Icon has been appointed by the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS), on behalf of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to deliver the UK’s first comprehensive survey of the heritage and conservation science workforce.
This new initiative will establish a robust, UK-wide evidence base on workforce composition, skills, training pathways and the challenges facing those working across heritage science. It will support more informed planning, investment and long-term resilience across the sector, with findings that will underpin future strategy and workforce development.
Understanding the UK heritage Science Workforce
Heritage science is the application of scientific methods to the study and care of cultural heritage. It brings together people from a wide range of disciplines to better understand, conserve and protect historic objects, buildings, landscapes and collections for future generations.
The sector plays an important role in the UK economy, supporting more than 200,000 jobs and generating an estimated £44.9 billion in gross value added, according to Historic England.
Despite this contribution, the workforce is undergoing change. Skills needs are evolving, regional capacity is uneven, and emerging technologies, are reshaping how work is carried out and what future capability will be required.
These shifts highlight the need for clearer, consistent evidence on the structure and composition of the workforce to support future planning across the sector.
Understanding who works in heritage science and the challenges they face is essential for securing the sector’s future. This survey will provide the evidence we need to make informed decisions on investment and workforce planning.
Professor Meggen Gondek
Head of RICHeS IHQ
Delivering a National Research Programme
Between March 2026 and January 2027, Icon will deliver a mixed-methods research programme combining large-scale quantitative data collection with qualitative insight from across the sector.
Research activity will include:
- A UK-wide survey producing statistically robust workforce data
- Focus groups and interviews capturing professional experiences and insight
- Analysis of skills gaps, pay, job security, and training pathways
- Review of diversity and structural inequalities across the workforce
- Integration with existing labour market data and relevant sector research
Together, this will produce a detailed evidence base on the current state of the heritage science workforce and the factors shaping its future development.
The final report will be published publicly and will serve as a key resource for policymakers, funders, employers and practitioners across heritage science and conservation.
This survey is a pivotal step in strengthening the future of heritage and conservation science in the UK. Icon is delighted to have been appointed by RICHeS to lead this work and to collaborate with practitioners, researchers and organisations across the country to build a robust evidence base that will inform skills development, investment and long‑term resilience for the sector.
Emma Jhita
Icon CEO
Sector Engagement and Participation
The project will engage organisations and individuals across Higher Education Institutions, Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM), public sector bodies, commercial operators and charitable organisations.
Alongside the research, Icon will run a programme of engagement activity to support participation and share emerging insights. This will include a webinar and targeted stakeholder activities throughout the project.
Supporting Future Insight
This work will enable Icon to build a clearer picture of the people, skills and structures that underpin heritage science across the UK. By strengthening the evidence base, the project will support more informed decision-making and help ensure the sector is better equipped to respond to future challenges and opportunities.
Working closely with partners and stakeholders, Icon will ensure the survey reflects the full diversity of the profession. The research will not only generate essential data, but also help strengthen connections across the heritage science community.
Further information on how to get involved will be shared in due course.