Icon is delighted to announce that it has appointed Michael Osbaldeston as Chair of its Board of Trustees.
Michael brings more than 40 years’ experience in technical education and skills development, with a particular focus on stakeholder engagement and communications. He is currently Special Adviser and Skills Ambassador at the City and Guilds of London Institute.
Alongside this role, Michael is a trustee of the City & Guilds of London Art School, the Heritage Crafts Association and the ARCH, a pan-European heritage craft charity. He also advises GRIT Studios in Manchester and VIY, an organisation supporting young people through community-based construction projects.
Michael sits on the Management Committee of the Livery Companies Skills Council in the City of London and is a member of the Lady Mayor’s Heritage Skills Task Force. He also contributes to the APPG for Craft and has been instrumental in convening the “alliance of the willing” across the heritage crafts and skills sector, fostering collaboration, sharing best practice, and strengthening communication across the field.
As part of his work at the City and Guilds of London Institute, Michael established the prestigious Princess Royal Training Awards, which recognise employers demonstrating outstanding commitment to skills development and its impact.
A passionate advocate for heritage and craft skills, Michael has long championed their vital role in protecting and celebrating the UK’s cultural heritage.
Michael Osbaldeston, new Chair of Icon said:
I am delighted and honoured to be the Chair of Icon. It’s a real privilege to be a part of an organisation whose members make such a valuable and essential contribution to our national cultural heritage. The breadth of Icon’s work is inspirational and represents the remarkable skills of our members.
Emma Jhita, CEO of Icon said:
I am very pleased to welcome Michael as Chair of Icon’s Board of Trustees. His exceptional depth of experience in skills development, education and stakeholder engagement, combined with his longstanding commitment to heritage and craft, makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Board. Michael’s ability to bring people together across sectors, champion excellence and strengthen collaboration will be invaluable as Icon continues to advocate for the vital role of conservation and conservators in caring for our cultural heritage.
Michael succeeds Emma Chaplin, who stepped down at the end of March 2026 following the completion of her term as Chair. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Emma for her outstanding service. Over the course of her term, Emma provided thoughtful leadership, clear governance and steadfast commitment to Icon’s mission. Her dedication, insight and generosity of time have made a lasting contribution, and we are deeply grateful for the impact of her term as Chair.