Come to the launch of the refreshed Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan for England and attend our "How To?" workshops
Overview
Join us at the magnificent Chester Cathedral on 4th Feb 2026 for the launch of the refreshed HESCAPE (Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan for England) and engage in a number of "How to?" sessions where you co-create the answers!
HESCAPE was published in September 2024 by the Historic Envrionment Skills Forum as a framework for the sector to prioritise action in tackling skills issues and as a tool for collaboration. After a period of bedding in and a review, we are now launcing an updated "version 1.5" which will give greater clarity on action and activity and how you can get involved.
What are "How To?" sessions?
For our annual Skills Forum Workshop this year we are running a number of sessions under the title "How to?"
The aim of these sessions is that, rather than an "expert" coming and telling you how you should do something, participants will discuss and come up with their own responses on "how to do x" themselves.
We will have session "starters" in each group who have some experience in undertaking the topic of discussion who will help guide the conversations but they are not there to give you the answer!
We will run a number of How to? sessions concurrantly and repeat them multiple times throughout the day; so you have an opportunity to take part in the sessions that most interest you.
On the day you can "vote with your feet" and join whichever session most takes your fancy.
You are free to move between sessions as and when you like. If you would like to leave a session at any point during the discussion and join a different session, you are free to do this.
You are welcome to add thoughts or your ideas during a session or you can simply listen to the discussion taking place.
Costs and Catering
Refreshments on arrival and a light lunch will be provided.
The event is free to attend for any member of the Skills Forum* but there are only 60 spaces available, so book your place quickly!
*If you are not a member of the Skills Forum but want to actively participate in tackling the skills issues for the historic environment sector, you can joing via our online community at https://khub.net/group/skillsforum
Venue and Travel
Chapter House, Chester Cathedral
St Werburgh Street
Chester
CH1 2DY
The Chapter House of Chester Cathedral dates from the thirteenth-century, and is finished in the Gothic style with Jacobean oak flooring making it a stunning venue for our event.
There is a small step into the Chapter House however temporary ramps can be added to faciliate access.
Rail
Chester Station is the nearest rail station. There is a a taxi rank and several nearby bus stops to bring you to the Cathedral, or you can walk (approx
Bus
Chester's bus exchange serves as a hub to connect all nearby areas and the park and ride system. The exchange is located just a short walk from Chester Cathedral.
Car
Nearest car parks to the Cathedral are at Delamere Street or New Chester Market
There is also a park and ride system in place in Chester.
Disabled Parking
The nearest Blue Badge parking is located at Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3JJ. The Cathedral can be accessed without any steps from this car park.
