involve‘projects’, academic researchpapers and advisory conservationreports on listed buildings orhistoric buildings will fulfil thisrequirement. In the case of anarchitect working in conservationpractice, the submission of at least

three dossiers is mandatory.

All information relating to acandidate’s application must beavailable to the assessor. AnApplication Summary Sheet willbe prepared prior to evaluationand be available to each assessor.

�– Evaluation will be based on theaccreditation evidencesubmitted.

– The assessors have the right toseek from the candidate furtherinformation or clarification.

– The assessors will make theirdecisions based solely on theevidence provided. Personalknowledge of assessors will notbe drawn on to fill gaps in theinformation provided by anapplicant, as to do so woulddiscriminate against applicants not known to the assessor.

�– Where the evidence provided isinsufficient to allow theassessors to reach a decisionthe application will not beprocessed further and theapplicant will be so informed.

– On completion of assessments,the assessors will meet with theother pairs of assessorsworking in the assessmentround, in order to review andmoderate the assessments.

– The Assessment Panel willrecord in writing in each casethe reasons mapped against theaccreditation criteria for

deciding that accreditationshould be granted or refused.

�– In the case of refusal, theapplicant will be sent a copy of the Assessment Panel’sreason/s for its decision.

The independant AssessmentPanel Chair will carry out thefollowing duties:

– Chair and conclude themoderation process.

– Ensure that assessors’decisions and the reason forthese are recorded on eachApplication Summary Sheet.

– Ensure that a summary sheetrecording the final decisions of the assessors in relation to allapplications submitted is signedby the relevant assessors.

– Return all documentation to the Conservation Registrar.

All business in relation to theapplication process will beconducted in strict confidence.

TopCornish laminatedstone wall

Above First floorcolonnaded room in theLink Building, ChiswickHouse, London


Appendix 6:Re-accreditationAll successful applications arevalid for five years.

The purpose of the re-accreditation process is to giveclients and statutory bodiesassurance that SCA and CAaccredited architects are currentin their understanding ofconservation philosophy, policyand practice. The RIBA is keenthat the re-accreditation processshould be of benefit to thecontinuing personal andprofessional development ofmembers and on re-accreditationsubmissions only the annual 12hours of related conservation CPDshould be given (not the entireCPD record)

Re-accreditation of SpecialistConservation Architects (SCA)and Conservation Architects(CA) is by:

1) Submission of details ofspecialist conservation CPDundertaken in the previous fiveyears. At least 12 of the required35 hours a year should be spenton conservation, with at least halfto be structured – i.e. attendanceat relevant courses or seminars.

2) The submission of a case studyof a relevant conservation workyou have been personallyinvolved in within the previous fiveyears; this could include a

research study. The case studywill need to demonstrate currentcompetency in accordance withICOMOS Guidelines, and is theequivalent of a dossier assubmitted on initial application.Applicants must clearlydemonstrate in this dossier theirunderstanding and application ofthe Guidelines by providing a300–500 word explicit summaryof how the 14 aspects wereconsidered and incorporated intheir decision-making. The dossierwill be formally reviewed by theAssessment Panel, and nointerviews will take place.

3) The Assessment Panel mayask for additional information todemonstrate currency.

The Assessment Panel willreview each submission, andoffer:

Re-accreditationorDeferment with request foradditional specialist CPD and/orevidence of currency ofconservation practice, and re-accreditation followingsatisfactory response. If this is notreceived then the panel wouldrecommend suspension from theConservation Register.

Re-accreditation of ConservationRegistrants is by submission ofdetails of specialist conservationCPD undertaken in the previousfive years. At least 12 of therequired 35 hours a year should

be spent on conservation, with atleast half to be structured – i.e.attendance at relevant courses orseminars.

The Assessment Panel will review this and offer:

Re-accreditationorDeferment with recommendation for further specialist CPD and re-accreditation followingsatisfactory response.

A CA architect on the RIBAConservation Register may applyat any time for accreditation at thehigher SCA level, but must submitnew relevant accreditationevidence and pay the appropriateapplication fee.

Those in the CR entry level arestrongly encouraged to formallyapply for CA recognition withtheir appropriate evidence.

Please note that CPD required in the application and re-accreditation processes counts as part of the annual CPDrequirement.

18

Almshouses at Wolverton, Milton Keynes

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