C O N T E X T 1 0 7 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 19 Director’s cut Building capacity with volunteers We have recently completed one of our most ambitious projects, revolutionising perceptions in Northern Ireland of the IHBC’s conservation standards across the UK. The three-day programme included private meetings, public receptions, corporate dialogue, ministerial dinners, and a seminar demonstrating the practical skills of IHBC council members. Volunteers from the Northern Ireland branch, supported by the national office, delivered a remarkable success, depending entirely on the kind of capacity-building partnership that distinguishes so much of the institute’s best work. Our activities in Northern Ireland demonstrate how much the sector can benefit from volunteers’ input. Recognising the potential of such partnerships, our council has just supported a new programme that will help us work better with relevant initiatives. Provisionally called CapacityBuild, it will be launched on the IHBC’s website. The objectives of the Northern Ireland programme were to raise the institute’s presence and profile; to underpin its position as the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists; to represent the institute as a substantial, informed and proactive charity and service provider; and to provide an accessible resource to help and guide change under evolving planning structures. The outcomes included: • A private dinner with Peter Robinson, first minister of Northern Ireland, exploring the IHBC’s work and highlighting the potential of conservation there. • An IHBC 10th anniversary-sponsored reception for 80 movers and shakers from across the historic environment sector. Environment minister Sammy Wilson gave an inspiring presentation, and the Castle curator, David Anderson, reviewed the building’s history. • A further private dinner at Hillsborough with IHBC officers and ministerial and senior civil service representation, including the acting chief executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Roy Ramsey, covering the many values of historic places. • A seminar on Conserving Historic Places, exploring the tools of the conservation trade, with IHBC’s council members presenting on operational issues in local government conservation. This was chaired by IHBC vice chair Sheila Stones of English Heritage and attended by most of the new conservation planners in Northern Ireland. It included a keynote presentation from Cynthia Smith, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Planning Service. • A study tour of the Malone and Queen’s conservation areas. This raised issues central to the conservation of historic places across the province. The events were a remarkable success. Everyone agreed that they represented the most worthwhile of strategic investments. Not only did we revolutionise perceptions of the IHBC, but our officers and friends gained unparalleled access to contacts, networks and understanding. The experience will shape future educational events, advocacy and profile-raising by the IHBC in the province and far beyond. The fact that almost the entire programme was delivered through the energies of the Northern Ireland branch volunteers, supported only by our national resources, demonstrates the potential of supporting locally informed voluntary activity. In particular the dedication of the branch representative on council, Sharon Brown, helped by a small band of volunteers – associate The reception at Hillsborough Castle The walking tour of Queen’s and Malone conservation areas
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